Korea Polytechnics Ⅶ Busan Campus (hereafter referred to as Busan Polytechnic) announced the official launch of the 'AI Express Busan' program supported by Microsoft on December18th at the main building of Busan Polytechnic.

The launch of this educational program holds significant meaning as it marks a collaboration between local government bodies and industries to strengthen AI and cloud capabilities in the Busan region and secure local talent. Busan Polytechnic and Microsoft have joined forces to enhance Cloud AI education in the Busan region.

In line with this collaboration, Busan Polytechnic University plans to open lectures for both IT major and non-IT major students to foster capabilities in Microsoft Cloud Artificial Intelligence (AI) education. Additionally, the college plans to offer education to teachers from vocational high schools in the Busan region, enabling these educators to provide related courses to students at their respective schools.

Korea Polytechnics and Microsoft Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 1st, targeting training sessions for about 60 professors to enhance their Cloud Artificial Intelligence capabilities. Consequently, professors from two campuses in the Busan region will participate in this training to conduct Cloud AI education for students in the region.

Students who complete this education are anticipated to benefit from expanded employment opportunities connected to hackathons. The upcoming hackathon scheduled for June next year aims to develop various AI models applicable to local communities and businesses. The event is expected to receive active support from the Busan Metropolitan City.

Upon completion of the training for Busan Polytechnic professors and vocational high school teachers, AI-related content will be taught in the 2024 spring semester. Online content will also be made available to support this initiative, ensuring the continuity and expansion of education through the participation of trained professors and teachers in student education.

Microsoft supports education related to Cloud Artificial Intelligence. Students at Busan Polytechnic can attend relevant courses categorized into IT majors and non-IT majors. The major courses, specifically tailored for students in the Software Convergence Department—an area of study focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Software Development—will encompass practical classes utilizing Microsoft's Cloud Computing platform Azure and the Power Platform series. These sessions aim to facilitate data analysis and the development of AI models. Non-major courses are designed for students unrelated to specific majors, aiming to acquire practical skills in using AI.

Kim Yong-gyu, the President of Busan Polytechnic, expressed, "As the leading vocational education center in the Busan region, Korea Polytechnics Busan Campus expects to solidify its position as the foremost institution in Cloud AI education with the launch of this program.

Jang Hyun-hee, Director of the Korea Polytechnics New Technology Training Center, stated, "By providing Microsoft's Cloud AI education to professors leading Korean technological education, we aim to elevate the qualitative standards of technological education."

Meanwhile, Microsoft is committed to increasing the accessibility of educational opportunities in AI and digital technology for everyone in present or future professions. They are actively supporting the improvement of diversity among AI and digital talents to ensure local communities harness the positive potential of AI effectively, collaborating with various vocational schools, non-profit organizations, and public institutions.