[Column] SLW: Innovation Platform Centered on People and Companionship

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced earlier this year at CES in Las Vegas that “Smart Life Week (SLW) 2024,” an event where you can experience a cutting-edge lifestyle centered on people rather than technology, will be held at COEX from October 10 to 12. This event aims to realize the value of companionship for a better life centered on people. The event is now less than a month away. 

Seoul boasts world-class smart city competitiveness. It has built advanced transportation systems like TOPIS, ultra-high-speed self-networks, and digital inclusion policy services. It ranks high in various global research institutions’ smart city indices and won the Best City Award at the prestigious SCEWC (Smart City Expo World Congress) in 2022. 

Seoul is now solidifying its status as a global leading city beyond being the capital of South Korea. With its excellent digital policies, Seoul is poised to demonstrate global leadership to realize the value of companionship with the underprivileged. Accordingly, Seoul, as the chair city of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), successfully hosted the first “Seoul Smart City Awards 2023.” 

SLW is not just an exhibition and marketing event but a differentiated event centered on people rather than technology. Just as CES in the US, MWC in Spain, and IFA in Germany have become well-known names, SLW will also become an intuitively recognized event for the public. It is an innovative platform that connects technology and people to improve the quality of life, surpassing existing ICT fairs and smart city exhibitions. 

SLW will be a venue for public institutions, companies, and citizens to merge and experience companionship. At COEX Hall B2 on the first floor, you can experience 50 different activities in 12 innovative showroom zones (UAM, robots, digital experience buses, smart homes, overseas city pavilions, etc.). On the third floor, Hall C4 will feature solutions from over 100 companies (companion technology, innovative technology, healthcare, etc.), and Hall E will host global forums and conferences. 

Forums such as the Mayor’s Forum, Global CDO (Chief Digital Officer) Forum, Seoul Big Data Forum, Spatial Information Forum, Smart City Performance Sharing Conference, and the Next Leader Forum with university students and mayors will be held. Currently, 70 out of 250 overseas participants are mayors. They will engage in keynote speeches, panel discussions, and active networking. 

There are also unique programs. One is the city problem-solving track (PYC: Presentation for Your City) for the global expansion of participating innovative companies. Cities submit their problems in advance, and solution companies are matched 1:1 to propose solutions during the event. Currently, 20 cities have applied, and the respective companies will make proposals during the event. This program will enhance competitiveness for global market entry. 

The overseas city pavilion will feature seven cities, including London, Paris, Madrid, Konya (Turkey), Sharjah (UAE), and Yokohama. The second “Seoul Smart City Awards,” organized by WeGO, received over 200 applications from 54 countries, and the award ceremony will be held during the event. SLW is organized by the Seoul Digital Foundation, with Seoul City making an all-out effort for its successful hosting. 

SLW will be a new starting point for a future-oriented happy life. Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s blueprint to showcase a city where cutting-edge science and technology are implemented in daily life based on Seoul’s brand image will be well realized. Just like the new slogan “Seoul My Soul,” meaning “When hearts come together, it becomes Seoul,” we hope the footsteps of people from around the world will head towards SLW under the sky coral sky. Kang Yo-sik, Chairman of the Seoul Digital Foundation

Kang Yo-sik
President of Seoul Digital Foundation

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