KT to collaborate with Microsoft on AI, cloud innovation

KT CEO Kim Young-shub, left, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella pose after a signing ceremony at Microsoft’s headquarters in the U.S. state of Washington. [KT]

KT, a major Korean mobile carrier, signed a deal with Microsoft to collaborate on the advancement of AI and cloud business, the company said on Tuesday.

The duo will co-lead research and development (R&D) projects in the AI and cloud sectors, including related Korean-language services, an innovation center and talent fostering.

A detailed guideline of the two companies’ partnership will be disclosed by September. Using Microsoft’s technology, KT aims to envelop sovereign cloud and AI services in the public and finance sector to lead the Korean market.

A sovereign cloud operates in compliance with the local laws of each country regarding data storage requirements, information collection and data access.

KT’s CEO, Kim Young-shub, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella participated in the signing ceremony at Microsoft’s headquarters in the U.S. state of Washington on Monday.

“After six months of in-depth discussions since the end of last year, we are pleased that KT’s extensive domestic business experience can be combined with Microsoft’s technological prowess to enable us to become competitive AI partners in Korea,” Kim said in a statement. “Through comprehensive collaboration with Microsoft, we will swiftly respond to market changes and strive to set a milestone in Korea’s digital innovation.”

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]