UAE deputy envoy, Upbit advisor and tech leaders gather to exchange ideas on sustainable growth and financial transformation
Global thought leaders and business pioneers in artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency policy gathered in Seoul on Wednesday for the seventh edition of the 2025 Global Biz Forum, hosted by The Korea Herald and Herald Business.
The GBF serves as a platform for experts across industries — including business executives, diplomats and public figures — to share insights and exchange perspectives. Held weekly over 15 sessions, the forum explores emerging global trends and challenges shaping the future economy.
During the opening session, Eisa Al Samahi, deputy head of mission at the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Seoul, delivered a keynote address on behalf of Ambassador Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi.
“As the world enters a defining chapter of economic transformation, this year’s GBF provides a timely and vital platform to explore new pathways for sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Al Samahi.
He emphasized the UAE’s commitment to building strategic global partnerships centered on innovation, cross-border investment and knowledge exchange.
“Since the signing of the UAE–Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in May last year, our two nations have entered a new era of collaboration. This milestone agreement not only removes trade barriers but also opens doors to joint ventures and long-term cooperation in key sectors such as sustainability, manufacturing and advanced technology,” he said.
Al Samahi also referenced the UAE’s national development strategy, “We the UAE 2031,” which aims to double the country’s GDP and boost its global competitiveness. He highlighted major economic reforms, including full foreign ownership, zero income tax, and strong investor protections, as key drivers of the UAE’s appeal to foreign businesses.
Beyond economics, he noted the strengthening cultural and educational ties between the UAE and Korea, citing partnerships in film, museums and academic exchange. Al Samahi welcomed increased Korean business engagement and tourism, expressing hope for deeper bilateral relations based on shared growth and understanding.
The GBF also featured presentations from two guest speakers in the fields of AI and cryptocurrency: Choi Jong-bok, chairman of Zyx Technology, and Lee Hae-boong, head of the Digital Asset Investors Protection Center at Upbit. Upbit is the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.
Choi introduced ZYX Technology’s flagship product, ZyxCAD, a 2D/3D computer-aided design platform developed in Korea based on the DWG file format compatible with AutoCAD software.
Since its founding in 2007, the company has provided CAD software for use in architecture, construction, and manufacturing, with full compatibility across file types and optimized performance for large-scale projects.
“Zyx Designer will soon become a tool embedded in the construction industry to support your designs,” Choi said. “We created this platform to help users design more efficiently and save time. Our goal is to help bring your visions to life.”
Zyx Designer is the company's design program that integrates AI and big data.
Lee Hae-boong, a former financial regulator and now digital finance advisor at Upbit, spoke on the changing nature of digital assets and the need for clear regulatory frameworks.
He noted that assets such as cryptocurrencies and tokenized securities are now seen as a distinct class of personal property -- neither physical nor purely contractual.
With increased public use of digital assets in payments, identity verification, voting and supply chain management, Lee stressed the need for global policy alignment. He cited legal reforms underway in the UAE, EU, US and UK as signs of growing momentum toward comprehensive regulation.
“As digital finance expands, we must balance innovation with investor protection,” Lee said, warning of risks including fraud, misinformation and volatility. He called for smarter, globally coordinated regulation, better investor education and robust cybersecurity measures.
“The future of digital assets hinges on trust, transparency and thoughtful policy,” he said.
jaaykim@heraldcorp.com
