○ Held “Discussion on Engagement and Empathy for Gyeonggi Province Fabless Industry’s Next Big Step” on January 15 at Seongnam Global Convergence Center
– Gathered feedback from fabless companies and explored ways to advance the fabless industry
– Approximately 100 participants, including national and provincial assembly members, heads of relevant organizations, and representatives of 30 companies in the region
○ On-site visits for economic revitalization continue with the “Seolleongtang press conference” on January 13, followed by financial counseling for self-employed individuals in Siheung City on January 14

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim continued his economic revitalization initiative by reaching out to domestic fabless enterprises after meeting with self-employed and small business owners. These efforts are a part of his ongoing visits to stimulate the economy, which began earlier this year.

On January 15, Governor Kim held the “Discussion of Engagement and Empathy for Gyeonggi Province Fabless Industry’s Next Big Step” at the Seongnam Global Convergence Center in Pangyo, Seongnam City, where he engaged with local entrepreneurs.

The event sought to explore the growth potential of the fabless industry and identify ways to promote its development. It was expected to be attended by representatives of over 30 fabless companies in the province, including Rebellion, as well as officials from organizations such as the Korea Electronics Technology Research Institute, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center, and Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering & Technology.

The event, presided over by Governor Kim and conducted in an open format, featured 11 panelists, including National Assembly Member Lee Soo-jin, Provincial Assembly Members Lee Jae-yeong, Jeon Seok-hoon, Seo Hyeon-ok, and Bang Seong-wan, as well as Korea Fabless Industry Association Chairman Kim Gyeong-su and Korea Semiconductor Industry Association Vice Chairman Kim Jeong-ho. They listened to the opinions of entrepreneurs and discussed strategies for the development of the industry.

According to Gyeonggi Province, 120 companies, more than half of the 205 fabless businesses in Korea, are situated in the province. Of those, 70 are located in Seongnam City.

Governor Kim made “Pangyo Fabless Cluster Establishment” one of the priorities of his administration. He is also working to attract companies and support organizations, build necessary facilities, and nurture talent to create a thriving fabless ecosystem by connecting the existing 1st and 2nd Pangyo districts with the 3rd Pangyo area now under development.

At the New Year’s press conference, he also outlined three emergency measures to rebuild the national economy: Super Budget for Citizens’ Everyday Life, Responding to the Trump 2.0 Era, and Revitalizing Businesses. The provincial budget includes an investment of at least KRW 15 trillion into future industries.

Governor Kim sees the fabless industry as one of the most important of these future sectors.

In his speech at the “Semiconductor Cluster Forum” held in Pangyo, Seongnam City, in December, Governor Kim stated, “We cannot afford any delays in fostering semiconductors, our flagship industry, as well as future industries with growth prospects such as bio, advanced mobility, and AI big data, while also caring for the livelihoods of our people.” He unveiled “three key visions” for the semiconductor industry, including all-out efforts to create a semiconductor mega-cluster, build an independent semiconductor value chain, and foster an innovative semiconductor ecosystem.

Gyeonggi Province is also pursuing the creation of the world’s largest semiconductor mega-cluster, with projects already underway in the cities of Yongin, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, and Anseong. These initiatives are geared to support not only the fabless industry but the semiconductor industry as a whole.

Meanwhile, Governor Kim held a New Year’s press conference at a Seolleongtang (ox bone soup) restaurant on January 13. The following day, he continued his economic revitalization site visits by providing financial counseling to self-employed individuals in Siheung City, including a young couple running a chicken restaurant and the owner of a grilled fish restaurant.