On 12-13 December 2024, the AI4HER APAC Conference took place in Seoul at the Hanyang Institute of Technology Conference Hall. It focused on promoting ethical and human-centered applications of artificial intelligence, emphasizing and fostering diversity and inclusion, particularly by empowering women in AI-related fields to navigate the rapidly evolving technology. It also aimed to empower women with AI knowledge and skills, preparing participants for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The conference and concurrent workshops brought together industry professionals, academics, and policymakers to discuss topics like fairness in AI, responsible AI innovation, and human-centric design. Additionally, it supported initiatives by organizations like Women in AI (WAI) Australia. It was a great platform for networking and exploring cutting-edge ideas in AI while contributing to a meaningful cause with proceeds from ticket sales funding further events and programs. It was a forward-looking event held at the Hanyang Institute of Technology (HIT) Conference Hall in Seoul, South Korea. The two-day conference was focused on ethical and human-centered applications of artificial intelligence.
Global participants discussed and spoke, focusing on Human-Centered AI in exploring AI technologies designed to prioritize societal benefit, fairness, and ethical use and, Responsible AI Practices that address topics like transparent algorithms, accountability, and the prevention of biases in AI models. In addition, the conference urged the importance of Empowering Women, highlighting the importance of equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to excel in AI and technology-driven sectors. And, by providing a platform for Collaboration and Networking for interaction between industry experts, academics, and government leaders to share innovations, policies, and research, the conference was a success.
Pressenza Press got a chance to have a conversation with one of the presenters, Jeanne Lim, Ph.D., the CEO and co-founder of beingAI, a company focused on creating AI beings designed to foster meaningful, human-like interactions. These AI beings aim to be accessible across multiple platforms, offering support, companionship, and empathy, thereby creating more personal and engaging experiences with artificial intelligence.
Her presentation entitled “Wiser Decisions with AI’, captivated the audience with the philosophical and applicable view of wisdom in the AI era that might be challenging. She highlighted different views of Western and Eastern philosophies on the wisdom that various world-renowned religions and philosophers expressed, sharing their views over centuries. She explained in a beautiful and meaningful way that a view from Indian philosophy asserts the importance of Self-awareness, knowing oneself as the truth and the basis of creation. Pluralism– the ability to hold two opposite points of view in one’s mind at the same time, without being partial to anyone until a conclusion is reached. Harmony and balance– living in a balanced environment by optimizing natural light, airflow, and thermal balance called Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural system that uses design principles to create positive energy in a space.
She says that we need to face the alignment question now. Does AI align with our individual and societal values? How can we be assured that it will make the “right” decisions? The questions we need to ask about AI alignment– aligned with which humans? Based on whose values? Applied in what context?
She strongly advised participants that to ensure AI agents are aligned with human values, we need to elevate human wisdom.
She continued, saying that AI can help us make wiser decisions, and collect, summarize, and analyze large quantities of data. It identifies and generates insights from deep, hidden patterns, is less susceptible to mental afflictions, and amalgamates broad perspectives. It is consistent when faced with changing circumstances that it’s available 24/7, anywhere, any time to promote positive habits and behaviors.
Also, AI can help children make wiser decisions in dilemmas and can help us decide to be kinder to each other, transforming conflict into nonflict, a new term that brings peacemaking to communities by using the Nonflict way. Jeanne hopes that AI can help scale the attainment of enlightened wisdom by Humans and AI collaborating and co-evolving to achieve wisdom at scale.
Before her role at beingAI, Jeanne was the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer of Hanson Robotics, where she played a pivotal role in developing Sophia the Robot, one of the most famous humanoid robots known for her human-like appearance and interactions. Jeanne’s background includes over 25 years of experience in business management and technology marketing, with leadership roles at major companies like Apple, Cisco, Dell, and Danaher. Her expertise extends to launching innovative products and focusing on user-centric design and technology.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Jeanne is passionate about integrating wisdom and ethical considerations into AI development. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in integrated and holistic health, an MBA from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Further information can be obtained at: AI4HER APAC Conference and www.beingAI.com
Photos by Bereket Alemayehu, 12 December 2024. All photos were taken during the Jeanne Lim, Ph.D, presentation.