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AICE, which has five different levels from beginner to professional, evaluates the ability to utilize artificial intelligence (AI). Along with KT, about 30 domestic companies, including canned tuna maker Dongwon F&B, offer preferential treatment to AI certificate holders. The AICE curriculum is also used by commercial banks such as Shinhan Bank and KEB Hana Bank to train employees. In November 2022, a total of 1,984 applicants took the first AICE test.
KT said in a statement that the company has teamed up with Seoul's education office to adopt the AICE program at 10 high schools in the capital city. After a test run, the program will be expanded into other schools that provide software-related courses. KT and the municipal education office will also develop training programs for instructors to upgrade their AI capacity.
"Through cooperation with KT, we hope students will become digital talents playing a leading role in the AI sector," Shin Sang-yeol, an official from the education office, said in a statement on February 5.
In January 2023, the South Korean government unveiled its scheme to develop AI technologies that can be utilized in everyday environments such as administrative, legislative, judicial, and public sectors through a 265 billion won ($219 million) project. The five-year project will focus on supporting domestic startups and companies to acquire hyperscale AI technology capabilities so that they can target the global market.
Government data showed that South Korea's AI development capability has reached about 89 percent compared to the world's top-class standards. The domestic industries related to AI are growing at an annual average growth rate of about 30 percent.
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