Microsoft Korea hosted the ‘Microsoft AI Tour in Seoul’ today at the aT Center in Yangjae, providing insights into AI technology to help developers and organizations transform the way they work and connect with new business opportunities.
The rapid development of AI technology has led to a global shortage of developers in areas where developing applications is essential. In particular, the rising cost of deploying AI, the need for greater data security, and the growing need for AI integration are putting pressure on developers. This is exacerbating the “App– gap” problem. In response, Microsoft is supporting the growth of the developer community by providing the tools to build AI apps regardless of the development platform, programming language, or level of coding experience.
Scott Hanselman, VP of the Microsoft Developer Community, who was in Korea for the event, engaged with business leaders across various industries, local developers, and engineers, underlining Microsoft’s dedication to supporting organizational growth and business development. He laid stress on the importance of AI as a creative tool capable of overcoming the constraints of traditional working practices.
In addition to in-depth insights from industry leaders, the keynote sessions featured demonstrations of the AI tools and strategies that are being used at the forefront of the developer community.
During the keynote session, Willy Cho, the CEO of Microsoft Korea, emphasized, “The perseverance, diligence, speed, and creativity, which are the national assets of Koreans, are propelling Korea to a leading position even amidst the new wave of change in the AI era.” He went on to say, “AI is driving significant changes in all industries worldwide, with developers at the forefront of these transformations.” Furthermore, he added, “Microsoft is committed to providing comprehensive support to empower developers in shaping a better future.”
Subsequently, he introduced the Korean version of Copilot for Microsoft 365, officially launched on the same day. Now, Korean users can efficiently perform tasks such as generating content and analyzing data using Korean commands through Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Customer stories of domestic companies leveraging Microsoft’s AI technology were also highlighted. In particular, LG Electronics and SK Innovation are at the forefront of driving domestic AI transformation by developing dependable applications that fulfill user needs through the Azure OpenAI Service.
After Willy Cho’s speech, Scott Hanselman continued by stating, “AI technology transcends mere technical utility; it serves as a vital catalyst for enhancing business outcomes through improved collaboration and the cultivation of innovative thinking within organizations.” He further remarked, “Developers worldwide leverage Microsoft’s generative AI and low-code tools to overcome technical barriers, empowering developers from diverse backgrounds to effortlessly create AI applications that realize their creative visions.”
He also introduced various AI tools and platforms aimed at enhancing developers’ productivity. Through demos of GitHub Copilot and Microsoft Copilot Studio, he explained how these technologies could be applied in real work environments. Additionally, he shared insights and prospects regarding Korean language processing AI technology.
After the keynote, attendees had a choice of sessions to suit their individual interests and technical needs. The breakout sessions provided knowledge and acknowledges for app development. The subsequent workshop sessions gave attendees hands-on experience implementing AI tools using their own devices. In addition, the Connection Hub featured 16 themed booths where experts provided in-depth advice tailored to attendee’s situation.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is running its AI Odyssey initiative through June 25th. Participants can further their careers as professional developers in the field of AI by earning a Microsoft Applied Skills Certification. In addition, Microsoft will work with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to launch the Seoul AI Hub, which will provide a variety of training and initiatives to strengthen the professional support and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
