Busan, South Korea – Busan has taken center stage at CES 2025, the world’s largest technology exhibition held annually in Las Vegas. Led by Mayor Park Heong-joon, a delegation of 23 Busan-based companies participated in the global event, showcasing the city’s growing role as a hub for technological innovation and digital transformation.
On January 7, a Networking Day event highlighted the city’s efforts to connect local businesses with global investors and buyers. The gathering, which attracted over 100 participants, provided an opportunity for Busan’s companies to engage directly with venture capitalists, procurement specialists, and industry leaders. These interactions facilitated the exchange of ideas and opened doors for potential partnerships. For many of the attending companies, the event served as a crucial platform to establish their global presence.
Ahead of the Networking Day, Mayor Park addressed the MK CES Forum 2025, a marquee event hosted by the Maekyung Media Group, an official CES partner. Held at the Fontainebleau Hotel, the forum explored the theme “AI Transformation: Redefining the Future,” featuring keynote speeches from global technology leaders. Cisco’s Bryan Tippens discussed the role of emerging technologies in sustainability, Samsung Electronics’ Jung Jae-yeon presented insights into AI-powered smart homes, and Salesforce’s Nadia Hansen examined the productivity revolution driven by artificial intelligence. These discussions offered a comprehensive overview of the trends shaping the future of technology, aligning closely with Busan’s focus on AI-driven innovation.
During his address at the forum, Mayor Park emphasized Busan’s strategic commitment to digital transformation. Highlighting initiatives such as the city’s AI Center, AI-integrated manufacturing projects, and digital talent development programs, he underscored Busan’s readiness to adapt to the evolving demands of high-value industries. “Busan is accelerating its transition to a digital economy, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive sustainable growth,” Park stated, expressing gratitude to Maekyung Media Group for fostering dialogue on critical advancements in technology.
The city’s presence at CES 2025 underscores its broader ambition to establish itself as a leading global city for innovation. By leveraging its participation in such a high-profile event, Busan is not only elevating its international profile but also actively seeking investment opportunities and strategic collaborations that could reshape its economic landscape. The Networking Day, in particular, exemplified Busan’s proactive approach to bridging local enterprises with international markets, enabling them to build partnerships and attract investments that promise long-term benefits.
Busan’s involvement in CES comes at a pivotal moment as the city accelerates efforts to position itself as a forward-looking hub for advanced technologies. By integrating artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital transformation into its development strategy, Busan aims to create a robust ecosystem for innovation. Mayor Park’s leadership in fostering global connections reflects the city’s commitment to shaping a sustainable future through collaboration and technological advancement.
As CES 2025 concludes, the outcomes of Busan’s participation are expected to unfold in the coming months. Potential collaborations and investments stemming from these initiatives could solidify the city’s role as a dynamic player on the global stage. For Busan, this marks yet another step toward realizing its vision of becoming a global hub city at the forefront of technology and innovation.
