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SK Telecom unveils ambitious plans to triple AI investment, targeting $18.5 billion in sales by 2028. CEO Ryu Young-sang envisions a booming AI sector, revealing a strategy involving infrastructure expansion, AIX transformation, and enhanced AI services, underscoring AI's significant role in the company's future valuation and market position.
The recent revolution in hyperscale AI, triggered by OpenAI's ChatGPT service, has raised some doubts about the feasibility of AI. However, with the industry rapidly evolving, SK Telecom CEO Ryu Young-sang emphasized that the market for AI businesses is just beginning to flourish. He believes now is the time for a gold rush in the AI sector.
By prioritizing AI, SK Telecom aims to enhance its market valuation. The company has invested significantly in AI services, technology, and infrastructure over the past five years.
Currently, 12 percent of its capital is dedicated to AI, a figure that Ryu plans to increase to 33 percent by 2028. This increased investment will help SK Telecom achieve its sales target of 25 trillion won by 2028, positioning the company as a valuable player in the market.
Ryu shared the company's comprehensive AI business strategy, built around three key pillars: AI infrastructure, AIX transformation, and AI services. This "AI Pyramid" approach will enable SK Telecom to transform and align its businesses with AI.
In terms of AI infrastructure, SK Telecom plans to expand AI data centers, develop AI semiconductors, and leverage large language models (LLMs). The company is set to release its latest AI chip, X330, later this year, directly competing with industry giant Nvidia.
Additionally, SK Telecom introduced its own LLM called A.X and expressed its intent to collaborate with AI partners such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and Konan Technology.
Adopting an inclusive approach, Ryu emphasized that the AI Pyramid strategy aims to bring new value to existing businesses by integrating AI services into their operations. The goal is to evolve without abandoning current ventures but embracing them alongside AI advancements.
Photo: Steve Johnson/Unsplash
