APEC Dialogue Spotlights AI and Digital Collaboration in Creative Industries

APEC Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries Focuses on AI and Digital Opportunities

Ministers and senior officials from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member states gathered in Gyeongju, South Korea, for the first High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI). The event centers on collaboration in the age of digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI).

South Korea’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Chae Hwi-Young, opened the dialogue by emphasizing AI’s role in accelerating content production. He highlighted how AI tools are making videos and multilingual subtitles easier to create, broadening access to cultural and creative content worldwide. This accessibility is boosting consumption and increasing the contribution of creative industries to economic growth.

“The cultural and creative industry is becoming an innovative sector that extends beyond artistic expression by generating jobs and driving economic progress,” said Chae.

Kim Hyun Jun, director-general of the ministry’s International Cultural Affairs Bureau, described the dialogue as a platform to launch exchanges and cooperation on creative industries across the APEC region. He sees it as a key opportunity for South Korea to advance as a leader in blending culture with technology.

Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, is among the participants in this three-day event. Hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the dialogue brings together roughly 150 delegates—including culture ministers, official APEC observers, artists, and scholars—from 21 member economies.

Event Theme and Sessions

The theme, “CCI: New Horizons for Prosperity,” sets the stage for discussions ahead of the APEC Summit scheduled in October at the same location. The summit’s main theme is “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.”

The dialogue includes three key sessions:

• New Horizons of APEC Economic Cooperation: CCIs
• Changes in CCIs Driven by Digital and AI Innovation
• Harmonious Development of the APEC Community via Cultural Cooperation

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