[Unofficial Translation]

It is a pleasure to meet ASEAN’s young innovators. As I entered this venue, I could truly sense the passionate enthusiasm of the young people here who are representing ten ASEAN member states. I am envious and proud of you as you are armed with the spirit to take on challenges and turn a variety of AI- and data-based innovative ideas into reality.

Innovation knows no borders. The government of the Republic of Korea intends to bring about innovation with all of you who are endowed with boundless potential. Over the next five years, we will continue to host AI development and start-up entrepreneurship competitions through a digital innovation flagship project worth US$30 million. Digital empowerment schools will be established in ten ASEAN member states to nurture young talents.

Moreover, the Republic of Korea and ASEAN will jointly collect data to address a global agenda with, and based on this, work together with you to develop innovative services through AI technology. I call on you to continue to work as hard as possible to overcome humanity’s common challenges, including education, healthcare and the digital divide.

The innovations you create together will contribute not only to your individual countries and ASEAN, but also to the expansion of freedom and an increase in the happiness of humanity as a whole as well as global prosperity. The government of the Republic of Korea and I will provide as much support as possible regardless of nationalities and borders, so your embrace of challenges and innovative ideas will reach the entire world. Thank you.