South China Morning Post
Advertisement
Advertisement
Artificial intelligence
Get more with myNEWS
A personalised news feed of stories that matter to you
Learn more
A robot receptionist is seen at the booth of a Chinese carmaker during the China Auto 2018 show in Beijing, on April 26. Advances in AI will change many jobs, but a study predicts that as many jobs will be created as will be lost. Photo: AP
OpinionLetters

Why there’s no need to fear AI: people just need to adapt

Artificial intelligence
Letters
Letters
Why you can trust SCMP
I refer to the concerns over the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labour force (“One million Hongkongers could lose their jobs to AI over the next 20 years”, July 10).

AI is a hot topic around the world, with opinions split over its potential impact on our future. AI is different from conventional robotics because it demonstrates cognitive functions like the human mind, such as learning and problem-solving. As AI can “learn” like humans rather than just follow programming languages and perform set actions, it is seen as a threat to existing jobs.

However, a study by the accountancy giant PricewaterhouseCoopers says that AI will create as many jobs in the UK as will be displaced through automation over the next 20 years, though it also warns that many jobs are likely to change.

With prices reduced because of automation and new technology, real income and spending levels would increase, creating demand for additional and specialised workers, PwC said. The biggest gains are likely to be in health care and social work, with the big losers being manufacturing, transport and storage, and public administration.

Artificial intelligence will change the job market and Hong Kong isn’t ready

But the point to note is that the existing work force also needs to upgrade itself in some ways, as jobs in sectors like manufacturing, which require less ability and talents, would be displaced by AI. Such workers would need to equip themselves in other areas, through higher education or by acquiring digital or creative skills, as these are hard for AI to replicate (“If AI means job losses, here’s what DSE students can do to survive”, July 17).

All in all, creation of new technologies benefits the world in many ways, but there are various aspects to consider before full implementation. Balancing the fourth industrial revolution with the needs of the real population would be key.

Jacky Tsoi, Tseung Kwan O

Post