APO GAIA Podcast | Korea’s AI Policy and Manufacturing AX with MOTIR

In this episode of the APO GAIA Podcast, Director General Jung Kyungrok of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources of the Republic of Korea (ROK), currently serving as Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of the ROK in Tokyo, discusses Korea’s national AI strategy and its vision to become one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses by 2030. The conversation explores ROK's approach to AI-driven industrial transformation, including Manufacturing AX, AI semiconductors, AI factories, autonomous mobility, humanoid robotics, industrial data infrastructure, and the role of public–private collaboration through the M.AX Alliance. Director General Jung also shares insights on ROK’s AI governance framework, the implementation of the Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence, support for SMEs and workforce transition, and how AI is expected to strengthen Korea’s manufacturing competitiveness, export industries, and regional innovation ecosystem.