AI technologies are poised to become more humanized in the art scene, according to Professor GUO Yike, HKUST Provost and world-renowned scholar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, who shared his thought leadership on the interplay of Generative AI and art at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Summer Davos 2024. Joining Professor Guo at the global event were Professor SHAO Minhua, Head and Chair Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Professor FAN Zhiyong, Chair Professor, Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering — both of whom showcased innovations at this prestigious event— while Professor HUI Pan, Chair Professor of Computational Media and Arts of HKUST (GZ), participated as a member of Global Future Council on the Future of Metaverse.
Held in China’s Dalian in late June, Summer Davos — officially named the “Annual Meeting of the New Champions” — assembled some 1,600 top government officials and global leaders across different sectors from nearly 80 countries and regions.
Rethinking art creation in the AI era
This year’s discussions centered on the theme of “Next Frontiers for Growth” that emphasized entrepreneurship and innovation. Speaking at the panel “Infinite Channels: AI and the Media Industries”, Professor Guo wooed the crowd with his unique insights on the transformational power of generative AI on art creation.
Sharing with the audience a foundation model approach, Professor Guo sparked keen discussions over the future Generative AI will bring. Adopting this state-of-the-art approach, Professor Guo and his research team have succeeded in building the world’s first machine singing artist by collecting a massive number of recordings of human singers, exemplifying the new possibilities enabled by Generative AI.
HKUST is also the first university in Hong Kong to embrace Generative AI. The University has recently established the Division of Arts and Machine Creativity, to further unlock the potential of AI in the arena of art creation.
Inventions for a World of Inclusivity and Sustainability
The “Frontiers of Innovation Expo”, which showcased state-of-the-art inventions specially selected by WEF, was also a highlight at Summer Davos 2024. The line-up included two of HKUST’s groundbreaking inventions which enhance inclusivity and sustainability for a better world.
Developed by Professor FAN Zhiyong, the world's first 3D artificial eye has proved to outperform existing bionic eyes, igniting hopes for patients with visual impairment worldwide. The other exhibit, the hydrogen fuel cell developed by Professor SHAO Minhua, directs participants’ attention to the increasing use of hydrogen as a cleaner source of energy. Boasting high durability, it stands as a testament to the University’s commitment to sustainability.
Besides sustainability, HKUST is also dedicated to injecting creativity into teaching. Professor HUI Pan is the only member from the Hong Kong higher education sector who participates in the WEF’s Global Future Council on the Future of Metaverse. He has recently developed the Asia’s first ‘AI lecturers’ in class to revolutionize innovative teaching in the region.
