Yeungnam University Signs MOU with KT to Establish AX Innovation Center and Foster Practical AI Talent  

Over 100 representatives from industry, academia, and research institutions attended, sharing strategies for AI- and robotics-based talent development.  

The collaboration with global enterprises and regional innovation organizations aims to strengthen regional competitiveness in future industries.

[October 20, 2025]

Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KT for “University Education Innovation through AI Utilization” and hosted the Regional Innovation & Future Education Leading Conference at the Cheonma Art Center on October 16.The event aimed to share strategies for future education driven by AI and robotics and to promote collaboration among industry, academia, research institutions, and local governments for digital transformation and regional innovation.

 Hosted by the YU University Innovation Support Project Group (Director LEE Hee-yong) and organized by the University Job Plus Center (Director LEE Gyeong-tak), the event brought together over 100 participants, including President CHOI Oe-chool, Vice President for Educational Innovation LEE Ki-dong, HAIN Sung, President of Gyeongbuk Technopark, KIM Byung-gyun, Executive Vice President of KT, CHOI Dong-ryul, Head of Division at KT, LEE Sang-hyun, CIO of Cell in Cells, PARK Sang-hyun, Executive Director of Gownet, SHIM Su-min, Senior Manager at Hyundai Motor Robotics Lab, and KIM Dae-nyeon, Director of Gyeongbuk Institute of IT Convergence Technology.

<YU and KT sign an MOU for AI-based university education innovation.>

 Prior to the conference, YU and KT held an MOU signing ceremony, agreeing to collaborate in several key areas: ▲Establishing a data governance system at YU to ensure data sovereignty, ▲Building an AX Innovation Center (tentative name) to drive YU’s AI Transformation (AX), ▲Fostering practical AI talent by linking local industries and academia, and ▲Developing and implementing a phased roadmap for full-scale AX transformation.Under the agreement, YU will oversee educational programs and partnerships with local institutions, while KT will provide customized AX strategies and support the construction of an AI-driven university environment based on a step-by-step roadmap. During the signing ceremony, President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Today’s MOU marks an important starting point for the university’s AI-centered transformation and the establishment of a regional innovation ecosystem. This partnership between academia and industry will enhance regional industrial competitiveness and create a foundation for practical AI talent to grow within the region.”

 The subsequent conference consisted of two sessions: ▲University Innovation and AX Transition Strategies, and ▲Future Mobility and Regional Industrial Digital Transformation Strategies.In the first session, KANG Bo-young, Team Leader of the YU AI Smart Education Center, presented YU’s strategy for building a big data and AI-based smart education innovation platform, followed by KIM Sung-wook, Manager at KT, who introduced the AX transition strategy and implementation roadmap for YU. In the second session, LEE Sang-hyun, CIO of Cell in Cells, discussed AI-driven innovations in the medical industry, presenting strategies for regional medical industry advancement. SHIM Su-min from Hyundai Motor Robotics Lab shared insights on the future of the service robotics industry shaped by AI and robotics. Additionally, KANG Ho-young, Director at Gyeongbuk Technopark, and KIM Dae-nyeon, Director at Gyeongbuk Institute of IT Convergence Technology, presented on digital transformation (DX) in regional manufacturing and the implementation of a hyperscale AI cloud farm, respectively, outlining a comprehensive vision for the region’s digital infrastructure.

<President CHOI Oe-chool delivers the welcoming remarks.>

President CHOI Oe-chool concluded, “I hope the innovation strategies and educational roadmaps shared today by universities, companies, and local institutions will lead to actionable collaborations that enhance regional industrial competitiveness and help talented individuals build their futures locally. YU will continue to dedicate itself to nurturing the next generation of talent, creating an innovative educational ecosystem that coexists with local industries, and paving the way for the future.”