HUG produces 10 “AI champions,” up from 0 to 10 in a year

[Financial News] The Korea Housing & Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG) has achieved the feat of producing 10 “AI champions.”
According to HUG on the 26th, the certifications were awarded through the AI Champion Certification System, run by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The system aims to develop practical talent who can drive innovation by using AI directly in their work at administrative and public institutions. The government has set a target of training about 20,000 people between 2025 and 2030, equivalent to about 2% of all employees at administrative and public institutions. The certification levels are based on proficiency. Green denotes the ability to use AI technology to develop detailed policies and services, while Blue denotes the ability to go beyond design and build and operate actual services. Those certified at the highest, “Black,” level receive extra points in performance reviews for the advanced science and technology talent track under the Grade 5 Early Promotion System.
The increase in certified employees is thanks to expanded training. The head of HUG took the lead in setting an AX vision and strategy and establishing an organization-wide direction for AI transformation. HUG has provided training in stages, including basic AI competency and AI ethics, to improve employees’ ability to use AI. The 10 newly certified employees will take on the role of promoting AI use and workplace innovation across the organization.
Along with developing talent, HUG is also building an environment where AI can be used on the job. It is developing an AI-based workplace innovation platform and plans to introduce Works AI, a generative AI work-support platform, so employees can use AI for a range of tasks.
There have also been examples of AI being applied to actual work. HUG introduced an “AI automated analysis program” last September. The program cut the time needed to prepare basic materials for acquisition reviews of Dundeun Jeonse Housing by about 93%, from 2 minutes and 30 seconds to 10 seconds. HUG is positioning AX and the Jeonse-Wolse Safe Trust as the two pillars of its new business. The government is also continuing efforts to expand civil servants’ use of AI. 
HUG President Choi In-ho said, “The certification of 10 AI champions is the result of our sustained efforts to strengthen employees’ AI capabilities and establish an organization-wide foundation for AX.” He added, “We will continue to actively use AI across our work to transform the way we work and pursue AX that leads to tangible business results.”


[email protected] Jung Kyung-soo Reporter