Beyond Bio to AI and Quantum... Samsung and Hyundai Motor Hunt for Next-Generation Key Talent in Boston

Following Government Research Institutes and KAIST, Companies Join the Talent Hunt
Competition Heats Up for AI, Robotics, and Data Experts
Targeting Expands to Quantum and Bio Talent Centered Around MIT

Officials from Samsung Electronics and Samsung Life Insurance are having consultations during a talent recruitment event held in Boston, USA, on the 31st of last month.

Major companies such as Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor actively participated in a talent acquisition event led by the Korean government, aiming to secure talent in the fields of science and advanced technology in the United States.

On March 31 (local time), a talent recruitment event for science and engineering professionals was held at the Hilton Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. Leading Korean companies including Samsung Electronics, Samsung Life Insurance, Hyundai Motor, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), LIG Nex1, and POSCO Holdings took part in the event.

During the event, one-on-one consultations were held with pre-registered candidates whose resume information had been shared with the participating companies. Policy briefings and networking programs were also conducted alongside.

Hyundai Motor officials are having consultations during a talent recruitment event held in Boston, USA, on the 31st of last month. Photo by NST

The companies focused on recruiting talent in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and robotics, which aligns with the characteristics of the region, home to world-class universities like Harvard and MIT. Boston Dynamics, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor, is also based in this area, and Nvidia has established a quantum research center here as well.

Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor concentrated on identifying talent for AI and software-driven future industries. Samsung Electronics announced that it was recruiting not only experienced professionals but also new graduates and interns in the fields of AI, robotics, consumer electronics, and IT/mobile.

Hyundai Motor sought talent in AI/data, robotics, autonomous driving, manufacturing software, batteries, and hydrogen/fuel cells. POSCO Holdings focused on research personnel for battery materials and energy, while LIG Nex1 and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) moved to secure defense and aerospace systems engineers. Yuhan USA actively held consultations for global new drug development and business development (BD) professionals.

The financial sector also joined the talent race. Samsung Life Insurance was seeking to secure AI engineers and data science professionals.

Hosung Lee, President of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, and Hyerin Park, Director of International Cooperation Office, are consulting during a talent attraction event held in Boston, USA, on the 31st of last month. Photo by Pyo Junyeong

Government-funded research institutes also took part, including Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science for quantum computing and Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials for robotics. The National Research Council of Science & Technology, which oversees these institutes, participated as well. Ho-sung Lee, President of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, stated, "The institute is conducting joint research with schools such as Harvard and MIT in this area," adding, "We will continue our efforts to secure expert personnel."

Sukhyun Ryu, President of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, is consulting during a talent recruitment event held in Boston, USA, on the 31st of last month. Photo by NST

The event was part of the 'Brain to Korea' project, a global talent recruitment program led by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Similar events were held last year in Boston, New York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. While last year's focus was on government, universities, and research institutions, this year saw the addition of large corporations, defense, aerospace, bio, and startup companies, intensifying the competition for talent.

Consul General Jaehee Kim of Boston delivered a congratulatory speech at the "Korea Awaits Your Brilliance" promotional event for attracting overseas talent held in Boston on the 31st of last month. Photo by Pyo Junyeon

The theme "Korea Awaits Your Brilliance" was especially prominent. Last year, the event was held under the name "Korea-US Research Exchange and Cooperation Meeting" to avoid drawing the attention of the US government. This year, Korea’s commitment to attracting talent was declared even more strongly. The attendance of Jaehee Kim, Consul General of Boston, underscored the level of government interest in the event.

Woosung Chung, Chairman of the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, who led the event on site, emphasized, "The number of participants far exceeded last year's, reaffirming the keen interest in Korea’s research environment. Going forward, continued efforts are needed to build more robust databases, provide information, and create good research environments and jobs."

Hyeokchae Koo, First Vice Minister of Science and ICT, stated, "As the competition for talent intensifies, the government will continue to expand opportunities for direct communication on site, so that outstanding researchers can recognize Korea as an attractive research hub."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.