The British embassy in Bangkok organized the first-ever “UK AI Week” to promote dialogue on AI governance and uses. The four-day event, which took place between August 15 and 18, provided a dynamic setting to highlight Thailand’s AI capabilities and to fortify the expanding ties between the UK and Thailand.
Eminent experts and decision-makers from both countries gathered for a high-level policy roundtable on August 15 at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai to start off the week.
The Alan Turing Institute, Institute of Analytics, Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence, and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office all sent distinguished delegates.
Critical issues like AI regulation and governance, investment tactics, the potential influence of AI across diverse sectors, and its function as a force for good were covered in roundtable conversations.
An AI Week reception was hosted at the ambassador’s residence following the policy roundtable. The event offered a chance to reveal the UK’s AI policy and encourage the development of new connections amongst stakeholders. Thai government representatives, UK experts, and representatives from multilateral organizations like UNESCO all attended.
The involvement of nine British AI and data companies in the GREAT Pavilion at the TechSauce Global Summit, which took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from August 16 to 17, was one of the week’s highlights.
Over 15,000 IT professionals, investors, and companies attended the summit, which highlighted the broad commercial capabilities of UK businesses in a range of industries including agriculture, finance, design, and cybersecurity.
Participants had the opportunity to participate in workshops run by UK specialists on topics such as the establishment of national AI strategies and uses of AI in health and public services. As well as participating in debates on issues like climate technology, femtech, and air quality, British companies and specialists also showcased their inventions to regional venture capitalists.
The UK is excited to contribute our experience and partnership in advancing AI for good, said Natalie Black, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific. “With over 160 unicorns and a tech sector worth $1 trillion, the UK looks forward to offering our expertise and partnership in developing AI for good,” she said. I look forward to seeing our two countries’ tech collaborations grow.
The ‘Turing Night’ event at Icon Siam on August 18 marked the end of the week’s events. Over 150 government representatives, executives from tech companies, and investors attended the event, which also included a screening of “The Imitation Game,” a panel discussion on artificial intelligence, and a networking reception.
“UK AI Week epitomizes the modern spirit of collaboration between the UK and Thailand, fostering innovation and advancing free and ethical AI development,” said David Thomas, the British Charge d’Affaires to Thailand.
The UK’s commitment to technological development and international cooperation in guiding the future of AI for the benefit of society is highlighted by the success of the UK AI Week in Bangkok.
In order to maintain its position as a leader in AI, the UK will host a “Safety Summit” in November. The function will take place at Bletchley Park, which was the residence of the infamous World War Two codebreakers, among them Alan Turing. Additionally, the UK government last week unveiled a £100 million fund that would be used to increase the development of domestic AI chips.
Graphcore and a few other promising startups, including Arm, are based in the UK, but the majority of businesses that operate there are American-based. Although experts have raised concerns that the amount is excessively small in contrast to peers, the government expects that the money will help strengthen the UK’s position in the production of AI hardware.