KAIST and King Saud University have agreed to deepen their collaboration in artificial intelligence, seeking to establish themselves as key players in a domain currently dominated by the United States and China. The two institutions are in talks to launch a joint degree programme and co-develop an independent, open-source AI model.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting between KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung and Abdullah Al-Salman, President of King Saud University, held earlier this week. According to a KAIST statement released Friday, both leaders committed to forming a strategic partnership aimed at long-term AI innovation.
Central to this initiative is the establishment of a joint AI research centre, which will serve as the hub for collaborative development of an open AI model that is not dependent on the existing US or Chinese frameworks.
“With Saudi Arabia’s investment capabilities and KAIST’s technological innovation, alongside the remarkable talent present in both nations, we have a real opportunity to diversify the global AI ecosystem,” said KAIST President Lee. “Through joint research and the development of an independent AI model, we can establish our own competitive edge in a digital landscape currently led by major powers and expand our reach into markets such as the Middle East, North America, and ASEAN.”
In addition to research, both institutions discussed launching a joint degree programme, with a focus on increasing academic exchange and collaboration in science and engineering. This would include enhanced opportunities for student and faculty mobility, as well as shared research initiatives.
The universities plan to formalise the agreement through a memorandum of understanding in the near future. This will include the establishment of the AI research centre and the rollout of joint programmes designed to nurture globally competitive talent in AI and emerging technologies.
“Under our Vision 2030 framework, Saudi Arabia is focused on achieving technological transformation through open policy and strategic investment,” said King Saud University President Abdullah Al-Salman. “Our partnership with KAIST will serve as a practical cornerstone for building a regional AI ecosystem and enhancing our digital competitiveness.”
-Korea JoongAng Daily
