WDTA Executive Chairman, Prof. Yale Li, Proposes Three Key Initiatives at the DWC AI STR Forum to Drive a Trustworthy AI Future

2025-02-27 14:55:26

Hong Kong, February 27, 2025 — The World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA), in collaboration with the International Academicians Science & Technology InnovationCentre (IASTIC) and Cyberport, jointly hosted the DWC AI STR(Safety, Trust, and Responsibility) Forum.” As AI continues to disrupt industries, recent breakthroughs — including OpenAI’s generative model Sora revolutionizing content creation, DeepMind’s protein folding advancements driving a medical revolution, and DeepSeek’s low-cost large model technology reshaping the industry landscape — have accelerated AI’s global impact. However, alongside these advancements, growing concerns over deepfake misuse, data privacy breaches, and security risks have sparked intense debate on AI governance and responsibility.

Against this backdrop, the DWC AI STR Forum brought together academicians, scholars, industry leaders, and experts from around the world to discuss how to build a human-centered AI technology ecosystem. During his speech, Prof. Yale Li, Executive Chairman of WDTA, stated, “As technological innovation continues to push the boundaries of imagination, security and responsibility must serve as the fundamental constraints on AI development.” He proposed three core initiatives that directly address the key challenges in the global AI ecosystem.

I. Security by Design: A Global Consensus on AI Safety

Prof. Yale Li emphasized that security is the foundation of AI development and must be integrated into every stage of its lifecycle rather than addressed reactively. He called for embedding security by design, promoting algorithm transparency and data traceability certification systems to prevent the risks associated with a patchwork, after-the-fact governance approach.

Citing international AI governance efforts — including the United Nations General Assembly’s AI resolution, China’s Global AI Governance Initiative, and the European Union’s AI Act — he stressed the urgency of establishing rigorous security frameworks and risk management mechanisms to mitigate potential threats and ensure responsible AI deployment.

II. Human-Centered AI: Aligning Technology with Societal Needs

As AI rapidly evolves, Prof. Yale Li emphasized that technological advancements must serve societal needs. He highlighted AI’s potential to create real value in areas such as accessible healthcare, SME digital transformation, and barrier-free interaction for people with disabilities.

At the forum, WDTA officially launched two AI talent certification programs — the Large Model Application Engineer Certification (LLMAE) and the Large Model Technical Expert Certification (LLMTE). These programs aim to train a new generation of AI professionals equipped with technical expertise, humanistic understanding, and a strong sense of social responsibility, ensuring that AI development truly benefits society.

III. Responsible Innovation: The Essential Path to Global Collaboration

WDTA is committed to responsible innovation, advancing this global commitment through its AI Committee, which operates under the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The committee has already introduced the AI STR Standards and developed AI STR certification tests, ensuring that AI capabilities meet established benchmarks. These efforts help enterprises build global trust in an era of rapid AI development while promoting both technological innovation and responsible AI applications.

Prof. Yale Li concluded, “The rise of digital technology is unstoppable, but its course is ours to shape. Only by prioritizing security, centering AI around human needs, and driving innovation with responsibility can we build a truly inclusive digital future.”

In collaboration with UNCSTD Chair Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Prof. Yale Li, co-authored the book Digital Technology 360°, offering a comprehensive analysis of AI, quantum computing, and the metaverse. The book explores global policies, industry practices, and future digital landscapes, aiming to equip global digital citizens with a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of emerging technologies.

The forum brought together industry leaders from various sectors, including Prof. C.C. Chan, Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Prof. Yike Guo, Provost of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Shusen Meng, Chairman and CEO of China Unicom Global; and Mingjie Cai, CEO and President of China Everbright Bank Hong Kong. They shared valuable insights on cross-industry AI transformation, balancing AI innovation with risk management, and leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, improve service quality, and address emerging challenges.

The event reinforced Hong Kong’s role as a global innovation hub, driving new momentum for AI governance and international collaboration.