The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry said on the 7th it will hold the 49th Jeju Forum at the Shilla Jeju from July 15 to 18. Last year it was held in Gyeongju to support the hosting of APEC, but this year it returns to Jeju.
The Jeju Forum is the business community's flagship summer forum that began in 1974 as the "1st CEO College." This year, more than 600 chief executives (CEOs) from chambers of commerce nationwide and member corporations, including KORCHAM Chairman Chey Tae-won, will attend to share the latest business trends and build networking while taking time to relax.
This year's forum slogan is "FLOW," inspired by the waves of the Jeju sea. The forum is organized into lectures and hands-on programs under four themes aimed at sustainable growth of the Korean economy: "Foundation," "Leadership," "Opportunity," and "Wave spreading through society."
At this year's forum, KORCHAM Chairman Chey Tae-won will take the microphone himself to lead a "special dialogue on Korea's economic growth strategy." Chey will outline the direction Korea's economy should pursue amid a period of global transition and will engage with participants through a Q&A session.
A star-studded lineup of speakers from government, academia, and industry is also drawing attention. Speakers include Minister Kim Jung-kwan of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, Choi Hong-guk, chief executive of Olgot, who recently fueled a frozen gimbap sellout in the United States and is writing the "K-food myth," Kim Hyeong-woo, CEO of TravelWallet who led financial innovation with zero foreign exchange fees, Jeong Kyung-seon, CSO of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance who envisions corporations that contribute to solving social problems, and Sean, a singer known as a "donation angel."
A session surveying rapidly changing advanced technology trends has also been prepared. Speakers include Lee Jae-uk, head of the Seoul National University AI Institute and an artificial intelligence (AI) expert; Seok Cha-ok, a Seoul National University professor who founded the AI-based new drug development company Galux; Kwon Seok-jun, a semiconductor expert and Sungkyunkwan University professor; and Jang Jin-seok, an MD partner at BCG Korea who leads BCG Korea's digital division, who will propose future response strategies for corporations.
The "in-depth dialogue session" will debut this year. Unlike general lectures, this session offers a chance for speakers and participants to sit face to face in small groups to discuss topics not fully covered and receive customized consultations for individual corporations. Those interested must apply in advance on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cultural and experiential programs, including performances to satisfy participants' five senses, will run throughout the forum. On the second night, singers Kim Jung-min and Park Mi-kyung will perform, and on the third night, Cho Sung-mo and Kim Tae-woo will take the stage.
Kang Myeong-su, head of the member cooperation division at KORCHAM, said, "The summer forum in Jeju this year will be a venue for businesspeople to gather in one place amid a rapidly changing global economic environment to identify future opportunities and seek a new leap forward," adding, "We hope you will recharge with new energy through solid programs that offer management insights, networking among participants, and rest for mind and body."
Registration for this year's Jeju Forum is open until July 10 (Fri.), and inquiries about participation can be made by phone (02-6050-3428). Program details and registration are available on the website (jejuforum.korcham.net).