Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently visited Seoul to discuss the future of AI and recognize the influence of South Korea‘s tech scene. At the Fireside Chat with OpenAI event, Altman engaged with AI developers, enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs, discussing various topics including the evolution of OpenAI, the company’s ethos, and the potential impact of AI on society and the economy.
During the event, Altman expressed enthusiasm for Korea’s speedy internet infrastructure, groundbreaking tech companies such as Samsung, and promising AI startups, highlighting the nation’s potential to shape the future of global technology and AI. He further clarified OpenAI’s focus, stating that the company is a deep learning company rather than just a language model or technology entity. Altman emphasized that OpenAI’s flexibility enables the company to pivot when a more promising AI paradigm emerges.
Altman also emphasized OpenAI’s culture of facing reality, learning from experiences, and a commitment to serving as a global project that benefits everyone. He outlined the company’s strategy of deploying projects on a small scale initially, allowing data collection and improvements before scaling up. He also discussed the complexities of recruiting for OpenAI and selling the vision of Artificial General Intelligence, highlighting the need for discernment to differentiate between individuals who genuinely believe in the mission and those simply following the AI trend.
Throughout the discussion, Altman showed a keen awareness of AI’s potential societal and economic implications. He noted the possibility of job displacement and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the face of rapidly advancing AI. He hinted at the transformative potential of AI and the need for potential regulation in various sectors.
Altman concluded his remarks by offering advice for thriving in the AI era, encouraging individuals to keep up with new AI tools and technologies, learn quickly, build resilience, and gain a thorough understanding of computer mechanics and effective communication with AI systems. Overall, Altman’s visit to Seoul provided valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of AI and the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His words reaffirmed OpenAI’s commitment to ensuring that the development and deployment of AGI benefit all of humanity.
