The strategic collaborations between countries and tech giants signal a shift towards national-level investments in AI and semiconductor capabilities, as nations vie to secure their positions in the global AI landscape. This trend indicates a growing emphasis on infrastructure and talent development, positioning countries like South Korea to compete more effectively with established players like the U.S. and China, potentially disrupting traditional tech dominance and creating new economic opportunities in AI-driven sectors.


South Korea’s government has outlined a sweeping AI talent strategy aimed at making the country one of the world’s top three AI powers, including strengthening math and science education from school level, expanding AI-focused university programs, and creating dedicated AI visas and easier residency paths for foreign researchers. The plan also includes setting up AI colleges at major science and technology institutes, upgrading “software-centered universities” into “AI-centered universities,” and partnering with ARM to found an “ARM Academy” expected to train around 1,400 top-tier semiconductor design specialists.([epochtimes.com](https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/12/6/n14649798.htm))

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met SoftBank chairman Masayoshi Son in Seoul to discuss cooperation on artificial intelligence, semiconductors and large‑scale infrastructure, as Korea pursues its goal of becoming a top‑three AI power. Son warned of the coming era of 'artificial super intelligence' thousands of times more capable than the human brain, while the meeting also referenced SoftBank’s role in the US$500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure project and Korea’s planned ₩30 trillion (about US$22 billion) participation via the UAE segment.

South Korean President Lee Jae‑myung will meet SoftBank Group chairman Masayoshi Son on December 5 to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and related infrastructure investment, according to the presidential office. The talks are expected to touch on SoftBank’s massive 'Stargate' AI infrastructure project with OpenAI and Oracle and on positioning South Korea as a top‑tier AI and chip hub, with key ministers and senior aides also attending.