AI in China: Impressive Translation Models and the Future with Guanghua Li

In this episode of AI in Journalism, host Yumi Wilson talks with David Guanghua Li, co-founder of Hashtag AI and Language X translation company in China. David is at the forefront of the AI movement in China. He created quite the buzz during the 2023 Lunar New Year when he shared his thoughts on chat GPT on his WeChat account, drawing 90,000 reads in just two days.

We explore China's unique position and potential to lead the AI industry. David shares insights into rapid innovations in Chinese AI models, highlighting the significance of tokens and the potential of models like Moonchat. We also touch on challenges faced by AI entrepreneurs, the role of venture capital, and the importance of finding a product-market fit. Plus, hear exclusive takeaways from key industry conferences featuring thought leaders like Jeffrey Hinton.

What does the future of AI-powered content look like? It's clear that the world of AI is not just advancing, it's accelerating, with China playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. This conversation gives you a glimpse into the fascinating, complex and ever-evolving relationship between AI and the world, journalism, and everything else.

Time stamps:

(05:46) Intense reaction in China to AI's evolving potential.

(07:59) AI in education improves productivity and learning.

(10:11) Future predictions: Connection of GPTs working together.

(23:55) Competition between Chinese AI and global giants.

(24:48) China’s approach to AI safety.

(33:55) OpenAI Sora excitement and the rapid competition in AI space.

(36:03) Controversy over AI courses earning millions. 

(41:21) Tsinghua University involvement in AI entrepreneurship

(44:32) AI and social media related products

Quotes:

As an AI entrepreneur and curious observer in China, the past year has been a crazy one. 

— Guanghua Li [00:04:30 - 00:04:36]

"Yeah, the reaction is really intense, I think mainly because after Internet, everyone was seeking the next big story like web three, but they found it wasn't it then metaverse, and they found it wasn't this. And AI has a potential to show a big story and it indeed changed so much."

— Guanghua Li [00:05:46 → 00:06:16]

"In China, I think maybe the VC (venture capital) is different from the VC in Silicon Valley. Some VC will seek more short term returns. So the AI startups need to find the PMF product market fit in a very short time."

— Guanghua Li [00:17:04 → 00:17:27]

"Jeffery Hinton is the godfather of AI"

— Guanghua Li [00:20:56 → 00:20:59]

“Competition is good, but the politics, they put restrictions[...] I agree with Elon Musk. He said that the more distribution AI in the world is more safe.”

— Guanghua Li [00:23:55 - 00:24:17]

"For example, in terms of technology, they talked about we not only need pay attention to the models but also to the hardware and infrastructure players because AI is an ecosystem, not only models, model is wrong on the, on the chips."

— Guanghua Li [00:27:13 → 00:27:37]

“So really what you're saying, I think I hear you saying is that to be in the AI space and to be competitive, you kind of have to be thinking ahead.”

— Yumi Wilson [00:31:24 → 00:31:35]

“All people talk about Sora in China because in China, short videos are more popular than the text.”

— Guanghua Li [00:34:07 → 00:34:20]

"So for me, I think from one