Song Jae-hyuk, chairman of the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and President of Samsung Electronics, said, "We expect and request that bold and swift policy support, including proactive infrastructure development and rapid permitting processes, be provided to enable companies to develop new technologies and make timely investments."
At the welcome address for the "19th Semiconductor Day" commemorative ceremony held on the 21st at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Song said, "In the semiconductor industry, among all aspects of competition, investment made at the right time is extremely important," adding the aforementioned remarks.
Song assessed, "At a time when demand for AI (artificial intelligence) semiconductors is robust, as it is now, new opportunities through semiconductors are expanding further in South Korea," noting that "as the AI era fully unfolds, the importance of high-performance and high-bandwidth advanced semiconductors has grown significantly." He added, "The technological capabilities and competitiveness our companies have accumulated over a long period are once again drawing attention in the global market."
Song said, "Major countries around the world are cultivating semiconductors as a national strategic industry and engaging in fierce competition. Ultimately, what determines competitiveness is the underlying technology," adding, "I believe that such technology comes from an attitude of constant challenge and proactive investment."
He emphasized the need to continue investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, next-generation technology development, and cultivating top talent, while strengthening supply chain competitiveness and the industrial ecosystem. He said, "Please listen to voices from the field so that our companies can maintain top-tier competitiveness in the global market, and we ask for your continued interest and support." He added, "At the association level as well, we will strive to expand infrastructure and foster a symbiotic ecosystem between large enterprises and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises)."
Park Dong-il, vice minister of the Trade, Industry and Energy, who attended on behalf of the government, responded to Song's request for support with "We will do so" in his congratulatory address.
Park stated, "With the surge in semiconductor demand driven by AI technological innovation, competition is intensifying as rival countries pursue technological catch-up and compete to attract semiconductor industries," emphasizing, "To support bold investment and technological innovation by companies, the government will swiftly provide support for infrastructure and policies."
Meanwhile, a ceremony to award commendations to distinguished contributors was also held at the commemorative event. Lee Jun-hyuk of Dong Jin Sse-mi-kem (CEO) Lee Sa (Chairman) received the Gold Tower Industrial Medal for his contributions to overcoming the crisis of Japan's export restrictions and the domestic production of core semiconductor materials. Lee Jong-myung, Vice President of Samsung Electronics, received the Silver Tower Industrial Medal, while Kwon Jae-soon, Vice President of SK Hynix, and Kim Young-bu, Chairman of QRT, received the Bronze Tower Industrial Medal.
in INDUSTRY
