▲ SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won delivers a lecture to young people on EBS's "Great Minds."
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has advised young people to cultivate problem-solving skills and a pioneering spirit in response to changes in the job market and educational environment brought on by the artificial intelligence (AI) era.
According to SK today (October 18), Chairman Chey recently appeared on Season 6 of the EBS educational lecture series "Great Minds," which aired for five days from October 12 to 16, delivering a lecture under the theme "AI, New Capitalism, and Youth."
As the first South Korean business leader to appear on the program, Chairman Chey spoke about the value of labor in the AI era, stating, "Up until now, working a set number of hours at a single company or in a single occupation was considered a job, but AI could change this concept." He predicted that the time saved through AI could be freely utilized or chosen for alternative pursuits.
He emphasized that future education must be redesigned in light of these circumstances.
"More important than a college diploma itself is the experience of actually solving real problems," Chairman Chey explained. "The ability to define problems and ask questions, the power of thought and empathy, and an attitude of not fearing failure will become much more critical."
He also stated, "The era in which schools cultivated talent through a single standardized method must change. Schools should transform into places where people discover new problem-solving methods, directly challenge themselves, and experiment."
Regarding the ideal talent profile for the AI era, Chairman Chey noted, "Leaders in the AI era must do what AI cannot. It is important to utilize AI to directly define and solve the problems facing organizations and society."
In particular, he emphasized, "While AI is a tool that enhances intelligence, intelligence is not wisdom. Ultimately, solving problems requires understanding and moving people."
When asked, "If you could go back, what kind of work would you want to challenge yourself with in the AI era?", he replied, "I would definitely start a business."
Chairman Chey added, "It wouldn't be a semiconductor startup like the one I do now. I would mobilize all means and methods to solve the most difficult problems facing South Korea or humanity, or problems affecting suffering people."
He continued, "There are countless problems in society, such as the environment, caregiving, low birth rates, and the financially vulnerable. You do not need to try to solve massive problems from the very beginning."
"Start by solving small problems within your reach, and as those experiences accumulate, you can build increasingly larger solutions," he said.
(Photo provided by EBS, Yonhap News)
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