South Korea to launch special benefit program to nurture scientists and AI experts

SEOUL, November 7 (AJP) - The government will foster scientists and related professionals by offering a range of benefits to support their research and other studies, the Ministry of Science and ICT said on Friday.

The ministry plans to finalize concrete plans for such a program with an aim to launch it by the second half of next year. Under the program, about 20 scientists will be selected annually over the next five years to receive research grants, stipends, and various other benefits.

"To attract top talent and boost scientific research, a record 35.3 trillion won has been allocated to research and development (R&D) in the government's budget," said Ha Jung-woo, presidential adviser for artificial intelligence (AI) and future strategies and former employee of the country's largest portal Naver, during a press briefing.

"The government plans to expand science-focused schools and other specialized educational institutions to nurture students and young prodigies into AI experts, while aiming to attract 2,000 foreign specialists by 2030," he added, stressing the need to also enhance the competitiveness of provincial universities.

"Under President Lee Jae Myung's strong commitment to transforming South Korea into a science and technology powerhouse, the government also plans to raise R&D spending to about five percent of the total annual government expenditure," Ha explained.

Expressing optimism about a recent increase in applicants for science and math majors at universities, he hoped the upcoming program would further accelerate this trend.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.