Public to give 'MOAI' a new name as MSIT opens brand-name contest

[Financial News] The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) will select a policy brand name and slogan through a public contest for its artificial intelligence (AI) service, 'MOAI,' which is scheduled to launch within the year. The aim is to boost interest and participation ahead of the official launch by inviting the public to propose names for the service.
MSIT said it will hold a contest for a policy brand name and slogan for 'MOAI' from the 26th through the 6th of next month.
'MOAI' is a project that aims to make services based on domestically developed AI models easy for everyone to use without hassle. On Aug. 28, MSIT selected three consortiums, including SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (SKT), Kakao Corp. and KT, to carry out the project. It is currently operating a beta service for people involved with the service and preparing for its official launch within the year.
The contest also reflects the project's purpose of providing an AI service for everyone in the brand-selection process. The categories are policy brand names of up to five characters and slogans of up to 20 characters. Entrants can submit online an explanation of up to 300 characters covering the meaning of their proposed name and slogan and the intent behind them.
Entries will be evaluated on criteria including policy relevance, usability and scalability, originality, clarity, and overall quality. The winning entries will be announced on the 16th of next month. A total of 5.5 million won in prize money will be awarded to six outstanding entries, including a 2 million won grand prize for one entry. Ten eligible entrants who do not win will also be selected by lottery to receive gift certificates worth 50,000 won each.
The selected brand name and slogan are planned for use on service screens and in external promotional materials, following discussions with the participating companies.
“We will actively incorporate the public’s suggestions and needs as we prepare and operate the service, and work with the public to build a convenient, high-quality service,” said Eom Yeol, head of MSIT’s Artificial Intelligence Policy Office.
[email protected] Choi Hye-rim Reporter