Hwang Jong-seong, president of the National Information Society Agency (NIA), declared he will actively support AI transformation, or AX, across public institutions this year.

In a New Year’s address on Wednesday, Hwang said AX at public institutions is expected to be the decisive battleground in the AI era. He stressed that AX at 331 public institutions will soon become the foundation of national AI competitiveness.

NIA last year established a public AI transformation support center and held a workshop on a “major AI transformation of public institutions” with the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It was also designated an AI policy center under the enforcement decree of the AI Basic Act and was given the role of a “national AI think tank.”

Hwang said he will deliver results on the ground. He said he will support public institutions in selecting AX tasks linked to their organisational goals and in rapidly generating results. He said he will refine safety and security standards and guidelines so that public-sector AX is not blocked by walls of “rules and responsibility,” he added.

He said he also plans to contribute to the government’s goal of becoming a “top 3 global AI power.” Hwang said an “AI basic society” must be realised in which all citizens enjoy the benefits of AI. He said NIA will raise capabilities so anyone can understand and use AI, and will strengthen tailored education and support for vulnerable groups.

NIA is also pursuing a leap to become an “AI global think tank.” Hwang said he will expand cooperation with international organisations and developing countries. He said he will share South Korea’s experience and achievements with the world and lead global AI discourse.