SK AIGEN unveiled for younger generation

Program designed to develop talent for the AI age

Participants identify and solve real-world problems across fields

Monthly stipend of 3 million won provided over two years

Unconditional support reflects 'talent for the nation' philosophy

Chey Tae-won: 'Holistic capabilities matter in the AI era'

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won (center) speaks at the closing session of the 2026 Ulsan Forum held at the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, last month. [SK Group]
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won (center) speaks at the closing session of the 2026 Ulsan Forum held at the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, last month. [SK Group]

SK Group has launched a new talent development program as part of a broader push to reform education for the AI era. As AI advances, the importance of developing differentiated technology grows, and SK Group is expected to accelerate its efforts to cultivate talent in new ways under its longstanding "talent for the nation" philosophy.

Full-time, two-year program open to ages 19 to 34

SK Group announced Monday the launch of AIGEN, a two-year non-degree program. The name combines "AI" and "Generation," symbolizing today's younger generation that has grown up with AI.

AIGEN operates on a full-time basis over two years. Its defining feature is a project-first approach modeled on real corporate environments, where participants build skills by tackling actual challenges rather than completing coursework before applying it. SK Group is also partnering with Seoul National University's AI institute to further develop the program.

In the first year, participants plan and carry out projects aimed at solving problems facing individuals, businesses and society. The second year is structured around each participant's career or project goals, with hands-on experience gained by working through real challenges in relevant settings. SK Group plans to connect participants with mentors and specialists to support their efforts.

To help participants focus on their pursuits, SK Group will provide a monthly growth stipend of 3 million won ($2,240) throughout the two-year program, along with skills training, individual and team project mentoring, and workspace. No obligations are imposed on participants after the program ends, though SK Group does not guarantee employment at any specific company or award academic degrees.

AIGEN is open to applicants between the ages of 19 and 34 who can commit to the full-time two-year curriculum. MySUNI, SK Group's talent development platform overseeing the program, will select participants who demonstrate a drive to identify and solve problems across a range of fields.

Applications for the inaugural cohort will be accepted from Nov. 1 through Nov. 15. Following a selection process, about 50 young talents will be chosen by late December. The first cohort is set to begin in March next year. SK Group plans to recruit participants annually and build AIGEN into its flagship talent development program for the AI era.

"SK Group prepared AIGEN to support young people who want to develop the capabilities needed for the AI era," said Park Sang-gyu, president of MySUNI. "We plan to select participants every year and establish AIGEN as SK Group's signature talent development program."

A 'new way' in talent development, following the end of education requirements in hiring

SK Group developed AIGEN under its "talent for the nation" philosophy — a principle of unconditional support for talent. Late SK Group Chairman Chey Jong-hyun founded the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies in 1974, covering the full cost of overseas study for scholarship recipients with no conditions attached beyond a call to serve the country and society.

Chairman Chey Tae-won has carried on that philosophy. Beyond providing unconditional support for talent, Chey has rolled up his sleeves to cultivate AI talent as a means of strengthening national competitiveness.

A prominent example came in June, when SK hynix announced the elimination of all educational requirements across its hiring process. Anyone can now apply and be hired regardless of academic background, as long as their experience, job competencies and cultural fit align with the company's needs — a move aimed at actively recruiting AI talent with strong potential.

"In the AI era, the training needed to quickly absorb knowledge and perform well on exams will be replaced by AI," Chey said in a televised lecture in May. "What matters is developing holistic capabilities — the ability to adapt to diverse changes and keep multiple options open."


yeongdai@heraldcorp.com