KT, a leading Korean telecommunications company, is expanding its AI business in Southeast Asia with the launch of its Mi:dm language model in Thailand. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Jasmine Group, a Thai telecom giant, to jointly develop a Thai language-based large language model (LLM) and extend its AI services in the region.
Under the agreement, KT will provide the necessary technology for LLM development, while Jasmine Group will focus on building a GPU farm, a server cluster crucial for market analysis and LLM development. The collaboration aims to develop a Thai language LLM and business model, analyze and devise marketing strategies for the Southeast Asian market, and transfer LLM development technology and know-how.
The two companies have plans to establish a GPU farm at Jastel, a subsidiary of Jasmine Group, in the first half of 2024. Following that, they will commence the development of a Thai language LLM in the latter half of the year. Once successful in Thailand, the collaboration intends to expand its LLM business model to other Southeast Asian countries like Laos and Cambodia.
This partnership signifies KT’s ambition to expand its AI business beyond its home market. By cooperating with Jasmine Group, KT aims to tap into the sovereign AI movement, wherein countries and organizations strive to develop their own language models independently from major tech companies. In line with this objective, KT will officially launch its Mi:dm LLM next month.
Kim Young-shub, CEO of KT, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating that he expects it to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in the AI industry. Furthermore, he believes that the joint entry into the Southeast Asian market will bring success.
The expansion of KT’s AI business in Southeast Asia marks a significant milestone for the company. Through its collaboration with Jasmine Group, KT endeavors to not only develop language models for specific languages but also establish a strong presence in the global AI market. With the official launch of its Mi:dm LLM on the horizon, KT is poised to position itself as a key player in the AI landscape, catering to the diverse needs of users in Southeast Asia and beyond.
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