During a recent international learning program in South Korea, a delegation of officials from the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives, including myself, attended a lecture by Professor Wan Seon Shin of Sungkyunkwan University. This lecture, part of the Development Academy of the Philippines’ Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Program, in collaboration with the Korean Development Institute, focused on South Korea’s remarkable journey to global prominence, especially in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
In addition to his academic role, Professor Shin, who shared his expertise on the key factors behind South Korea’s industrial success, leads the Quality Innovation Center, serves on the board of the Korea Standard Association, and holds a prominent position at the International Academy for Quality. His lecture highlighted strategic initiatives that have elevated Korea’s global standing, particularly through companies like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, POSCO, KT, and YG-1. A significant portion of his lecture was drawn from his book Great Quality Korea, where he emphasized the importance of leadership and adaptability in driving success.
South Korea’s journey to development, as presented in the lecture by Professor Wan Seon Shin, illustrates the critical role education reform played in the nation’s success, particularly in the AI era. Sixty years ago, education in South Korea was a privilege reserved for the elite. However, the societal realization that education was a tool for social mobility spurred a widespread movement, embedding education as a cultural priority. This effort required immense sacrifices, with families often enduring financial hardships to ensure their children could access education. Over time, this dedication laid the groundwork for the country’s rapid industrialization and modernization.
The commitment to education fueled South Korea’s transition from a war-torn nation to a global leader in innovation, particularly in AI. Embracing advanced technologies, the country has invested heavily in research and development, notably pledging $48.9 billion for AI by 2027. South Korea’s ability to harness AI across sectors, from manufacturing to public services, is a direct result of its longstanding cultural emphasis on learning and adapting to new technologies.
For other nations like the Philippines, Professor Shin suggested using South Korea’s model as an inspiration. Despite challenges such as archipelagic geography, he advised prioritizing education and forming strategic international partnerships to overcome these hurdles. South Korea’s “New Village” initiative, a rural modernization program, also showcased the importance of national efforts toward improving infrastructure and public welfare, which, in turn, helped boost education and economic progress.
The professor’s message was clear: South Korea’s success in AI and overall development was not achieved by chance but through deliberate, ongoing investments in education and innovation. This commitment to progress, coupled with the sacrifices made by its people, allowed the country to achieve remarkable global stature, making it a model for nations looking to advance in the era of AI.
