The trend of generative AI has continued to spread, but will this trend run the risk of turning into a bubble, like the previous hot topic of the metaverse? In an interview, Microsoft Taiwan GM Sean Pien gave a clear "no," emphasizing that generative AI is already affecting both B2B and B2C industries.
The National Development Council (NDC), the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and Microsoft Taiwan jointly held a generative AI forum on March 27. NDC minister Kung Ming-hsin and AIT Economic Section Economic Officer Patrick Boland were also among the event participants.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Pien was asked whether generative AI runs the risk of turning into a bubble like the metaverse. He answered with a clear "no," comparing the importance of this trend to the DOS system's shift from text to graphical interfaces in the 1990s, or the widespread popularity of the internet and smartphones.
He emphasized that generative AI has already influenced many B2B and B2C industries. In contrast, the metaverse-related blockchains, NFTs, and Web3 are all things that have yet to truly find their value.
Many people have described ChatGPT as coming out of nowhere. However, he believes that there are three requirements for the breakthrough of generative AI, which are massive amounts of data, a powerful algorithm, and a powerful computing platform. These are what allowed the current generative AI model to be made and commercialized. This is also why Microsoft can launch tools like the New Bing search engine and the Microsoft 365 Copilot.
The generative AI technology on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform has already been adopted by more than 100 corporations worldwide. At the same time, generative AI has become a somewhat general technology that anyone can use, rather than seeming like an intimidatingly advanced technology.
Does using generative AI also require controlling a large number of computing resources? Pien stated that it depends on the user's role. Platform builders like Microsoft and Google certainly need to control a large number of computing resources. On the other hand, App developers and users aren't required to do so. For example, developers can use cloud services and "stand on the shoulders of giants" to develop.
In his remarks, Pien pointed out that three months ago, generative AI was a "topic." One month ago it was a "subject," and now it's already a "task." The discussion went from the direct feeling of end customers, to how the industry should grasp the opportunities or overcome the challenges, to how corporations should treat this trend and launch related applications.
He emphasized that ChatGPT's demonstrated abilities come from generative AI. However, what everyone is using right now is already beyond just generative AI, but an "AI amalgamation" which includes technologies like data analysis, computer visuals, speech-to-text, and more.
"This is why the combination of Microsoft and OpenAI can have such a major impact on the industry, because it's not just one dimensional. Rather, it's an assembly of all AI series," Pien proclaimed.
He believes that the impact of generative AI covers consumer end experience, the corporate employee empowerment process, the interaction between corporations and customers, and new product/service launches. It creates opportunities for disruptive innovation or overtaking in all sorts of industries (including the public sector).
For Taiwan to participate in this global phenomenon, it depends on platform technology, application innovation, and the best user implementation. The public sector is the only vertical field that encounters all of the above, as it involves policy making, education promotion, and practical application. The use of related technologies will make public services more noticeable to the people. Microsoft is working closely with the NDC in the areas of AI, zero carbon emissions, 5G, O-RAN, and space technology.
In his remarks, Patrick Boland stated that AI is at the center of the global technology revolution. The advancement in related technologies has provided many opportunities and brought many challenges. Under these circumstances, the US will responsibly utilize trustworthy AI by establishing rules and application methods together with allies like Taiwan.
Photo: Microsoft TW GM Sean Pien (2nd from right), NDC minister Kung Ming-hsin (middle), and AIT economic officer Patrick Boland (2nd from left). Credit: DIGITIMES
