Speaker │ Dhiraj Mukherjee Co-Founder of Shazam; Tech Investor
Co-founder of Shazam, Dhiraj built the service into a global brand with over 2 billion downloads before its acquisition by Apple for about $400 million.
Since then, he has become an international keynote speaker on AI, adaptable leadership, climate action, and the future workforce, while investing in more than 250 innovative companies including OpenAI. With his experience advising leading global corporations and his vision as a “Tech for Good” investor, he offers leadership insights that help create future inflection points.
His perspectives combine inspiration and practical advice, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
Speaker │ Yanghee Choi President of Hallym University; Former Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning
President Yanghee Choi graduated from the Department of Electronic Engineering at Seoul National University, earned a master’s in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from KAIST, and received a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the National School of Telecommunications (ENST), France.
Professor Choi served for over 30 years in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Seoul National University; appointments include Visiting Scientist at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center (U.S.), Head of the Data Communications Research Laboratory at ETRI, and Director of the ICT Standards Research Center.
Choi was the inaugural Dean of the Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology at SNU, Director of the Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, and Founding Chair of the AI Committee. From 2014 to 2017, Choi served as Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning, overseeing national science, technology, and ICT policy. Additional roles include Inaugural Chair of the Samsung Science & Technology Foundation, President of KIISE, and Founding Chair of the Future Internet Forum. Choi was inaugurated as the 11th President of Hallym University and reappointed as the 12th President in 2025. Honors include the Test-of-Time Award, the Order of Science and Technology Merit (Progress Medal), the Korea Internet Award, the Internet Technology Award, and the Baeknam Engineering Award.
Moderator │ Sangki Han CEO of TechFrontier
Graduated from the Department of Computer Science at Seoul National University, and earned a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from KAIST, specializing in knowledge representation. After working in the Strategic Planning Office and Media Services Business Division at Samsung Electronics, overseeing internet business strategy, served as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and Head of the Japan Office at Daum Communications from 2003. Founded two startups, taught at KAIST and Sejong University, and has led Tech Frontier as CEO since 2011.
Currently provides technology strategy consulting for enterprises, conducts policy advisory and research for government, and delivers lectures on the relationship between technology and society. Research activities include projects on technological frameworks for AI ethics and trustworthy artificial intelligence, and contributions of technology-related columns to media outlets such as Slow News.
Public-sector activities include serving as General Planning Committee Chair for the AI Data Roadmap (for national AI dataset development) and Planning Committee Member for the AI Grand Challenge. Publications include 'AI War 2.0', 'The Age of AGI', 'AI War', 'ChatGPT: Opportunity or Crisis? (co-authored)', and 'Trustworthy AI'.
Speaker │ Ogata Tetsuya Chairperson of AI Robot Association (AIRoA), Japan; Professor of Waseda University, Japan
Professor Tetsuya Ogata is a pioneer in robotics and artificial intelligence with over 30 years of experience, making groundbreaking contributions to robot emotion modeling, cognitive developmental robotics, and deep predictive learning.
After earning his Ph.D. at Waseda University, he has conducted extensive research at institutions such as the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and RIKEN. His work in human-robot interaction (HRI) introduced a psychological approach to linking robots' emotional expressions with hardware states. Furthermore, by applying deep learning for predictive learning, he has innovated how robots interact with flexible materials and adapt to their environments.
Professor Ogata's research is paving the way for the future of human-robot emotional recognition and interaction.
Speaker │ Sangho Yi CEO and Founder at Mand.ro Co. Ltd.
In January 2015, Sangho Lee, CEO of Mand.ro, began developing a myoelectric prosthetic hand after reading an online story about a man of his own age who had lost both hands.
At that time, Lee had little knowledge about prosthetics, and the first development process introduced him to many new challenges. The most serious issue he discovered was the extremely high cost of existing electronic prosthetic hands — a barrier so significant that 99.9% of upper-limb amputees could not even consider using one.
In this seminar, Lee will share his 10-year journey of designing and producing a wide range of prosthetic hands, developed with the goal of bringing the price down from that of a car to that of a household appliance or smartphone. He will also discuss how this work has evolved into the current development of robotic hands and humanoid robot technology, and offer insights into what new technologies must be pursued next in the field of robotic hands, based on his direct experience.
Speaker │ Jonggun Park CEO of Circulus Inc.
Jonggun Park is the founder and CEO of Circulus, an AI robotics company leading an on-device intelligence platform for the emerging era of Physical AI.
Circulus has been recognized for its global technological competitiveness through selection to the NVIDIA Inception Program and Intel Ingenious Program, and has attracted industry attention by securing startup acceleration from Samsung Electronics and strategic investment from Hyundai Motor Company.
Today, Circulus is developing a robot “brain” that integrates language, vision, and speech intelligence to enable robots to think and act autonomously—advancing a future in which humans and robots live and work together.
Moderator │ Chan Lee Professor, Seoul National University
Professor Chan Lee is a leading expert in Human Resource Development (HRD) and organizational development in Korea. As Vice Dean of the School of Transdisciplinary Innovations and professor in the Department of Vocational Education and Workforce Development at Seoul National University, he combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience in career development, organizational development, and performance management.
Holding a Ph.D. from Ohio State University, Professor Lee's career includes roles at LG Electronics USA and LEGO Korea. He has served as Chair of the ATD Korea Summit, Dean of Seoul National University's Extension College and Educational Training Institute, and Director of its Career Development Center.
Currently, Professor Lee advises the National Assembly Digital Campus, chairs the Korea HR Summit, and presides over the Korean Association for Creativity. At Seoul National University, he teaches organizational development, job analysis, performance management, and leadership courses.
Professor Lee actively contributes to major corporations and institutions through lectures and research on leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational culture. Continuing his dedication to advancing HRD research and education, Professor Lee remains a significant influencer in the field both in Korea and internationally. His publications include "This is My First Career Path," "Human Resource Development," and "Vocational Education and Training Policies in Korea."
Speaker │ James Wang Professor of Aircraft Design and Director of eVTOL Research Center, Nanyang Technological University
Dr. James Wang is an internationally renowned expert in Advanced Air Mobility, manned/unmanned eVTOL aircraft and helicopter designing and operation.
His expertise spans across technology and business in the aviation and eVTOL industry and his advice is highly sought after. In 2013, WIRED Magazine named him “the Steve Jobs of Rotorcraft” for inventing the world’s first all-electric VTOL technology demonstrator aircraft – the AgustaWestland Project Zero.
Dr. Wang has held several executive leadership positions, including as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Customer Services, and as Vice President of Research and Technology at Leonardo Helicopters; and at Sikorsky Aircraft worked on numerous famous helicopter designs and engineering programs, and led Strategic Sales. He is a professor and the Director of the eVTOL Research & Innovation Center at Nanyang Technological University. He has been invited as a guest lecturer at Stanford University and a guest professor at Seoul National University.
He received his bachelor degrees in Aeronautics and in Electrical Engineering from M.I.T., a master’s from M.I.T. Sloan Business School and a PhD in rotorcraft design from the University of Maryland. He holds numerous patents and major international awards, including Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, UTC Gold Mead Award, VFS Honorary Fellow, AHS Grover Bell Award, AHS Fellow, M.I.T. Luis de Florez Award, NASA Research Award, Finmeccanica Innovation Gold Award, Italian National Innovation Grand Prize, and the coveted Royal Aeronautical Society Gold Team Award.
Speaker │ Jeong-il Kim Vice President, SK Telecom
Jeong-il, Kim holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Yonsei University (2001) and a master's degree in business administration from Seoul National University (2010), and joined SK Telecom in 2001.
Since 2001, He had been developing the marketing strategies for SK Telecom’s core biz, called MNO(Mobile Network Operator) and also developing & implementing the various new biz entry strategies as well as operation such as satellite DMB(Digital Media Broadcast), new distribution biz and Cloud biz.
He also established company-wide strategies such as spin-off between SK Telecom and SK Planet, cloud MSP(Managed Service Provider) business investment.
He is currently in charge of SK Telecom’s UAM Business, responsible for SK Telecom UAM demonstration projects and commercialization, and also in charge of central government/local government cooperation, business alliances with external partners, and various business development tasks related to UAM.
Speaker │ Min Chul Jung Head of Innovative Air Mobility Office, Korea Airport Corporation
Mr. Jung has more than 20 years of experience in Airport Operation, Construction, and Strategy planning in aviation field.
Currently Mr. Jung announced the concept of VertiHub in Gimpo international airport, based on current aviation, construction, and other relevant law while implementing UAM ground infrastructure construction strategy.
The Gimpo Airport Vertiport is now moving forward with the permitting process after successfully completing the National feasibility study.
In addition, Mr. Jung is developing a UAM Traffic management system that uses the same sky corridor as helicopter.
Mr. Jung got a Ph. D in Aviation Management.
Moderator │ Doowon Cha CEO, Sonnet.ai
Dr. Cha, a certified professional engineer specialized in human factors, is also a general member of the National Academy of Engineering in Korea. His expertise spans R&D, policy, and strategy development in areas such as human-machine interface, autonomous driving, and mobility. He has amassed experience at notable institutions and companies, including Hyundai MOBIS, the Korea Institute of S&T Planning and Evaluation, Hyundai Motor Group, 42dot, and the CHA Mobility Research Institute.
In addition to his professional roles, Dr. Cha contributes to various policy, strategy, and regulatory committees affiliated with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Prime Minister's Office. He is an accomplished author, with works such as The Future of Mobility and Post-Mobility to his name. Currently, he serves as the CEO of sonnet.ai, an autonomous driving company.
Speaker │ Annette Hicks Strategic Lead Client Executive, Oracle Health
Annette is a healthcare digital expert with over 20 years’ experience in healthcare Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with experience that spans both clinical & ICT. In her early career Annette worked as a clinician within the public health sector in Australia. Transitioned into Healthcare ICT developing proven record in strategy, clinical analyst, business and solution development, clinical research, service delivery, project management, product management and training. She has had a key interest in the supporting adoption of the newer technologies in healthcare sector especially artificial intelligence and have worked across ANZ and Asia Pacific region with clinicians and health organisations doing so.
In IBM Watson Health as clinical advisor supporting client engagements and the business development focusing on innovative technologies in healthcare including Watson Health Portfolio of applications powered by AI gave her the opportunity to experience AI adoption across the region. Now having joined Oracle Health she is involved in the modernization of digital systems underpinned by Generative AI and the potential impact on clinical practice.
Annettes qualifications include General Nursing, Operating Room Nursing, Bachelor’s in Science (microbiology & Biochemistry) and Health Administration as well as Masters in Business Administration and Commercial Law.
As part of her voluntary work Annette is chair of WADAC Board a Not-for-Profit Alcohol and Drug residential rehabilitation service for women.
Moderator │ Hyeonmin Bae Vice president, Institute for startup KAIST
Hyeon-Min Bae received the B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, in 1998 and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA, in 2001 and 2004, respectively.
Since 2009, he has been on the faculty of the electrical engineering at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea. He has served on the wireline subcommittee of International Solid-State Circuit Conference (ISSCC) from 2014 to 2019 and has served as a Distinguished lecturer of IEEE Solid-State Circuit Society from 2017 to 2019. Dr. Bae received the Excellence Award from the National Academy of Engineering of Korea and KAIST Top 10 research award in 2013 and the 2006 IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits Best Paper Award.
From 2021 to 2022, he served as a director for intellectual property and technology transfer center at KAIST and currently Dr. Bae serves as the vice president of institute for startup KAIST since 2023.
Dr. Bae is a serial entrepreneur who founded Intersymbol communications and Point2 technology in the US and Terasquare, OBELAB and Barreleye in Korea.
Speaker │ Mark Maslin Pro-Vice Provost of the Climate Crisis Grand Challenge, University College London
Mark Maslin FRGS, FRSA is a Professor of Earth System Science at UCL and the Natural History Museum of Denmark. He is joint Pro-Vice-Provost of the UCL Climate Crisis Grand Challenge. UCL is ranked 9th in the world out of 1,300 universities, with 16,000 staff and £3 billion of research grants under management. UCL covers all aspects of the climate and environmental crisis and Professor Maslin’s current role is the co-ordinate all this work and engage with external partners to ensure this research and knowledge makes a real difference.
Professor Maslin is also Strategy Advisor to Lansons, Net Zero Now, Sheep Inc and CSR Board member of Sopra Steria. He has also been a Specialist Adviser for the UK Parliament on climate change and security. Mark also co-founded and ran an AI GeoAnalytics company Rezatec Ltd from 2012 to 2023. In 2023 Onalytica ranked him the Number One Global Sustainability thought leader and influencer.
Professor Maslin is a leading scientist with particular interest in understanding the solutions to climate change and the other major challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. He has published over 200 papers in journals such as Science, Nature, and The Lancet. He has received research, consultancy and training funding worth over £75m from government, charities, NGOs and the private sector.
Mark has written 10 books and over 100 popular articles – with his contributions on The Conversation have been read nearly 6 million times. He regularly appears on radio and television, including BBC One David Attenborough’s ‘Climate Change: the facts.’ His books include ‘Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction’ (2021), ‘The Cradle of Humanity’ (2019), ‘The Human Planet’ with Simon Lewis (2018/2022) and his latest book is ‘How to save our planet: the facts’ (2021).
Speaker │ Jiyun Gim President, Green Environment Youth Korea
Since 2014, Jiyun Gim has served as the president of GEYK (Green Environment Youth Korea), overseeing and leading the organization. She has focused on launching various campaigns to inspire individual action and engaging on climate and environment policies at national and regional level. She has collaborated with international youth on climate crisis solutions and represented Korean youth at the Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP). Her roles include working with civil societies, serving as an environmental consultant for the World Bank, and building a career in climate finance investment. Since 2019, as head of the Climate and Environment Division in the Seoul Youth Policy Network, she contributed to the Seoul Nanum Car EV Subsidy Policy (May 2020) and the Ordinance Amendment Proposal by the Seoul City Bank (May 2021).
She has been appointed as a compliance inspector for the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, and also serves as a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Commission.
She was honored to be selected as one of the "100 Next Generation Leaders" by Sisa Journal in 2022 and received the Individual Grand Prize at the H.eco Awards hosted by the Herald the same year. In 2024, GEYK was awarded the Seoul City Environmental Grand Prize and received a Commendation for Environmental Education from the Ministry of Environment.
Moderator │ SungHyun Nam Professor, Seoul National University
Dr. SungHyun Nam is a professor at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University. He has been primarily working on research and education with a focus on ocean observations as a sea-going scientist. After earning his bachelor's (1999), master's (2001), and doctoral (2006, PhD) degrees, he worked for the Agency for Defense Development (2006-2008) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, CA, USA (2008-2014), participating in research projects on naval systems, climate, and marine ecosystems. He has experienced research cruises over 70 times in total, investigating marine environments in seas around the Korean Peninsula, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and coastal seas around Western Antarctica, and has published more than 90 journal articles. He was selected as an awardee for Excellent Teaching (2018), Outstanding Research (2020), and Excellent Education (2023) from the College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University. He has served as the Secretary-General of the Korean Society of Oceanography (2022-2023), a Founding Member of the Young-Korean Academy of Science and Technology (2017-2019), an Associate Member of the Korean Academy of Marine Science (2024-), and a member (and/or governmental representative) on panels or committees of international marine science organizations/programs/reports such as PICES and UNESCO/IOC. In addition to academic publications in his specialized field, he has authored more than 10 Korean books and supervised several books for the general public. Dr. Nam has appeared on Korean TV programs multiple times to enhance communication with the general public on Earth environmental issues, such as climate change, natural disasters, marine pollution, etc.