Daejeon: President Lee Jae Myung said Friday the government will step up efforts to strengthen the foundation for scientists and engineers to support research and innovation amid rapidly evolving technologies. Lee made the pledge during a commencement ceremony at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, about 160 kilometers south of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized the creation of a robust safety net for the science and engineering community to prevent researchers from halting their work due to financial constraints. He addressed the need to restore the research ecosystem, which has been weakened by cuts to research and development spending, noting that the government increased the basic research budget by more than 17 percent this year to aid emerging researchers.
Lee highlighted the importance of innovating the research system so that every effort in the research process is recognized as a valuable asset for success. He attributed South Korea's technological advancements to the dedication of its scientists and engineers, urging KAIST graduates to pursue bold innovation amid growing global competition in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and energy transition.
Furthermore, Lee expressed his aspiration that the newly established College of AI at KAIST would be crucial for South Korea's ambition to become one of the world's top three AI powers. He assured that the government would provide unwavering support to ensure the widespread sharing of AI benefits across society, committing to continued investment in future scientific talent and innovation.