Gyeongju: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit has officially begun in Gyeongju, running concurrently with the annual APEC leaders' summit. This business-centric event focuses on critical topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition, and Korean soft power.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the summit is hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and will continue through Friday. It is themed "Bridge, Business, Beyond," providing a platform for global business leaders to engage in in-depth discussions and explore cooperation opportunities. Notable attendees include Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman, and Google's Chief Marketing Officer for Asia Pacific Simon Kahn, among others.
Prominent Korean business figures such as SK Group chief Chey Tae-won, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo are also participating. The summit features addresses by leaders of APEC member economies, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung highlighted Korea's vision for advanced industries and sustainable growth in his special address at the opening ceremony. KCCI chair Chey Tae-won remarked on the global economy's transformative phase and the challenges it faces, emphasizing the summit's role in addressing these issues.
The KCCI noted that this year's summit is the largest APEC business gathering, with around 1,700 participants. The event aims to facilitate exchanges of experience and technologies across countries, particularly in AI and advanced industries, as stated by KCCI's executive vice chairman, Park Il-jun.
The summit's agenda includes sessions on various topics such as the global economy, AI, finance, carbon neutrality, and cultural industry. Notably, RM from BTS will deliver a keynote on Korean culture's soft power. Additional sessions will cover supply chains, semiconductors, and digital health, with Nvidia's CEO concluding the event with a speech on AI's future prospects.
KCCI chief Chey emphasized Korea's suitability as the summit's host, given its innovative economy, and highlighted the importance of discussing energy transition, digital transformation, and trade. The KCCI projects that the summit will generate economic value and job creation, emphasizing its significance for the APEC region's future growth.