Samsung to adopt AI initiative to reshape work culture

Lead

Samsung Electronics has announced a sweeping initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into its work processes and corporate culture, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency. The South Korean tech giant plans to allow employees to use external generative AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini, a significant shift from its previous practice of restricting access to its internal AI system, Samsung Gauss.

Coverage Comparison

Two separate Yonhap News reports, dated May 26 and June 9, detail the company's AI push. The earlier report, based on an internal memo and industry sources, focused on the upcoming rollout of external AI services and security measures. The later report, citing company announcements, describes a broader transformation initiative led by the CEOs of Samsung affiliates, with AI applied to eight core business functions.

Both reports agree on the core facts: Samsung will introduce external generative AI services, establish security guidelines, and provide employee training. The later report adds that the initiative aims to position Samsung as a leader in the AI era, while the earlier report notes that usage of external AI models will remain restricted at the semiconductor division due to security concerns.

Key Claims

• Samsung Electronics will allow employees to use external generative AI services like ChatGPT and Gemini, according to both Yonhap reports. The first report specifies that a service for the device experience (DX) division will launch in June, while the second says services will be introduced across all affiliates this month.
• The company will establish operating guidelines and implement advanced security systems to manage risks, as stated in the June 9 report.
• Around 2,000 executives from Samsung Electronics and its major affiliates are expected to attend a live-in training course on AI utilization, according to the May 26 report, which cited industry insiders.
• Employees will need to undergo security training before accessing external AI models, as reported by Yonhap on May 26, citing company officials.
• Usage of external AI models will remain limited at the semiconductor (device solutions) division, according to the May 26 report.
• Previously, Samsung employees were only permitted to use the company's internal AI model, Samsung Gauss, due to security concerns. This fact appears in the May 26 report.

Perspectives

Management perspective: Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong has emphasized the need to apply AI across the entire value chain, from research and development to production and support functions. In his New Year's message, he called for a complete change in work methods and the transformation of the company's organizational DNA, according to the June 9 report.

Implementation perspective: The company plans to deploy AI not just as a tool for operational efficiency but as a driver of fundamental management innovation. CEOs of Samsung affiliates will directly oversee the application of AI to core business functions, as reported by Yonhap.

Security considerations: The decision to allow external AI tools comes after a period of restricted use due to security concerns. The company will implement security training and usage guidelines, with more cautious implementation at the semiconductor division, which handles sensitive technology.

As of this writing, no external sources beyond Yonhap have provided independent verification of these announcements, but the consistency between the two reports lends credibility to the core facts. Samsung Electronics has not issued a separate statement beyond what was reported through Yonhap.