Hong Kong to Adopt Local Version of ChatGPT Amid Restrictions on OpenAI

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is making strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with the adoption of the “Hong Kong version of ChatGPT,” also known as the “civil servant document assistance system.” This new system is set to be implemented in government departments within the city this year, marking a major advancement in AI technology in the region.

The decision to create a local version of ChatGPT comes in response to restrictions placed by US tech firm OpenAI on access to its models in China. With these limitations in place, the HKSAR government saw an opportunity to develop its own large language model tailored specifically to the needs of Hong Kong.

According to Sun Dong, Hong Kong Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, the local version of ChatGPT has been undergoing trials and has shown significant improvement in its functionality and usability. The government plans to expand its use to all departments within this year and eventually make it available to the entire society.

While the restrictions imposed by OpenAI may have some short-term impact, they have also prompted Chinese developers to accelerate their efforts in AI development and application. Experts believe that the development of AI technologies with independent intellectual property rights could be a promising opportunity for Hong Kong, especially when combined with local policies, talent, and technology.

In addition to the adoption of ChatGPT, there are also plans to explore other areas where AI can be applied, such as smart governance, traffic management, emergency response, financial technology, and smart healthcare. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like ChatGPT with robotics, next-generation communications, and more, Hong Kong has the potential to become a hub for AI innovation.

The importance of creating a conducive environment for AI development was highlighted by Timothy Tong Wai-cheung, a former president at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He emphasized the need for collaboration between local scientists and international partners to foster new scientific findings and technological breakthroughs.

With the establishment of labs in the Clusters, Hong Kong is poised to see more advancements in AI technology in the coming years. As Sun Dong mentioned, the development of an interactive platform based on large models like ChatGPT will enable effective deployment of AI applications across various sectors.

Overall, the adoption of the “Hong Kong version of ChatGPT” signals a significant step forward for AI development in the region and showcases Hong Kong’s potential to become a leader in AI innovation. By leveraging its local advantages and fostering collaboration with global partners, Hong Kong is well-positioned to make significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence.