SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., emphasized the importance of software technologies, a talented workforce and patents in a speech to Samsung's executives, the electronics giant said Friday.

His remarks came after the consumer electronics giant reported a slump in its second-quarter profit as consumer spending in the advanced economies is weighed down by uncertain economic recovery.

The company also faces uphill challenges from the likes of Apple Inc., which is entangled in legal battles with Samsung over patent infringements. 

Lee urged Samsung's presidents to secure software technologies, talented employees and patents "right now" to be prepared for five and 10 years in the future.

"Software competitiveness such as software, design and service is becoming ever more important," he was quoted as telling Samsung's top management. "We must secure necessary technologies."

The remark was made at an annual exhibition held at Samsung's headquarters in Suwon, displaying cutting-edge electronics gadgets side by side with Samsung products. 

Lee, South Korea's wealthiest man and a son of Samsung's founder, also asked the company's employees to continue to step up efforts to maintain the leading position in electronics hardware, while hiring more software talents.

He also asked Samsung's executives, including vice chairman Cho Gee-sung, to invest in patents for existing businesses and future businesses, the company said.