“The transition to AI in small businesses is an urgent issue. Small business owners need to wake up quickly.”
Kim Ki-moon, who has led the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses for 16 years, emphasized the need for a rapid transition to AI during a press conference held at the Lotte Hotel Jeju in Seogwipo on October 22.
Kim Ki-moon stated, “AI was a field that was difficult to even consider until recently, but now we are talking about Physical AI. If Physical AI can work in factories 24 hours a day, it will enhance competitiveness.”
The Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses has set the theme for the '2026 Small Business Leaders Forum,' which runs from October 20 to 23, as 'Together with Small Businesses, Becoming a Leading AI Nation.'
Kim explained, “There are many concerns that the AI gap between large and small businesses will accelerate polarization, and it is time for small businesses to recognize the necessity of AI and start gradually. That’s why we chose this theme for the forum.” A policy discussion on 'Innovation Strategies for Small Businesses in the Era of Physical AI' was also held on October 21.
He noted, “Members were very engaged in the policy discussion. Many asked questions to those around them about things they didn’t know,” expressing optimism about the significant changes ahead.
The federation plans to collaborate with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups next year to launch a pilot project for standardizing manufacturing data for about ten industry-specific cooperatives to utilize AI.
Kim remarked, “Even within the same industry, manufacturing methods differ from company to company, making it challenging to create standardized data. We will first develop a standardization model with about ten cooperatives and then expand it to help small businesses adopt AI quickly.”
He emphasized, “For South Korea to truly become a leading AI nation, small businesses must adopt AI and enhance productivity.”
Kim, who was first elected as the federation's president in 2007 and successfully re-elected in 2011, has served a total of 16 years over four terms, making him the longest-serving president among current heads of economic organizations.
He noted, “There have been significant changes since I took office in 2007. Many manufacturing companies have moved to Vietnam, surpassing 10,000, which has greatly improved our manufacturing competitiveness.” He added, “The K-shaped polarization issue is serious not only in our country but also in others.”
Meanwhile, the election for the 28th president of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses is scheduled for February 2, 2027, and Kim's term will end on February 27, 2027.
Kim stated, “Even if I come to the federation for a visit, I won’t come back to work. It’s too hard,” indicating he will not seek re-election in four years. Regarding the qualities needed in the next president, he said, “It’s a position with more responsibility than authority. A good character is essential, and the ability to lead everyone to harmony is necessary.”
Kim Ki-moon, who has led the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses for 16 years, emphasized the need for a rapid transition to AI during a press conference held at the Lotte Hotel Jeju in Seogwipo on October 22.
Kim Ki-moon stated, “AI was a field that was difficult to even consider until recently, but now we are talking about Physical AI. If Physical AI can work in factories 24 hours a day, it will enhance competitiveness.”
The Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses has set the theme for the '2026 Small Business Leaders Forum,' which runs from October 20 to 23, as 'Together with Small Businesses, Becoming a Leading AI Nation.'
Kim explained, “There are many concerns that the AI gap between large and small businesses will accelerate polarization, and it is time for small businesses to recognize the necessity of AI and start gradually. That’s why we chose this theme for the forum.” A policy discussion on 'Innovation Strategies for Small Businesses in the Era of Physical AI' was also held on October 21.
He noted, “Members were very engaged in the policy discussion. Many asked questions to those around them about things they didn’t know,” expressing optimism about the significant changes ahead.
The federation plans to collaborate with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups next year to launch a pilot project for standardizing manufacturing data for about ten industry-specific cooperatives to utilize AI.
Kim remarked, “Even within the same industry, manufacturing methods differ from company to company, making it challenging to create standardized data. We will first develop a standardization model with about ten cooperatives and then expand it to help small businesses adopt AI quickly.”
He emphasized, “For South Korea to truly become a leading AI nation, small businesses must adopt AI and enhance productivity.”
Kim, who was first elected as the federation's president in 2007 and successfully re-elected in 2011, has served a total of 16 years over four terms, making him the longest-serving president among current heads of economic organizations.
He noted, “There have been significant changes since I took office in 2007. Many manufacturing companies have moved to Vietnam, surpassing 10,000, which has greatly improved our manufacturing competitiveness.” He added, “The K-shaped polarization issue is serious not only in our country but also in others.”
Meanwhile, the election for the 28th president of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses is scheduled for February 2, 2027, and Kim's term will end on February 27, 2027.
Kim stated, “Even if I come to the federation for a visit, I won’t come back to work. It’s too hard,” indicating he will not seek re-election in four years. Regarding the qualities needed in the next president, he said, “It’s a position with more responsibility than authority. A good character is essential, and the ability to lead everyone to harmony is necessary.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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