Korean employers are showing a strong willingness to incentivize the acquisition of advanced AI skills among job candidates, according to a recent survey conducted by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The study, which analyzed global AI trends and workforce capacity, revealed that employers in Korea are prepared to offer a pay raise of at least 18 percent to individuals equipped with enhanced AI skills and literacy.
Survey highlights employer demand and expectations
The survey, encompassing 15,000 respondents from across the Asia-Pacific region, including Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, provided insights into the evolving landscape of AI adoption in workplaces. In Korea alone, 511 employers and 1,652 employees participated, shedding light on the specific demands and expectations within the country’s workforce.
AWS’s client services director, Abhineet Kaul, emphasized that AI skills extend beyond mere coding proficiency. Employers seek individuals with a comprehensive understanding of AI, encompassing technical expertise and associative skills crucial in leveraging AI effectively in diverse organizational settings.
Generative AI poised for explosive growth in Korea
Generative AI emerged as a focal point in the survey findings, with expectations of significant growth in its adoption within Korean organizations. A striking 88 percent of employers and 84 percent of workers anticipate incorporating generative AI tools into their operations by 2028. This technology is anticipated to revolutionize various aspects of workflow, including automation of redundant tasks, enhancement of communication, skill acquisition, innovation, and productivity improvement.
Despite the growing emphasis on AI skills, Korean employers face challenges in recruiting and retaining talent proficient in AI literacy. While 64 percent prioritize hiring individuals with AI literacy, a staggering 88 percent find it challenging to identify suitable candidates. Moreover, 76 percent of employers lack the necessary knowledge to train their existing workforce in AI utilization, highlighting a pressing need for comprehensive upskilling initiatives.
In response to the evolving demands of the Korean workforce, AWS has intensified its efforts to equip individuals and organizations with AI-ready skills. Luke Anderson, AWS Managing Director, underscored the company’s commitment to facilitating skill development, citing the provision of AI-ready courses and training packages as pivotal initiatives. Since 2017, AWS has trained over 200,000 individuals in Korea alone and 8.3 million across the Asia-Pacific region on cloud technologies, with a continued focus on building an AI-ready workforce.
The survey by AWS underscores the growing significance of AI skills in the Korean job market, with employers recognizing the transformative potential of AI technologies. As organizations strive to embrace AI-enabled operations, the demand for individuals proficient in AI literacy is expected to rise exponentially. Addressing the skills gap through comprehensive training and upskilling initiatives will be imperative to harnessing the full potential of AI and driving innovation and competitiveness in the Korean workforce.
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