Samyang Chairman Kim Yoon Calls for AI as “Basic Infrastructure for R&D” and Stronger Commercialization Capabilities

[Financial News] Samyang Group Chairman Kim Yoon called for using artificial intelligence (AI) as basic infrastructure for research and development (R&D) and strengthening the links between R&D projects and the company’s mid- to long-term business strategy. He particularly stressed the need to focus capabilities on research with confirmed commercialization potential to enhance the competitiveness of its global and specialty businesses.
Samyang Group said on the 5th that it held the Samyang Innovation R&D Fair (SIRF) 2026 on the 4th at the Samyang Discovery Center in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province.
Now being held for the 15th time, SIRF is an event where the group’s research institutes share their R&D achievements and select outstanding projects. This year, seven research institutes took part, showcasing projects in fields including chemicals, food, biopharma and packaging.
Chairman Kim said, “We should provide technological support for upgrading our global and specialty business portfolio and continuously review and strengthen R&D priorities and core capabilities in line with our mid- to long-term business strategy,” adding, “I urge you to embed AI as basic infrastructure for R&D and build differentiated research competitiveness.”
He also stressed the need to focus capabilities on research with confirmed commercialization potential and identify new technologies in line with customer demand and changes in the industry.
Two projects received excellence awards: “Development of Compound Materials for Laser Welding” and “Development of Ion-Exchange Resins for Nuclear Power Plants.” Each research team received 30 million won in prize money.
Compound materials for laser welding are used to reduce heat damage when joining the plastic casings of precision electronic components. Materials developed by Samyang Group are currently used in automotive cameras and actuators (drive units) in Korea.
Ion-exchange resins for nuclear power plants remove impurities from reactor coolant and help prevent corrosion in piping. Samyang Group said it had developed a manufacturing process that reduces the amount of lithium raw material used and that it supplies the product to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
Research projects in seven thematic areas were also presented, including high-value-added engineering plastics, new materials for beauty and health, and gene therapies for pulmonary fibrosis.
[email protected] Kim Mi-hee Reporter