Choi Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SK Group, projected the long-term growth potential of SK Hynix, citing the expanding demand for memory in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasized the need to target niche markets focused on infrastructure and applications amid the AI power struggle between the United States and China.
According to Yonhap News on July 17, Choi made these remarks during a discussion on AI at the summer forum held in Jeju. He stated, "Memory will continue to be needed, so over time, it will trend upward. I don’t know how the stock will perform next month, but holding onto it without buying and selling is a good way to preserve wealth."
Choi also noted, "AI is like a 4-year-old child, but as it matures, memory will inevitably be required," stressing that demand will increase exponentially.
Regarding AI industry strategy, he advised avoiding the power competition between the U.S. and China and instead focusing on niche markets.
He assessed, "Future AI is not just an industry but a matter of national security," explaining that the U.S. is pursuing a quality-centered strategy while China focuses on price competitiveness.
Choi pointed out that South Korea finds it difficult to lower token costs and compete with the U.S. on quality, suggesting that the country should build AI infrastructure and develop necessary applications to carve out niche markets.
He added, "We should not only sell memory but also create computing capacity for export," advocating for a strategic shift towards exporting intelligence rather than just products.
Choi identified four essential competencies for competitiveness in the AI era: cognitive skills, adaptability, empathy, and physical skills.
He mentioned that SK Hynix recently announced it would not require college degrees for hiring, stating, "The era where only graduates are considered talent is over."
Furthermore, he remarked, "AI can simulate understanding but cannot empathize," asserting that empathy and resilience in overcoming failures will become increasingly important.
Choi also highlighted that the goal of AI development is not cost reduction. He stated, "Using AI agents to enhance productivity does not mean employees will lose their jobs; instead, surplus staff should be redirected to new tasks to drive company growth."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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