S2E81: In China, AI is ‘everything, everywhere’. Is there a dark side? - The Straits Times Podcasts | Lyssna här

From running marathons to being personalised chefs, robots are redefining life in the future.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and Greater China bureaus.

For July, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up with ST’s senior China correspondents Yew Lun Tian and Daryl Loo. Their focus is on China’s AI and robots and what they mean for jobs, IPOs and the US-China rivalry.

On the ground, Lun Tian notes that AI has become “everything, everywhere, all at once.” Everyday innovations now range from driverless robotaxis and near-unmanned factories to AI-generated microdramas.

Such tech advancements have translated into a can-do spirit for China.

The government has framed China’s open-source AI models as a driver of equitable global development—offering Beijing a chance to demonstrate leadership and responsible AI governance. However, skeptics argue against expanding China’s influence in setting global standards.

Domestically, it has also sparked a massive capital surge in the form of IPOs. And talent is in such short supply that Chinese companies now have to look overseas.

While the overall picture is a positive one, there is an underbelly in the form of social inequalities, need for regulation as well as ethical issues.

There are also implications for US-China ties. AI has become yet another topic that shows how difficult it is for both sides to come together. Yet, dialogue is urgently needed for both Beijing and Washington to identify low-hanging fruits and establish basic guardrails.

What do the podcasters hope to see in future? Albert and Daryl wish for a robot that can analyse, wash and fold their laundry, while Lun Tian would like a “master shifu” to answer her burning questions.

Highlights (click/tap above):

7:43 AI is “everything, everywhere all at once”

10:13 President Xi lays out China’s vision

13:48 Scramble for public listings

17:25 Preparing students to thrive

22:36 Is AI missing out on women’s talent?

24:54 AI competition could be the new nuclear arms race

31:36 More harm than good?