While generative artificial intelligence models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT have made immense progress in recent years, some people – especially non-technical users – still question the efficiency of such technology. In fact, the actual breakthrough of ChatGPT is its user-friendly interface, which allows even people without programming skills to have conversational interactions with the AI model.

For its language models to be of more practical use than as a chat pal, OpenAI allows developers to fine-tune GPT-3, a version of ChatGPT, according to the attributes of particular applications, resulting in more accuracy and more pertinent answers.

Generative AI can be incorporated in multiple sectors, including e-government, healthcare, finance, education and entertainment. It has a role in augmenting production efficiency, heightening user experience and creating additional economic value. Consider the domain of education, as an example. A fine-tuned model will be able to generate individualised educational material, tasks and examination plans depending on students’ learning style, abilities and interests, thus amplifying their participation, understanding and ability to retain information. Additionally, such a platform can be adjusted to suit different learning trajectories, with specific levels of difficulty, thereby optimising learning results and stimulating curiosity.

To fully realise the potential of AI models like ChatGPT, developers must fine-tune them to devise ever more specialised and productive applications that meet user needs.

Furthermore, China should step up efforts in the research and development of generative AI technology to strengthen the operational efficiency of businesses and to foster social advancement. Besides, the development of China’s own generative AI models that are as good as ChatGPT is essential to the nation’s future success.

However, developing such technology requires ample computing resources and data sets, as well as high-performance computers and graphics processing units. For this reason, investing in the necessary chip technology is important, and this is an area where Hong Kong can help.

All in all, generative AI technology is of enormous significance to the development of mankind. China could strive to take the lead in the area of generative AI, thereby helping to elevate the country’s economic well-being and to improve people’s lives.

Leonard Chan Tik-yuen, vice-convenor, professional affairs committee (technology innovation), Liberal Party Published by SCMP – Letters 29 March 2023