SK Group Hosts Icheon Forum on AI and Digital Innovation

SK Group Hosts Icheon Forum to Explore AI and Digital Transformation

SK Group is set to host its annual Icheon Forum, bringing together more than 250 executives, scholars, and industry experts. The event, which runs from Monday to Wednesday, will focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping business strategies, driving workplace innovation, and ensuring long-term competitiveness. This year’s edition marks the ninth installment of the forum, launched in 2017 by SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won as a platform for corporate transformation.

The theme of this year's forum is “AI and Digital Transformation (DT).” The discussions will take place across different locations in Seoul, with each session addressing specific aspects of AI integration and its impact on various industries. The event aims to explore how AI can be leveraged to expand Korea’s AI ecosystem, provide case studies of industrial innovation, and examine shifts in work practices.

Keynote Speeches and Panel Discussions

The forum will open with a keynote speech by SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung at Grand Walkerhill Seoul. He will discuss the impact of AI on industry and SK’s corporate culture, including the Supex spirit — the pursuit of the “Super Excellent Level.”

One of the first panels, titled “Restructuring of the U.S.-Led International Order, Seeking Solutions for Korean Companies,” will feature keynote speeches from Victor Cha, the Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Jing Qian, co-founder of the Center for China Analysis at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Both will join the discussion online. Additional panelists include SK Corporation’s outside director Yoon Chi-won, Sejong Institute President Kim Hyun-wook, and Park Seok-jung, head of the Investment Strategy Department at Shinhan Investment Securities.

Another session, “Building Korea’s AI Ecosystem and SK’s Strategic Role,” will feature William Fong, chief strategy officer at AI consultancy DigBI, and Lee Joo-hwan, CEO of Swit. They will be joined by Yu Kyung-sang, chief strategy officer at SK Telecom, Lee Se-young, CEO of Wrtn Technologies, and Park Sung-hyun, CEO of Rebellions.

AI Applications and Workshops

IBM Senior Vice President Mohamad Ali will present a case study on using AI and digital transformation to improve manufacturing productivity. Representatives from SK affiliates such as SK hynix, SK Innovation, and SK Ax will share their own applications of AI on the manufacturing floor.

Members of SK’s Junior Management Group, composed of younger employees with strong AI expertise, will present on AI-driven changes to work processes and corporate culture. These presentations will highlight how AI is reshaping internal operations and fostering a more innovative workplace environment.

The second day of the forum will feature workshops led by each SK affiliate, focusing on improving operations and executing the SK Management System (SKMS) under the theme of “Sustainable Happiness.” These sessions aim to explore ways to enhance employee engagement and create a more inclusive and supportive work culture.

Expanding Operations Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement

SK Group launched “Operations Innovation 1.0” last year to stabilize finances and is expanding it this year as “2.0” to strengthen marketing and other capabilities. Employees will also discuss VWBE — voluntary and willing brain engagement — and provide feedback on systems and cultures that support stakeholder happiness.

The forum will conclude on Wednesday at SK Seorin Building in central Seoul, with Chairman Chey, CEOs, and employees reflecting on the outcomes of the event. Chey will deliver the closing address, summarizing key takeaways and outlining future directions for SK Group’s AI initiatives.

Through these discussions and collaborative efforts, SK Group continues to position itself as a leader in leveraging AI for sustainable growth and long-term success. The Icheon Forum serves as a critical platform for sharing insights, fostering innovation, and strengthening the company’s competitive edge in an evolving global landscape.