Samsung vice chairman stresses personalized, seamless, sustainable tech in CES speech

By Woo Jae-yeon

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4 (Yonhap) -- A high-ranking executive of Samsung Electronics Co. underlined the importance of customized devices and personalized spaces as well as sustainable technology in his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Han Jong-hee, the tech company's vice chairman and the head of the Device eXperience (DX) division, delivered the preshow keynote speech at Venetian Palazzo at 6:30 p.m., presenting the tech giant's vision for and direction of technological development in years to come under the theme of "Together for Tomorrow."

He said customized devices and personalized spaces have become ever more important amid the prolonged pandemic and reiterated the company's commitment to creating new and meaningful experiences for its customers through continued innovation.

Han also said technological breakthroughs and innovation should not come at the expense of the environment and that Samsung has a responsibility to protect the planet for a better future for the generations to come.

The CES, the world's biggest consumer electronics show, slated from Wednesday to Friday in Las Vegas, served as a prominent stage for Han to make his global debut as the new chief of the tech giant.

In early December, he was promoted to vice chairman and tapped to lead the newly merged DX division -- which combined the consumer electronics, and IT and mobile communications businesses. The Device Solutions (DS) division, the tech giant's mainstay business, is led by CEO Kyung Kye-hyun.

Samsung will continue working to achieve a customizable future of personal technologies, he said, to empower users to tailor their device to their taste and needs, like the Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke Edition.

He also laid out a vision for a secure and open ecosystem that can help users stay connected and integrate their smart home devices.

Another major issue Han emphasized was the continued development of environmentally sustainable technology, such as its eco-conscious "green chips."

In November, the world's biggest memory chip maker said five of its memory products were recognized for reducing carbon emission by using less electricity and raw materials.

Han unveiled a plan to join hands with Patagonia, an American company that sells outdoor apparel and gear, in developing technology to reduce microplastic particles that are damaging the oceans.

Han's speech came as other big brands, such as Microsoft, Google and Facebook, decided to cancel in-person participation in the CES over omicron fears and as the event's organizer stepped up health precautions, including proof of vaccination, a mask mandate and on-site testing for the coronavirus, for the safety of tens of thousands of people from around the globe.

jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
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