Seoul, Oct 28 (NationPress) The preliminary sessions of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit commenced on Tuesday in the South Korean city of Gyeongju. This event has attracted around 1,700 participants from across the globe, engaging in in-depth discussions about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and the energy transition, among other critical topics.

On the eve of the official opening, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) organized a welcome reception for renowned global business leaders. Here, they will share insights on pressing global challenges, including AI, digital currency, carbon neutrality, and supply chain issues, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.

Notable figures attending this year’s APEC CEO Summit include Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman, Google’s Chief Marketing Officer for Asia Pacific Simon Kahn, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, and Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato.

From South Korea, influential leaders such as Chey Tae-won, the SK Group chief and KCCI chair, Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, Euisun Chung, executive chair of Hyundai Motor Group, and Koo Kwang-mo, chairman of LG Group, are also present.

The welcome reception on Tuesday evening saw attendance from Samsung Electronics President Park Seung-hee, SK On Co. Vice Chairman Yu Jeong-joon, Hyundai Motor Co. President Sung Kim, Naver Corp. CEO Choi Soo-yeon, and Simon Kahn, among others.

Public sector representatives were also present, including South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue, and Malaysian Ambassador to Korea Dato' Mohd Zamruni Khalid.

The Future Tech Forum, an official side event of the CEO summit, also occurred on Tuesday, featuring an AI-centered forum organized by SK Group, a retail economy forum, and another event, K-Tech Showcase, highlighting AI, mobility, robotics, and display technologies from Korean companies.

The APEC CEO Summit is set to officially commence on Wednesday at the Gyeongju Arts Center under the theme "Bridge, Business, Beyond,” with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivering a special address.

The summit will include nine sessions on AI, finance, the cultural industry, digital currency, and carbon neutrality on the first day; six sessions on supply chains, semiconductors, digital health, and hydrogen on Thursday; and five sessions on data centers, healthcare, and the energy transition on Friday.

According to KCCI chair Chey, "Korea, celebrated for its innovation and vibrant economy, is the perfect venue for this year’s discussions on critical issues such as energy transition, digital transformation, and trade." He added, "As the APEC region encounters a crucial juncture amidst geopolitical changes and industry transformations, we will collectively explore ways to promote sustainable growth and unlock future prosperity."