AI in Bhutan - why Princess Wangchuk is building an AI center
AI Summary
Summary: AI Center in Bhutan for Gross National Happiness
- Introduction:
- Tech First podcast with John G.
- Discussion on Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) index.
- Bhutan’s Royal Family establishing an AI Center to enhance happiness.
- Guest: Enrique Hernandez, adviser to the Royal Family.
- Background:
- Enrique visited Bhutan to discuss crypto and investments.
- Learned about GNH, which measures progress by happiness, not just GDP.
- Inspired by Bhutan’s approach to progress, combining nature, spirituality, and future generations’ well-being.
- AI and Ethics:
- Enrique’s background in neural networks and autonomous vehicles for the US Army.
- Concerns about AI’s ethical decisions and legal responsibilities.
- AI’s potential misuse, such as in drones with weapons.
- The need for AI to make ethical and moral decisions.
- AI Center Goals:
- Establish an AI Center in Bhutan with a foundation in GNH.
- Ensure AI businesses adhere to ethics and morals.
- Address AI’s potential to deceive, as seen in a legal case with ChatGPT.
- Train Bhutanese students in AI applications across various industries.
- Connection with Bhutan:
- Enrique’s invitation to Bhutan through a friend connected to the Princess.
- Discussions on crypto led to broader conversations about Bhutan’s needs.
- Bhutan’s balance between opening up and preserving culture.
- Bhutan’s economy relies on agriculture, but faces challenges like transportation.
- AI Projects in Bhutan:
- AI to improve agriculture, such as drone transportation for butter.
- AI in mental healthcare due to a shortage of professionals.
- AI in renewable energy to optimize energy sources.
- Funding and Support:
- The Royal Family and government show interest but await specific project proposals.
- Investors are interested in the ethical aspect of the AI Center.
- Collaboration with global tech companies is anticipated.
- Infrastructure and Privacy:
- AI servers will likely be located outside Bhutan due to infrastructure limitations.
- Ensuring secure, private data transmission is a priority.
- Cultural Preservation:
- AI can help preserve Bhutanese culture and language.
- The AI Center aligns with Bhutan’s goal to maintain cultural heritage.
- Future Plans:
- Potential collaboration with the United Nations.
- Updates on the AI Center’s progress and startups to be provided in the future.