SK Group Unveils AI Factory Plan in Japan

The SK Group intends to develop an advanced artificial intelligence-focused data center named 'AI Factory' in Japan. This represents the initial concrete plan of the SK Group to set up a cutting-edge AI data center abroad. The company aims to partner with NVIDIA to create top-tier AI systems within Japan, and at the same time, does not exclude Japan from being considered for further chip manufacturing plants.

During an interview with Nikkei in Tokyo on the 10th, SK Group CEO Chey Tae-won mentioned, "Our intention is to build an artificial intelligence-focused data center named 'AI Factory' in Japan, aiming for completion between 2028 and 2029."

The AI Factory denotes a data center specifically designed for artificial intelligence tasks, focusing on both model training and prediction using data. It leverages SK's high-bandwidth memory (HBM) along with NVIDIA's graphic processing units (GPUs) to deliver strong computing capabilities while reducing energy usage.

Earlier, SK had unveiled plans to establish the first AI factory in South Korea in 2027, aiming to scale up to the gigawatt (GW) level, and then broaden the operations across Asia. This interview indicated that Japan will serve as the initial international site.

As reported by Nikkei, the AI data center planned for construction in Japan will involve partnerships with domestic firms. Detailed talks are currently taking place with an aim to start functioning between 2028 and 2029.

Even though the exact investment amount remains undisclosed, the plant is anticipated to possess a power generation capability at the gigawatt level, comparable to the energy needs of a large urban center. SK is presently searching for potential locations that offer sufficient area and reliable electrical supply.

Chairman Chey stated that this data center will not merely assist Japanese businesses in boosting AI-driven efficiency but will also demonstrate SK's advanced chip technology.

In the meantime, Chairman Chey mentioned that the growth of the artificial intelligence sector is intensifying discrepancies between supply and demand for memory chips, referring to the chip scarcity as "a very critical issue."

He mentioned that SK is speeding up the increase in production capabilities. At present, the company is building the world's biggest semiconductor complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, aiming to finish the facility several years earlier than initially planned.

Chairman Chey also mentioned that should more expansion be required later, the firm might explore establishing manufacturing facilities abroad. On Japan, he noted, "It boasts a dense cluster of semiconductor equipment and materials firms, with all essential supporting systems available," describing it as a "highly promising location."

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Sam Altman Meets Samsung and Kakao in Seoul Visit

Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, is set to arrive in South Korea on Sunday, the 14th, for a brief stay spanning one night and two days. This will be his first visit in eight months, following his previous trip in October. After Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, recently made a stop in the country where he engaged in discussions about physical AI with several firms, Sam Altman's upcoming visit has sparked assessments that South Korea's impact within the worldwide technology sector continues to increase.

Throughout his brief trip, Sam Altman is set to present an internal talk at Samsung Electronics and hold discussions with Kakao about broadening their AI partnership. Altman is expected to leave on the evening of the 15th.

As per the technology sector, Samsung Electronics is completely implementing three artificial intelligence platforms — ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude — throughout its business activities, with the broadest implementation of ChatGPT Enterprise. This prompted Sam Altman to visit Samsung Electronics directly for a presentation. An insider in the tech field mentioned, "Of the three AI tools utilized by Samsung’s DX (finished product) department, ChatGPT sees the greatest use. All worldwide staff within the DX unit utilize ChatGPT, approximately 50% employ Gemini, and Claude is accessed solely via APIs."

Sam Altman will subsequently meet with Kakao's leadership team, such as Representative Chung Shin-a, to explore enhancing AI cooperation. In February of last year, OpenAI and Kakao established a strategic alliance centered around incorporating ChatGPT into Kakao's primary services. At this gathering, both parties anticipate concentrating on improving the connection between KakaoTalk's conversation environment and ChatGPT.

Altman is also expected to engage with local businesses utilizing ChatGPT Enterprise and discuss matters with companies involved in AI infrastructure. Nevertheless, he is not likely to meet with Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, or Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group. Lee is presently traveling for business purposes in Europe, and his schedule does not coincide with that of Chairman Chey.

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Leadway Empowers the Future Female Tech Leaders

The Leadway Group has once again expressed its dedication to promoting inclusivity, creativity, and the growth of female talents within the tech industry. This pledge was emphasized during the Engineer Her Future 1.0 Conference, hosted by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Lagos State Chapter, held on June 5, 2026 in Lagos.

The event gathered top female tech experts, business executives, pioneers, and promising young women, such as high school students, for discussions aimed at generating enthusiasm for tech professions and providing future female professionals with the skills, self-assurance, and motivation required to thrive in a more digitized society.

During the conference's panel discussions, Ayomide Shodipo, Engineering Lead from the Leadway Group, collaborated with other prominent figures in the field to discuss strategies for women to succeed in the tech sector, develop rewarding careers, and adopt new innovations. With open conversations and actionable guidance, the panel members inspired female students and early-career professionals to seek out possibilities in STEM disciplines and chase their goals with self-assurance.

During the event, Shodipo emphasized the significance of establishing channels that introduce young women to tech opportunities at an early age. "At Leadway, we feel that real advancement starts with offering chances for the younger generation to discover what’s achievable. Backing Engineer Her Future reflects our dedication to enabling youth, especially girls, with the motivation, visibility, and resources required to enter fields in technology and creativity. Through funding such initiatives, we're helping individuals achieve their dreams while also aiding in building a more open, varied, and forward-thinking labor force in Nigeria."

Leadway's support for Engineer Her Future 1.0 demonstrates the Group's wider dedication to promoting programs that enhance education, creativity, young people's growth, diversity, and the advancement of women. With its woman-centered network, Herssured, Leadway has established key alliances with projects led by women like She Leads Africa and Heels and Tech. These joint efforts seek to offer women the tools, chances, and supportive conditions required to succeed in different areas of life. By consistently offering platforms that uplift women, Leadway continues to focus on fostering long-term societal and financial progress.

Leadway Group stands among Nigeria's top non-financial institutions offering various financial services, including insurance, investment management, retirement plans, health care, and additional monetary solutions designed to assist both people and companies in reaching their objectives. Having built up an experience of more than half a century, Leadway continues to focus on creativity, quality, and generating benefits for clients, collaborators, and local areas.

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