Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who is pushing for the development of young artificial intelligence (AI) talent as a core policy of his 9th term, visited the Seoul Metropolitan Youth Center in Yongsan-gu this afternoon (July 20) to review the progress of the Youth Job Academy.

The Youth Job Academy is a program launched in 2021 to foster AI and software (SW) talent and is currently operating across all 25 autonomous districts in Seoul.

In particular, eight Global Big Tech Campuses are participating in the program with global tech giants such as Microsoft serving as educational institutions.

The event held today, titled "Youth Job Academy Global Big Tech Campus My Growth Story Talk Talk," was a platform for graduates of the academy to showcase AI services and products they developed and share their educational achievements. A total of 78 graduates participated in the event.

Exhibits in the outstanding project space included an "AI Barbershop Reservation System" that assists with social media (SNS) marketing for barbershops or beauty salons, and an "AI-equipped Smart Helmet Driver Assistance System" that prevents accidents by recognizing driving environments and risk factors.

During the "Growth Story Relay" session, three graduates presented their journeys of pursuing employment, changing their fields of study, and starting businesses through the Youth Job Academy.

Shin Hye-ji, who secured a full-time job based on the expertise gained at the academy; Jang Hoon, who shifted his career path from accounting to AI development; and Kim Tae-hyun, a liberal arts major with no prior coding experience who became the founder of a physical AI startup, each shared their personal experiences.

Last year, the city collaborated with Microsoft, Intel, and Salesforce to operate three dedicated Global Big Tech Campuses in Mapo-gu, Jongno-gu, and Jung-gu.

Incumbent professionals and instructors from global companies provided training for practical AI talent through theory, hands-on practice, projects, and special employment lectures.

As a result, the first cohort last year saw 300 applicants for 120 spots, with 86 students completing the course. Among the 80 graduates seeking employment, 69 successfully found jobs.

In response, the city expanded the number of dedicated Global Big Tech Campuses from three last year to eight this year, increasing the annual talent training capacity to 600 people.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, "Through the exhibition of excellent projects and growth stories today, I was able to confirm your passion and potential once again." He added, "I send my sincere congratulations and applause to all of you who have achieved valuable results in employment, entrepreneurship, and career transitions through endless effort and learning, transcending the boundaries of your majors."

He further emphasized, "As AI is rapidly changing the world, the importance of talent to lead that change is growing. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will continue to support all young people in utilizing generative AI regardless of their economic circumstances through the 'Youth AI Fundamental Rights' initiative, and we will further expand cooperation with companies so that learning can lead to jobs and opportunities."

(Photo: Yonhap News)