“AI is a tool that delicately interconnects the digital ecosystem … We must strive to realize AI for everyone”

NAVER CEO Choi Soo-yeon Delivers Keynote at APEC CEO Summit

"AI is a tool that delicately interconnects the digital ecosystem … We must strive to realize AI for everyone"

- CEO Choi Soo-yeon highlights the need to support AI data centers while sharing NAVER's full-stack AI development and innovation experiences

- "AI data centers are essential infrastructure for building a better future … We need institutional support to breathe vitality into this sector"

- On October 28, CEO Choi delivers a keynote at the APEC Future Tech Forum, sharing industrial applications and insights on AI technology

October 29, 2025

On October 29, NAVER CEO Choi Soo-yeon attended the APEC CEO Summit held at Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongsangbuk-do, where she shared NAVER's experience in building and operating a full-stack AI ecosystem and its direction for innovation. She also emphasized the need for support measures for AI data centers-the foundation for realizing inclusive AI technology.

That morning, CEO Choi delivered a keynote speech during the second thematic session of the APEC CEO Summit, speaking for approximately 10 minutes on the importance of building AI data centers and the need for institutional support.

Joining CEO Choi onstage as fellow speakers in the session were Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, and Simon Milner, Vice President at Meta.

During her speech, CEO Choi stated, "The AI that NAVER is developing serves as a tool that delicately interconnects the digital ecosystem, empowering users, creators, and sellers to realize their potential and foster growth." She continued, "To this end, NAVER has made early, proactive investments in AI technology, which has led to the development of a full-stack AI ecosystem, from infrastructure to models and services."

CEO Choi emphasized that the benefits of AI advancement should ultimately be shared by all, stating, "AI data centers are the essential foundation and core infrastructure for realizing AI technology that enables a better future for everyone."

She further explained, "Countries around the world are racing to build AI data centers as part of their large-scale national strategic initiatives. In line with this global trend, the Korean government is also preparing for another national leap forward by building a new infrastructure-an 'AI highway'-following the 'information superhighway.'" She added, "Expanding tax incentives, streamlining administrative procedures, and easing site regulations for AI data centers would serve as practical support measures that bring real vitality to the field."

CEO Choi also commented on the special legislation being promoted by the government and the National Assembly to support AI data centers, stating, "It will serve as the institutional foundation for transforming the nation's industrial structure toward AI." She added, "These proactive efforts by the government and legislature are expected to lay the groundwork for human-centered, inclusive AI-one that enables a better future not just for businesses but for everyone."

"Addressing the power and environmental challenges faced by AI data centers requires a collective effort," CEO Choi remarked in closing. "I hope today's gathering will serve as a meaningful starting point for joint cooperation to tackle these shared challenges."

Earlier, on October 28, CEO Choi also attended the APEC Future Tech Forum-a side event of the APEC CEO Summit-where she delivered a keynote speech on NAVER's experience in building a full-stack AI system and the lessons learned from its industrial applications.

The APEC CEO Summit is the key economic event of this year's APEC summit, held from October 28 to 31. Approximately 1,700 participants, including leaders of APEC member economies and CEOs of international companies, are in attendance to discuss a wide range of global issues and cooperation strategies.

With 20 sessions in total, the summit covers a broad range of key industry topics, including AI, semiconductors, supply chains, digital healthcare, hydrogen cooperation, carbon neutrality, and K-culture.

Meanwhile, during the APEC summit, NAVER is running its "BE LOCAL WEEK" campaign in the Hwangnidan-gil area in Gyeongju to introduce the city to international visitors. In line with her attendance at the APEC CEO Summit, CEO Choi visited the Hwangnidan-gil campaign site, where she met with local business owners to discuss the growth potential of regional communities. (End)