At the InnoEX technology expo and the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) was palpable. With exhibitors from around the world showcasing their innovations, it was clear that generative AI was taking center stage. One of the key players in this space was the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre (HKGAI), a government-backed institution that made its debut at the events.
HKGAI showcased a range of projects that highlighted the potential of generative AI. One of the most impressive demonstrations was an AI-generated clip of the late Hong Kong singer, Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing. By harnessing the power of a large language model, developed by the center, it was able to create a clip that captured the essence of the singer’s voice. Another project on display was a chatbot that was being tested for tasks like providing horse-racing information and government services.
Guo Yike, the provost of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the director of HKGAI, emphasized the significance of these projects. He described the foundation model as a “breakthrough in AI innovation” and highlighted its ability to support both Chinese and English languages. This locally developed model is the first of its kind in Hong Kong, indicating a major step forward in the region’s AI capabilities.
Nearby, at the Smart Hong Kong pavilion, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer showcased a translation tool called Generative Sign Language. This tool, powered by machine learning and generative AI, can detect the motions and facial expressions that make up sign language and translate them into spoken language in real time. This has the potential to greatly benefit the 200,000 deaf people in Hong Kong by providing them with access to information in their native sign language.
Another exhibitor from Beijing, RealAI Intelligent Technology, presented RealGuard, a tool designed to detect videos and images of human faces generated by AI for malicious intent. This technology has been widely used in industries such as government and financial services to verify the identities of individuals. By detecting and preventing the misuse of AI-generated content, RealGuard is contributing to the responsible and ethical use of AI.
The InnoEX technology expo, organized by the city’s Innovation, Technology, and Industry Bureau and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, featured 13 country and regional-themed pavilions, showcasing the global interest in AI and technology innovation. Miguel Johansen, an electronics buyer from Mexico, who has been attending the Hong Kong Electronics Fair for 14 years, noted the growing scale of the exhibition. He said, “I’ve seen many new options, such as drones, robots, and other technology solutions,” while sipping a cup of coffee brewed by a machine equipped with a robotic arm.
These events serve as a testament to the rapid advancement of AI and the countless possibilities it holds. From generating AI-powered clips of beloved singers to translating sign language in real time, the applications of generative AI are expanding at an impressive pace. As we continue to witness breakthrough innovations in the field, it is clear that the future of AI is bright and full of promise.
Note: The events and quotes mentioned in this article are fictional and created for the purpose of this exercise
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