The semiconductor industry is facing various challenges, including intensifying global technological competition, trade risks, and labor shortages. The Semiconductor Industry Association will lead sustainable growth in the industry by addressing key issues such as the successful establishment of semiconductor clusters, support for the enactment of a semiconductor special law, and the training of specialized personnel.
Song Jae-hyuk, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and President of the Samsung Electronics semiconductor institutional sector (DS), made this statement during the regular meeting of the Semiconductor Industry Association held on the 5th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo Hotel in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. Following Kwak Noh-jung, President of SK hynix, Song has been officially inaugurated as the 14th president of the association after passing through the board meeting of the Semiconductor Industry Association.
The term of the new association president, Song, is three years from this day until February 2028. After joining Samsung Electronics in 1996, Song has served in various roles, including in the DRAM PA team, memory manufacturing center, and head of NAND flash memory development, and currently holds the position of CTO of the DS institutional sector and head of the semiconductor research institute.
In his inaugural speech, President Song noted that uncertainty surrounding the semiconductor industry is increasing. He said, "As the era of artificial intelligence (AI) arrives and new technologies continuously emerge, the technological paradigm we relied on is shaking," adding, "The challenges facing the semiconductor industry have become more diverse amid intensifying global technological competition."
President Song stated that he would support the Korean semiconductor industry in continuing technological innovation. He said, "The essence of the semiconductor industry lies in technological innovation. To lead future technologies, innovative research and development is essential," and added, "We will create an ecosystem where companies from materials, parts, and equipment (so-called '소부장') businesses to large corporations can collaborate organically and actively expand research and development support. I will also work closely with the government to strengthen competitiveness."
He added, "We will also ensure that talent development for the future is carried out systematically by providing tailored support to each corporation, thereby creating an environment where continuous innovation is possible and enhancing global competitiveness."
On this day, the Semiconductor Industry Association also announced its major business plans for the year. Ahn Gi-hyun, Executive Director of the Semiconductor Industry Association, stated, "We plan to pursue various projects to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem, including expanding semiconductor investments, responding to international trade, and training personnel to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic semiconductor industry," noting, "We will also address the rapidly changing external environment, including the growth of China's semiconductor industry and the advent of the Trump administration's second term."
Kwak Noh-jung, the president, also shared his reflections at the regular meeting, marking the end of his term as association president. He stated, "During my term, the semiconductor industry underwent a period of upheaval. The semiconductor market faced an unprecedented downturn, and a total war between countries unfolded over the nurturing of the semiconductor industry, marking a shift in the competitive landscape," adding, "While the Korean semiconductor industry has responded well amid this upheaval, the business environment has become increasingly unpredictable, with new technologies emerging almost daily."
Kwak added, "Although we have made many efforts during my term to enact the semiconductor special law and establish semiconductor funds, there are still many issues to be resolved," and noted, "The semiconductor industry is still in the midst of a storm, but I believe the next president and executive team will navigate these challenges wisely."