- Japan to assist ASEAN in training large language models (LLMs) in local languages.
- Initiative led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, announced at Asia Business Summit.
- Focus on AI and decarbonisation as areas of Japanese expertise for ASEAN support.
- Aim to strengthen partnerships between Japanese AI companies and ASEAN businesses.
- LLMs like ChatGPT require extensive data training, currently skewed towards English.
- Plans include providing computational resources like GPUs to ASEAN nations.
- Tokyo-based Elyza developing a Thai LLM, facilitating business collaborations.
- Japan’s GENIAC programme to allocate 29 billion JPY for digital startup aid.
- Digital skills-building plan targets training 100,000 individuals across ASEAN.
Main AI News:
Japan plans to assist Southeast Asian nations in training large language models (LLMs) in their native languages to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) development in the region, as reported by Vietnam News Agency (VNA). Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to unveil this initiative on July 5 at the Asia Business Summit hosted by the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren).
Viewing AI and decarbonisation as areas where Japan can provide unique support to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Prime Minister aims to foster closer collaborations between Japanese AI firms and businesses across Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other regional partners, particularly in the realm of large language models.
LLMs, such as ChatGPT, are robust AI models that require extensive training on vast datasets, predominantly in widely spoken languages like English. Japan envisions its AI developers working hand-in-hand with Southeast Asian partners to train LLMs tailored to local languages and cultural nuances, encompassing data compilation, voice inputs, and rigorous model testing.
Additionally, Japan plans to furnish computational resources, including graphics processing units essential for data processing, to ASEAN countries, as detailed by VNA. Collaborative efforts are already underway, exemplified by Tokyo-based Elyza, a subsidiary of mobile carrier KDDI, which is spearheading the development of a Thai-language LLM. This initiative aims to facilitate business matchmaking between Japanese enterprises and Thai corporations, leveraging services provided by a major Thai conglomerate and Japanese fintech firm Kokopelli.
Underpinning these efforts is Japan’s Generative AI Accelerator Challenge (GENIAC) programme, earmarking 29 billion JPY (US$179.8 million) in aid by fiscal year-end to bolster digital startup ventures. Moreover, Prime Minister Kishida will outline initiatives from a digital skills-building strategy, geared towards training 100,000 individuals over five years, in collaboration with ASEAN member states.
Conclusion:
Japan’s strategic initiative to collaborate with ASEAN on training large language models (LLMs) signifies a proactive move to leverage its AI expertise in the region. By focusing on AI and decarbonisation, Japan aims to not only enhance technological capabilities in Southeast Asia but also foster deeper economic partnerships. The commitment to provide computational resources and substantial financial aid through programmes like GENIAC underscores Japan’s intent to drive digital innovation and capacity-building in ASEAN countries.
