The People Power Party and the government have decided to introduce a scholarship system and free education for university departments researching national advanced strategic technologies such as AI, semiconductors, and secondary batteries. However, restrictions are imposed on conditions such as 'working in domestic industries for a certain period.' They also stated that by the first half of next year, they would expand the number of cutting-edge GPUs (graphics processing units) from 2,000 to 20,000, a tenfold increase.
Kim Sang-hoon, chairman of the People Power Party's Policy Committee, announced this plan after the 'Party-government council for strengthening AI competitiveness' on the afternoon of the same day. He noted, 'We will introduce a groundbreaking scholarship system for university students studying national advanced strategic technologies such as AI, semiconductors, and secondary batteries, and actively promote related matters to implement free education in the medium to long term.'
He mentioned, 'The ratio of Korea's AI researchers among the top 20% in the world is only about 2%. Compared to 47% in China and 18% in the U.S., attracting top-tier AI talent domestically is nearly impossible,' adding that he would reflect relevant budgets in the supplementary budget plan as much as possible.
In this regard, the People Power Party proposed to the government a budget of about 2 trillion won for the expansion of high-performance GPUs (graphics processing units) and AI infrastructure. This is an increase of 800 billion won from the infrastructure expansion budget of 1.2 trillion won agreed upon last year by both ruling and opposition parties. The goal is to leap forward as an 'AI superpower' through government-level financial support.
The specific targets and financing for free education will be discussed with the Ministry of Education, but are limited to ▲ graduates of domestic educational institutions ▲ those who work in domestic industries for a 'certain period.' He stated, 'The support will be based on the premise that they work in relevant domestic industries after graduating from domestic educational institutions,' adding, 'If studying abroad is necessary, support will be provided, but conditions apply that they must work in domestic industries.'
Regarding GPUs for AI, they plan to secure 10,000 units within this year and expand the number of existing cutting-edge GPUs from 2,000 to 20,000 by the first half of next year. They also announced plans to open the 'National Artificial Intelligence Computing Center' at an early date.
He remarked that 'to strengthen AI capabilities, it is essential to early expand computing infrastructure and secure talented AI experts to develop AI models, as well as to foster startups.'