SINGAPORE (March 2, 2026) – On Monday afternoon, President Lee Jae Myung attended the Korea–Singapore AI Connect Summit held in Singapore.

Today’s event was convened to bring together diverse perspectives from future AI leaders of both countries – each possessing world-class AI capabilities – as they seek to jointly take the lead in the global artificial intelligence market. It was also an occasion to celebrate the launch of the Korea–Singapore AI Alliance, a new framework designed to significantly expand bilateral cooperation in the AI sector. 

The event drew considerable attention, with Channel NewsAsia (CNA) – Singapore’s sole public news broadcaster, available in more than 29 countries and territories across Asia – airing a special live broadcast dedicated exclusively to the event.

In his opening remarks, President Lee stated, “The two countries share the common experience of having overcome the constraints of limited territory and natural resources through the strength of our people and technology and of having achieved prosperity through unceasing innovation.” He added, “Now is the time to apply the spirit of innovation within our DNA to the AI industry, thereby opening new horizons for the digital economy together.”

President Lee also introduced the Korea–Singapore AI Cooperation Framework, emphasizing that “to ensure that capital, technology, talent and industry are seamlessly interconnected and that substantive cooperation can be achieved, we will establish a US$300 million global fund (K‑VCC) in Singapore by 2030. Through joint research that transcends national boundaries, we will enable researchers from both countries to devote themselves to developing AI technologies aimed at addressing humanity’s most challenging issues.”

President Lee congratulated the governments and private sectors of both countries on the launch of the “AI Alliance,” describing it as “the starting point of an open innovation ecosystem in which companies, universities and startups collaborate on sharing knowledge and resources.” He urged both sides to ensure that “the shared growth of the Republic of Korea and Singapore extends beyond Asia, thus ushering in a great new ‘Age of AI Exploration’ and assume leadership in setting the course for the global AI industry.”

The event brought together approximately 150 participants, including AI entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and researchers from both countries who are active in the global market – such as Grab CTO Su Ten Thomas, National University of Singapore (NUS) Professor Bryan Low, Elice Group CEO Kim Jaewon, and Korea AI & Software Industry Association President Cho Joonhee. The participants also included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing the Singaporean government as well as officials from government institutions and industry stakeholders such as the Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) and SGTech.

At this event, startup CEOs, investors and researchers from both countries shared their experiences about practical applications of AI technology and shared ideas on ways to foster cooperation. Participants reached a consensus on the importance of collaboration through talent exchanges and joint research. They also discussed ways to create an investment ecosystem and forge business partnerships between companies that aim to enter the global market together.

Launched to mark President Lee’s State Visit to Singapore, the Korea–Singapore AI Alliance will serve as an open cooperation framework for a diverse range of stakeholders – from startups to large corporations, from young researchers to world-renowned scholars – who are committed to advancing the development of AI in both countries. In addition, practical cooperation will be pursued to further facilitate bilateral business exchanges.

Seven Memoranda of Understanding on joint AI research and business cooperation in future industries such as autonomous driving and public safety, adopted on the occasion of President Lee’s visit, are expected to serve as a driving force for Korean companies to leverage Singapore as a base to expand their business opportunities throughout Southeast Asia.

In his closing remarks, President Lee stated, “I am confident that if Korea’s outstanding AI technology is backed by Singapore’s status as a global hub, this will create a significant turning point, broadening the horizons of the Asian AI ecosystem.” He added, “Today’s meeting should not be a one-time exchange. Rather, Korea and Singapore should chart a shared future of growth through sustainable solidarity.”