South Korea unveils comprehensive AI talent strategy combining university reforms and global recruitment

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.