SK Group's Chey Tae-won Pushes AI Skills, Efficiency

At SK Group’s annual business event, Chairman Chey Tae-won urged employees to strengthen their AI skills and focus on operational efficiency to remain competitive in the AI era.

Chey warned that many current tasks could soon be automated, emphasizing the need for employees to shift toward creative, value-generating work while improving daily operations, which he described as the company’s “basic physical strength.” His message reflects lessons from failed large-scale AI initiatives such as MD Anderson Cancer Center’s $62 million Watson project, which collapsed due to weak operational foundations. Experts, including Harvard Business Review research, highlight that organizational culture and readiness, rather than technology alone, is the biggest hurdles to AI adoption.

Key Highlights

• Chey Tae-won urges SK Group staff to improve AI skills and efficiency
• Warns many current tasks may soon be automated by AI programs
• Focus on creativity and operational strength for long-term competitiveness

Successful companies adopt AI incrementally, integrating it into existing processes with strong data frameworks and monitoring tools before deploying at scale.

Chey’s warning resonates with global workforce trends. PwC data shows that skills in AI-exposed jobs are evolving 66 percent faster than others, with employees gaining a 56 percent wage premium. Goldman Sachs projects that AI could displace 6–7 percent of the U.S. workforce while boosting productivity by 15 percent. Industries most exposed to AI are already experiencing faster wage growth, especially for roles requiring adaptability and advanced problem-solving.

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By urging employees to focus on creativity and efficiency, SK Group is aligning with proven strategies for sustainable AI adoption, positioning itself to harness productivity gains while preparing its workforce for rapid transformation in the AI-driven economy.