Ministry Launches 'Arm School' to Train 1,400 Semiconductor and AI Experts

Strategic Collaboration to Boost Semiconductor and AI Talent

The government has announced an ambitious initiative to cultivate 1,400 semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) professionals over the next five years. This effort will be carried out in partnership with Arm, a leading British semiconductor design company. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources revealed this plan on the 5th, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Arm. The agreement aims to strengthen Korea's semiconductor and AI industries by fostering closer ties between the country, SoftBank Group Corp., and Arm.

This collaboration was discussed during a meeting that included President Lee Jae-myung, SoftBank Group Corp. Chairman Masayoshi Son, and Arm CEO Rene Haas. The MoU highlights the shared vision of enhancing cooperation among these key players in the future. Arm, which is a major shareholder in SoftBank, holds approximately 90% of its shares. This strategic alliance underscores the importance of global partnerships in advancing technological capabilities.

Establishing the Arm School for Talent Development

As part of the agreement, the ministry plans to establish a provisional 'Arm School' in collaboration with Arm. This initiative will focus on cultivating around 1,400 semiconductor and AI professionals from next year through 2030. The program will emphasize technical training, research, and innovation to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the industry.

In addition to talent development, the two parties have committed to promoting technology exchange, strengthening the ecosystem, and enhancing university collaborations. To facilitate these efforts, they have agreed to form a working group that will oversee the implementation of the MoU and explore detailed measures to achieve tangible results.

Strengthening Korea’s Competitiveness in Key Sectors

The government believes that this partnership with Arm will significantly enhance Korea’s competitiveness in system semiconductor sectors such as fabless and foundry, where the country has traditionally been considered weaker. Arm, as the world’s leading computer design platform, serves as a customer base for global tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, as well as major semiconductor companies including Samsung, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm.

By leveraging Arm’s expertise, the government hopes to build a strong foundation for Korea’s future in the AI semiconductor industry. This collaboration is expected to provide domestic professionals with access to cutting-edge knowledge and resources, enabling them to contribute effectively to the country’s technological advancement.

Building a Global Cooperative Foundation

Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Kim Jung-kwan emphasized the significance of the MoU, stating, “Through this memorandum of understanding, we have laid the foundation for nurturing key personnel who will be responsible for the future of our AI semiconductor industry.” He added, “We will do our best to build a cooperative foundation with world-class global companies in preparation for the future AI era.”

This initiative reflects a broader strategy to position Korea as a leader in the global semiconductor and AI landscape. By investing in human capital and fostering international partnerships, the government is taking proactive steps to ensure long-term growth and innovation in critical technological fields.

Future Steps and Collaborative Efforts

Looking ahead, the working group established under the MoU will play a crucial role in implementing the agreement and identifying specific actions to drive progress. This includes exploring opportunities for joint research, developing educational programs, and creating platforms for knowledge sharing.

The collaboration between the Korean government and Arm represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming a global hub for semiconductor and AI innovation. With a clear focus on talent development and strategic partnerships, Korea is well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the evolving tech landscape.