On 11 March 2019 (Mon), MPUP co-organized a talk with the BSSc Programme in Data Science and Policy Studies (DSPS) of CUHK, titled “AI and Job Losses: Competing Approaches of Estimation and Policy Implications – Using Singapore as a Case Study” and delivered by Professor Araral, Associate Professor and former Vice Dean for Research, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (NUS)  .

Professor Araral kick-started the talk by presenting the current capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and general dire prediction of its social-economic impacts.  Then, he evaluated the conventional estimation methods of impacts of AI on job losses, followed by his suggestion of an alternative approach.  Finally, he discussed the policy implications of the impacts and illustrated his analysis using Singaporean data.

The talk attracted a full house of audience from different fields and organizations, including honorable guests from the University Grants Committee and the Civil Service Training and Development Institute of the HKSAR Government, teaching staff and students from CUHK and other local institutions.

The audience found the talk insightful as Hong Kong and Singapore share many similarities in various aspects. They also grasped the opportunity to exchange ideas with Professor Araral during the Q&A session.