Hong Kong is taking a significant step in the world of AI technology by developing its own AI tool similar to ChatGPT. This move comes in response to OpenAI’s recent decision to block access from regions like Hong Kong, prompting the government to seek local solutions.
The development of Hong Kong’s AI tool, known as the document assistance application for civil servants, is currently underway and is expected to be available to government employees by the end of the year. Spearheaded by a generative AI research and development center at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, this tool aims to enhance productivity and efficiency within the government.
While the capabilities of Hong Kong’s AI tool are still being tested, there are plans to include functions for graphics and video design in the future. The project emphasizes the importance of local development due to the lack of support from global tech giants like Microsoft and Google.
In the broader context of technological competition between China and the United States, Hong Kong’s efforts to develop its own AI tool underscore the region’s push for innovation. With China and the U.S. vying for AI supremacy, local solutions like Hong Kong’s AI tool are becoming increasingly important.
However, developing an AI tool in Hong Kong also poses challenges, particularly when it comes to addressing political sensitivities and censorship. Chinese tech companies have already navigated these issues by introducing AI models that adhere to censorship rules and avoid politically sensitive topics.
Despite these challenges, Hong Kong’s development of its own AI tool reflects the region’s commitment to technological advancement and the harnessing of AI for local needs. By balancing technological standards with political considerations, Hong Kong aims to carve out a niche in the competitive field of AI innovation.
