From left, POSCO Group Chairman Choi Jung-woo, KT Group Chairman Ku Hyeon-mo, and Samsung SDI CEO Choi Yoon-ho.

By Kim Hyun-bin

The POSCO, KT and Samsung SDI chiefs have set securing sustainable competitiveness as their goal to overcome the external uncertainties this year, highlighted during the three companies' New Year's addresses, Monday.

POSCO Group Chairman Choi Jung-woo says he will focus on securing growth opportunities and sustainable competitiveness during the difficult business environment this year due to the rise of interest rates, inflation and other external difficulties the company faces.

"The world economy is expected to face a decline in growth rates and a full-blown economic recession as monetary tightening and geopolitical risks continue," Chairman Choi said in his New Year's address, Monday. "However, a known crisis is no longer a crisis, and there are hidden opportunities. We will make efforts to secure growth opportunities and sustainable competitiveness during the crisis. The POSCO Group will grow into a bigger and stronger company."

In addition, POSCO Group plans to accelerate the implementation of growth strategies for each of the seven core businesses to achieve the group's 2030 growth vision.

"In Korea, we will expand investment in new facilities for low-carbon steel product production and application of low-carbon bridge technology based on existing facilities, and strengthen technology development for the early construction of hydrogen reduction steel plants," Choi said. "We will actively seek opportunities for local investment that can create synergies with existing investments, especially in Indonesia, India and North America."

Ku Hyeon-mo, CEO of KT emphasized that he will lead the company through a global expansion by taking the DIGICO strategy to the next level, despite economic hardship.

CEO Ku gave the KT Group New Year's address on the theme, "DIGICO KT, which is created together through the solid cohesiveness of executives and employees," Monday.

First of all, Ku expressed his gratitude towards the company staff and emphasized that KT Group sales are expected to hit a record high in 2022. He also emphasized that although the possibility of experiencing difficulties has increased in 2023, he encouraged employees to take a leap forward.

The CEO stressed that safe and stable operations are key and that any failure in the communication network is considered a "disaster." In addition, KT plans to expand the DIGICO strategy that has led KT's growth over the past three years by linking up to other industries and aiding in global expansion.

"Innovative technological capabilities are a prerequisite for KT Group's growth and future," Ku said. "KT Group should contribute to the development of Korea. Leading the digital era includes not only business but also social responsibilities."

Choi Yoon-ho, CEO of Samsung SDI, urged employees to engage actively in their tasks this year to become "a global top-tier company by 2030."

"Only a company with strong technological competitiveness can become a winner," said CEO Choi at the New Year ceremony held at Samsung SDI's Giheung plant. "Let's strengthen quality control and cooperation with partners throughout the entire process from development to mass production to secure the best quality. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of executives and employees, we continue to reach record sales and profits in 2022, achieving the best business performance ever."

Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin emphasized the need for constant change and innovation to secure future growth engines during his New Year address, "If we constantly change and innovate in an era of permanent crisis and take on challenges together, this year will be the starting point to leap forward as the 'New Lotte.'"

Korean?Air's CEO, Cho Won-tae, emphasized the importance of gaining a competitive edge as the aviation industry normalizes post-COVID-19. Cho also confirmed the company's plans to complete successfully the acquisition of Asiana?Airlines in 2023.

"We've seen a glimpse of normalization and the?airports are beginning to bustle with passengers we have missed dearly. We also found hope and pleasure in returning to work to see our colleagues," Cho said in his New Year's message that was posted on the company's employee site, Monday.