Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great honor to welcome you to the 14th Asia Privacy Bridge Forum, held in conjunction with the Privacy Global Edge event. On behalf of Yonsei University, I extend my warmest greetings to all participants, including [main keynote speakers & participants]. Your presence brings with it the weight of scholarship, institutional vision, and a willingness to think together across borders and disciplines.

Our gathering today comes at a crucial moment in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). The rapid advancement of AI and digital technologies presents extraordinary opportunities for innovation and human progress, yet it also introduces unprecedented challenges for privacy protection and data security. With generative AI now permeating nearly every aspect of daily life, the urgency of establishing effective AI data governance frameworks has never been more apparent. However, AI data governance and privacy related research centers, educational infrastructures, and coordinated policy frameworks remain limited, creating a critical gap that demands urgent attention.

The Barun ICT Research Center and the Korea CPO Forum play an essential role in advancing practices that operationalize trustworthy AI and privacy protections. Both institutions have long recognized the need to advance education, research, and professional practice in information security and privacy. The Barun ICT Research Center has worked to strengthen the academic and policy foundations of this field, leading projects at the forefront of information and communication technologies with particular attention to privacy protection and digital well-being. In parallel, the Korea CPO Forum has been equally instrumental in advancing privacy education and professional development. Through its “Let’s Privacy” initiative, this joint event has cultivated a robust culture of privacy awareness, knowledge exchange, and professional training. These efforts have equipped privacy professionals in the region with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively to evolving challenges in information security and data governance.

Yonsei University has also consistently reinforced this mission, demonstrating a strong and sustained commitment to advancing research and education in digital technologies and privacy through the Barun ICT Research Center and beyond. Yonsei University has expanded its capacity through the creation and support of key initiatives, including the Institute of Quantum Information Technology, the Department of Artificial Intelligence within the School of Computing, and a range of research and development programs led by Yonsei University’s “Office of Research Affairs and University–Industry Foundation.” These comprehensive efforts reflect Yonsei University’s commitment to fostering innovation in AI and quantum technologies while addressing the ethical and governance implications of emerging technologies.

These combined efforts reflect a recognition that technological progress must be accompanied by equally strong commitments to ethical responsibility and citizen empowerment. It is in this spirit that this year’s theme, “Enhancing AI Data Governance and Digital Responsibility for an Empowered Citizenry,” was chosen. The theme underscores that innovation must advance with accountability so that the digital future we build is secure, equitable, and empowering. Through focused discussion and the exchange of diverse perspectives, this gathering aims to foster meaningful dialogue necessary to address emerging AI governance challenges and to develop practical paths forward.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to President Dong-Sup Yoon of Yonsei University and Chairman Tae-myoung Chung of the Korea CPO Forum for their exceptional vision and leadership in organizing this event. My appreciation also extends to the dedicated faculty, staff, and organizing committee members whose diligent work has made this gathering possible.

I hope this year’s forum proves both intellectually enriching and practically inspiring, advancing the partnerships and principles that will help guide responsible AI governance in the years ahead.

Thank you.

15th

Forum 2026

Autonomous Agents in Motion:

Securing Resilience and Accountability in AI & Privacy

16 October 2026

Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

APB Forum 2025

APB Forum 2024

APB Forum 2023

Affiliates and Partners​

Affiliates and Partners