Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, identified South Korea's manufacturing competitiveness and rapid technology adoption as key strengths in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). He assessed that South Korea has established a foundation not only to utilize AI but also to industrialize and export it, in collaboration with domestic companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Group.
NVIDIA announced on October 1 that Huang received the 2026 Van Fleet Award at the Korea Society's annual gala held in New York City on September 28. The Van Fleet Award is presented to individuals or organizations that contribute to the development of U.S.-Korea relations.
In his acceptance speech, Huang reflected on his long-standing relationship with South Korea since the founding of NVIDIA. He noted the remarkable transformation of South Korea from a nation that embraced new technologies to one that leads the global technology industry, calling it an "amazing miracle."
Huang highlighted South Korea's ability to rapidly disseminate technology across industries and society as a competitive advantage in the AI era. He praised the country's capacity not only to develop new technologies but also to swiftly apply them in industrial settings and throughout society.
He particularly emphasized South Korea's manufacturing capabilities, describing AI as a new infrastructure alongside electricity and the internet. Huang explained that South Korea is building an 'Intelligence Factory' that leverages its manufacturing competitiveness to produce AI.
Collaboration between NVIDIA and domestic companies is expanding beyond GPU supply and HBM purchases to encompass the establishment of AI data centers and smart factories, reflecting a broader trend in production infrastructure.
Huang's remarks align with the recent trend of expanding cooperation with domestic companies. NVIDIA continues to work with major South Korean firms, including Samsung Electronics and SK Group, on AI factory construction and next-generation memory collaboration.
Huang expressed his honor in standing at the intersection of two great nations, stating, "It is a great honor to be part of the journey where both countries create the future together," while expressing expectations for the expansion of technological cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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