Naver CEO Calls for AI Data Center Support at APEC

GYEONGJU, South Korea – Naver Corp Chief Executive Soo Yeon Choi advocated for government support for artificial intelligence data centers during a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit on Wednesday.

Choi spoke for about ten minutes at the Gyeongju Arts Center in a session focused on AI data center development.

Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman and Meta Vice President Simon Milner also spoke in the session.

Choi stated that Naver has developed an AI infrastructure that includes data centers, models, and services. Naver operates its own data centers for AI development.

The company, which started as a search engine 25 years ago, now operates commerce, payment, and local services businesses.

"AI data centers serve as core infrastructure for connecting the digital ecosystem," Choi said.

The South Korean government is implementing tax incentives for AI data centers, streamlining administrative procedures, and easing location regulations, according to Choi.

The government and the National Assembly are working on legislation to provide financial and administrative support for AI data centers, according to Choi.

Choi identified power consumption and environmental concerns as challenges for the development of AI data centers.

Choi also spoke Tuesday at the APEC Future Tech Forum on Naver's AI infrastructure development.

The APEC CEO Summit runs through Oct. 31 with approximately 1,700 participants, including government leaders from APEC member economies and corporate executives.

The summit includes 20 sessions on topics such as semiconductors, supply chains, digital healthcare, hydrogen technology, and carbon policy.