Gyeongju: Ministers and senior officials from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states today began the inaugural High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) here, focusing on cooperation in the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) era.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in his opening speech, South Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-Young stated that AI is a powerful catalyst for the creative industry. It is accelerating the production of content like videos and multilingual subtitles, making creative and cultural content more accessible and enjoyable for a global audience. This development is boosting global consumption and significantly enhancing the cultural sector's contribution to economic growth.
Chae Hwi-Young emphasized that the cultural and creative industry is emerging as an innovative sector that goes beyond artistic expression, as it is also spurring job creation and economic growth. Meanwhile, Kim Hyun Jun, the ministry's International Cultural Affairs Bureau director-general, mentioned that the dialogue would serve as a starting point for exchanges and cooperation in creative industries within the APEC region. He expressed hope that this marks an opportunity for South Korea to advance as a nation leading the future of creative industries that combine culture and technology.
Malaysia is represented at the three-day dialogue by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Hosted by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the dialogue brings together about 150 delegates, including culture ministers, official APEC observers, artists, and scholars from 21 member economies.
Themed 'CCI: New Horizons for Prosperity', the event is a precursor to the APEC Summit in October, which will also take place in Gyeongju under the main theme of 'Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.' The dialogue features three main sessions: 'New Horizons of APEC Economic Cooperation: CCIs', 'Changes in CCIs Driven by Digital and AI Innovation', and 'Harmonious Development of the APEC Community via Cultural Cooperation'.