Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, emphasized on Jan. 1, 2025, that "new attempts and innovations are always difficult" and stated, "We need the courage to act while knowing the difficulties, the mindset of 'knowing difficulty and acting' (知難而行)." He further mentioned the necessity to strengthen the fundamental competitiveness of corporations.
On the same day, Chairman Choi noted in a New Year's message sent via email to SK Group members, "I will take the lead and courageously move forward. Let us move forward together."
Chairman Choi said, "Last year, as geopolitical variables increased and the artificial intelligence (AI) industry rapidly grew, we experienced a management environment in the global market that was more intense than ever before," and expressed gratitude for the efforts of members who are together creating a launching pad for a swift resurgence.
Chairman Choi identified "fundamental competitiveness" as the driving force enabling future leaps. He explained, "Fundamental competitiveness means fundamentally and sustainably held competitiveness that is not swayed by external environments," and emphasized the need to strengthen management stability through rapid promotion of Operation Improvement.
He added, "Operation Improvement should be integrated into all areas of management activities and includes all elements of management that do not appear on financial statements."
Chairman Choi also said, "The strengthening of fundamental competitiveness through operation improvement may be uncomfortable and difficult because we must change ourselves. However, if we challenge with tenacity and determination unique to SK and collaborate together, we can reach the expected level."
He emphasized the need to strengthen competitiveness in the AI business. "The rapid growth of the AI industry and the restructuring of the global industrial structure and market are an unstoppable trend," he said, adding that to enhance the fundamental business capabilities using AI, it is necessary to strengthen the ability to utilize AI in actual work.
He stated, "Our strengths, including AI semiconductor technology, collaboration capabilities with global AI service providers, and energy solutions, are sufficient for growing into leading companies in the AI market," adding that under the spirit of "separate yet together," if each member corporation creates new business opportunities together and provides them to customers, they can advance in the competition for leadership in the AI value chain.
Meanwhile, Chairman Choi expressed condolences regarding the Jeju Air passenger aircraft incident, saying, "There was a tragic accident at Muan International Airport at the end of last year," and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.