Jeju Accelerates 'AX Transformation' with 40MW Data Center Project

[Anchor]

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is accelerating its "Jeju-style AX (AI Transformation) Initiative," integrating artificial intelligence into tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and energy. Key plans include building a 40-megawatt green AI data center and supporting youth AI subscription fees, while calls have emerged to cultivate talent that meets corporate demands and drive tangible economic results.

Reporter Kim Jae-yeon from JIBS.

[Reporter]

Artificial intelligence will be integrated into tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and energy, backed by the construction of a 40-megawatt AI data center.

Efforts will also be pushed forward to subsidize AI subscription fees for young people and train specialized professionals required by local businesses.

This is the "Jeju-style AX Transformation" vision unveiled by the 9th popular-elected provincial administration led by Governor Wi Sung-gon.

At the Global Jeju Chamber of Commerce and Industry Forum, tasks were proposed to connect AI directly to actual economic performance.

First, experts pointed out the necessity of locally nurturing mid- to high-level AI talent that can be immediately deployed in corporate settings.

[Ahn Sung-jun / Professor, Jeju Halla University: We need to quickly train the mid- to high-level talent demanded by companies. Since the data center is located right here in Jeju, we should support them by creating systems like quota allocations or credit programs so they can make full use of it.]

Overseas Jeju businesspeople urged that performance should be evaluated based on added value and changes in corporate activities rather than the introduction of technology itself.

[Yang Il-seok / Jeju-born Overseas Businessperson: I believe the primary prerequisite is performance management that prioritizes economic indicators over technological ones. Speaking quite intuitively, what we actually need are policies that spoon-feed (the residents).]

The Jeju provincial government plans to expand AI applications to emerging industries such as space and biotechnology, while establishing a talent cultivation system that seamlessly connects education, research, internships, and employment.

[Wi Sung-gon / Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province: The success or failure of the AI transformation ultimately depends on people. We will meticulously connect education, research, internships, and employment so that (young people) can work and grow in local companies.]

The challenge remains whether Jeju's AX economic transformation will move beyond mere technological dissemination to boost local business productivity and create jobs.

(Video by Oh Il-ryung / JIBS)

Kim Jae-yeon, JIBS
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.