SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won advocates for experimental education in AI era

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has emphasized that in the era of artificial intelligence, the role of universities and the nature of labor must fundamentally change. Speaking on the EBS program ‘Great Minds,’ Chey suggested that universities should transition from spaces of mere knowledge acquisition to environments for experimentation and problem-solving.

Chey stated that a university degree is no longer a necessity, noting that individuals who have actively engaged with and solved organizational or social problems will be more competent than those who rely solely on formal credentials. He identified six essential qualities for future talent: problem-solving ability, the capacity to ask questions, critical thinking, empathy, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace failure.

Regarding the labor market, Chey predicted an increase in individual autonomy, where workers choose projects and companies rather than being strictly employed by a single entity. He also expressed a desire to pursue entrepreneurship if he were in his 20s again, focusing on solving major societal challenges such as food security, environmental issues, or low birth rates using AI tools.