Advertisement
Opinion | In a world swept up in AI hype, Hong Kong can be the voice of reason
Rather than competing in the global AI arms race, Hong Kong can serve as a model for selective, responsible adoption
Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
In a striking admission, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned users not to “trust that much” in ChatGPT. It highlights a chilling disconnect: if the chief architect of one of the world’s most celebrated artificial intelligence (AI) systems is warning against his creation, why are governments rushing to embed similar technologies into critical operations?
The contradiction reflects a deeper tension where innovation outpaces understanding and regulation. The dynamic played out in the recent US debate over the “big beautiful bill”, which proposed freezing state-level AI regulations for a decade. Though abandoned, the proposal highlights the bind governments face: is the hype surrounding AI worth the risks it poses?
This high-stakes balancing act is now on full display across Asia, potentially shaping its future economically, politically and socially.
Advertisement
Southeast Asia has proven fertile ground for AI uptake, supported by a young, digitally savvy population and vibrant start-up ecosystems. In just two years, the region’s digital economy has grown by 2.5 times, reaching an estimated US$11 billion in profit last year.
Yet every tale of progress is overshadowed by a new story of harm. Deepfake technology makes it harder to know what’s real – casting doubt on news, videos, even identities. Meanwhile, sophisticated AI-driven surveillance raises fresh concerns about data privacy breaches.
Advertisement
Despite the drawbacks, governments continue to embrace AI. Singapore, with its Smart Nation initiative, is integrating AI into urban planning and fintech; Seoul has deployed AI in traffic management and public services; China is applying it across the government. These nations are threading a needle: pursuing innovation while grappling with the risks of overreach and control.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x