Goyang Mayor Min Kyungseon: "Joining Forces with Residents and Experts to Attract a Global AI Hub"

Discussion focuses on taking the lead in healthcare by leveraging medical infrastructure
Emphasis on action plans for international cooperation and living conditions for foreign residents
Targeting the medical and bio sectors... leveraging international cooperation with the WHO and others
Mayor Min: "We will work with residents and experts to secure Goyang's competitiveness as the optimal location for an AI hub"

Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province discussed ways to strengthen its competitiveness, particularly in the medical and bio sectors, as it seeks to attract a global artificial intelligence (AI) hub. Participants suggested leveraging the city’s medical infrastructure and international cooperation networks, and developing concrete action plans covering living conditions for foreign residents and financial support.

Goyang Mayor Min Kyungsun gives welcoming remarks at the Goyang Global AI Hub Forum, held with the Goyang Research Institute at Changjo Innovation Campus Seongsa in Seongsadong on the 8th. Photo courtesy of Goyang City.

Goyang City held the Goyang Global AI Hub Forum with the Goyang Research Institute on October 8 at Changjo Innovation Campus Seongsa in Seongsadong. About 100 experts and residents attended, including Goyang Mayor Min Kyungseon, City Council Chair Kim Misu, Korea Aerospace University President Heo Heeyoung, and National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital Director Han Changhun.

In his welcoming remarks, Mayor Min said, "The campaign to attract a global AI hub began with a proposal from residents, led to declarations of support from the National Assembly, the city council, and local institutions and organizations, and is now expanding through the launch of a citizens' promotion committee and a signature drive."

He added, "We will prepare together with residents and build on experts' insights to secure Goyang's competitiveness as the optimal location for a global AI hub."

Lee Wangjun, incoming president of the International Hospital Federation (IHF) and chairman of the Myongji Medical Foundation, delivered the keynote address. He stressed that Goyang should first target the healthcare sector by making use of its medical infrastructure. He also proposed pursuing the establishment of the World Health Organization's (WHO) health AI functions in Goyang by leveraging the cooperative relationship between the IHF and the WHO.

Ahn Jiho, a research fellow at the Goyang Research Institute, cited the case of Geneva, Switzerland, which has attracted international organizations, and identified taking the lead on international agendas, location competitiveness, leadership, public support, and government backing as key factors. He said Goyang should also take the lead on agendas in AI education, international norms, and healthcare, while drawing on the city’s assets in areas such as peace and ecology and its domestic and international cooperation networks.

Ahn stressed in particular that action plans and support policies must be put in place to secure sites and facilities, determine how costs will be shared, and address the needs of foreign residents.

At a panel discussion moderated by Hong Jinuk, former South Korean ambassador to Singapore, participants said Goyang’s competitiveness should be assessed from the perspective of international organizations.

Kang Sungjin, president of the Korean Economic Association, said, "We need to take an honest look at what Goyang can offer, the living conditions for foreigners, and what competitive advantages it has over other regions."

Participants pose for a commemorative photo after Goyang City and Goyang Research Institute held the "Goyang Global AI Hub Forum" at Changjo Innovation Campus Seongsa in Seongsadong on the 8th. Photo courtesy of Goyang City.

Choi Youngjun, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University, said it was important to provide the infrastructure, workforce, and networks that international organizations need to carry out their core missions.

Participants also discussed ways to link local universities with the industrial base. Moon Hyungryeol, CEO of AI Music Pictures Channel, proposed building a foundation for technology demonstrations by connecting AI talent in nearby Magok, Seoul, with Goyang’s broadcasting and cultural content infrastructure. Ahn Junseon, dean of the College of AI Convergence at Korea Aerospace University, said the university would support research in areas including refugee relief, drone AI control, and monitoring infectious disease trends.

Goyang City plans to prepare its bid based on the recommendations made at the forum and the selection criteria and application guidelines to be announced at the government’s site-selection hearing on October 14. The city also plans to continue its signature drive targeting 100,000 residents and the work of its citizens' promotion committee.

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