AI: From the 'Alpha' to the 'Omega' of Artificial Intelligence

The release of ChatGPT at the end of last year created both anticipation and concern about the advancement of artificial intelligence. Previous AI technologies had not gone beyond the level of well-designed computer programs that assist humans in specific domains. However, by leveraging vast amounts of past data, ChatGPT can instantly generate comprehensive answers, including those that human minds were unable to come up with.

Given the current pace of development, there are prospects that ChatGPT and similar AI technologies could demonstrate capabilities surpassing humans in many fields. However, there are also concerns about the potential threat to humanity if AI, including ChatGPT, were to be misused for wrong purposes.

The AI cluster aims to shed light on the core of artificial intelligence technology and introduce pictures of the future that AI will shape for humanity. Alongside this, it explores how AI can be managed to provide long-term benefits for the prosperity of humanity.

Bio: The World of ‘Reverse Aging’ that Turns Back the Biological Clock

Throughout history, humanity has made efforts to maintain eternal youth. Emperor Qin Shi Huang of ancient China explored the entire continent in search of the elixir of immortality, while alchemists in the Western world tirelessly endeavored to create the water of life. Modern scientists, too, have been making numerous attempts to extend lifespan or reverse aging using the power of science.

For example, big names in the tech industry like Jeff Bezos have started investing heavily in this field, leading to an accelerated advancement of technologies in the bio industry. Initially, the focus was on anti-aging, slowing down the aging process. However, recently, there has been active research on reverse aging, which aims to turn back the biological clock and regain youth.

This cluster examines the current level of technology in delaying aging and rejuvenation, as well as the potential side effects that may arise during the process.

Robotics: Robots of Today, Tomorrow, and the Future

Robots have quietly entered deep into our daily lives. Whether in a restaurant where they serve food instead of waiters or in a coffee shop where they make coffee, we can encounter robots. With advancements in various technologies, including artificial intelligence, software that controls the movements of robots is rapidly innovating. 

Consequently, we are witnessing the emergence of innovative technologies not only in the mechanical components, such as the materials and power sources that form the physical body of robots, but also in the software domain. This indicates that the pace of robot development will accelerate rapidly. Furthermore, as the problem of aging population becomes increasingly severe and countries struggle with a labor shortage, it is anticipated that the demand for robots that can replace humans will increase. 

On the supply side, robotic production is also expected to grow rapidly. Let us explore in advance, a world where humans will be assisted by mass-produced robots in numerous areas.

C-Tech: The Challenge for a Sustainable World, 'Net Zero'

Natural disasters caused by global warming, such as floods, heatwaves, and coastal flooding due to rising sea levels, are occurring worldwide. Carbon reduction has become essential, not optional, for the future of a sustainable global community.

In response to these environmental changes, technologies that reduce the cost of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, and capture and remove carbon from the air, are continuously advancing. Governments and companies around the world are also rapidly increasing their investments in this field.

Advanced countries, including Europe, are implementing carbon taxes and raising trade barriers related to climate change. Accordingly, in the C-Tech cluster, discussions will be held on how Korean companies can overcome such trade barriers. Additionally, we will also consider what each economic agent needs to do to ensure that decarbonization technologies bring lasting prosperity to humanity.

Quantum Computing: Computation Beyond Imagination, ‘Quantum Leap’ Towards the Future

If Quantum Computers, which are thousands of times faster in computation speed than conventional computers, become widespread, significant changes are expected in human life. Experts anticipate that Quantum Computers will have a tremendous impact by rapidly calculating probabilities in fields such as finance, pharmaceuticals, weather forecasting, and material development.

In everyday life, they are expected to analyze real-time traffic volume and traffic signal information to create optimal travel routes to destinations or reduce traffic congestion. Even calculating the optimized movement of elevators in high-rise buildings during lunchtime becomes possible in an instant with the help of Quantum Computers.

However, concerns have been raised about quantum computers posing a significant threat to cybersecurity, as they can instantaneously break through current digital encryption systems. We will now hear from global experts who will provide insights on the current state of Quantum Computing technology, the limitations it currently faces, as well as its potential.

Geopolitics: The world in the trembling international order

The significance of 'geopolitics' is once again being emphasized as events in foreign countries, from the US-China hegemony and power politics to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have a profound impact on both domestic and international economies.

As stated by Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, "The history of the 21st century will be shaped by the challenge between China and the United States." The competition between China, emerging as a G2 power in the 21st century, and the existing hegemonic power, the United States, is intense. A representative example is the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which aims to have China checked in key industries such as electric vehicles and batteries, as well as military conflicts over the South China Sea.

Amidst the fierce competition for hegemony between the US and China, the Ukrainian war, which began with Russia's invasion in February of last year, has entered its second year. In the face of uncertainties caused by such geopolitical conflicts, international political experts will continue to engage in in-depth discussions on the survival strategies that the Republic of Korea should devise in this cluster.

Economy: In search of new engines for growth

The two engines driving the global economy, the United States and China, are turned off.

There are forecasts that the United States will soon experience the aftermath of inflation. Concerns over the financial solvency of small and medium-sized banks in the United States are also growing. China, on the other hand, is facing the challenge of overcoming multiple adversities, such as a decline in manufacturing exports, reduced investment in infrastructure, and a recession in the real estate market. The geopolitical turmoil has created rifts in the global cooperative relationships, posing risks of energy and supply chain disruptions.

Amidst such crisis, there are few positive expectations too; a slowdown in the rate of inflation and a stabilization of interest rate is expected. The fact that corporates actively continue to invest in new industries is also a positive sign.

Global experts will gather in economic clusters to diagnose the current global economic situation and discuss the conditions necessary for achieving robust economic growth. There will be discussions on when the recovery of the economy is expected to take place and what potential new drivers of growth will lead the global economy. The insights of Nobel laureates in economics will be sought to shed light on these topics.

Finance: Investment Strategies in an Era of Uncertainty

Retrenchment policies in various countries are augmenting the uncertainty in the investment market.

As the effects of the monetary tightening intensify, the stock market and real estate market continue to exhibit a challenging trend, making it difficult to predict their direction. Investors seeking profits in such uncertain markets need to act faster than others and take on risks, which makes strategies that maximize risk-adjusted investment returns become more important than ever.

The World Knowledge Forum(WKF) has invited asset investment professionals who are actively engaged in the global asset market to create a platform where diverse opinions can be heard. Through discussions ranging from traditional strategic asset allocation presented by conventional asset management firms to alternative investment prospects shared by representatives of global private equity funds, they aim to explore solutions for maximizing investment returns.

Future Industries: The Future Embedded in Our Daily Lives

Dramatic changes in all sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services industries are expected due to Technological advancements.

In future-oriented unmanned factories that combine big data and artificial intelligence (AI), the production of goods such as automobiles and clothing using recycled materials is no longer a surprise.

The development of biotechnology enables the utilization of lab-grown meat as food, while nano-tech is used to enhance the taste of food or aid in nutrient absorption. Advancements in aerospace science have given rise to a new industry of space tourism, and with the help of small modular reactors (SMRs), humanity can enjoy a comfortable life even in extreme environments without energy concerns. In the field of mobility technology, innovations go beyond autonomous driving as they strive to mobilize ‘flying cars’.

Discussions among experts revolve around the future industries and technologies that turn imagination into reality, and what our future might look like as a result.

MBA: The Latest Trends in Corporate Management at a Glance

The business environment is undergoing rapid changes. Politics are uncertain, and predicting the economy is challenging.

The need for sophisticated future strategies and leadership that instills confidence is more urgent than ever.

In the MBA cluster, top global business schools will gather to share insights on the world's leading business trends with the audience. NYU Stern School of Business, one of the top management schools in the United States, discusses the impact of technologies such as AI and blockchain on corporate management. HEC Paris, a public business school in Paris, reveals the management strategies of luxury brands that are continuously growing worldwide. IE Business School, a prestigious graduate school in Madrid, offers lectures where the audience can actively participate, addressing the type of leadership required in rapidly changing business environments and business risk management. Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business(CKGSB), the first private business school in China, provides insights into innovative corporate management strategies with the founding Dean of CKGSB, Xiang Bing.