Showing 1 - 10 of 16
Resisting digital feudalism in artificial intelligence
Oped, Mariana Mazzucato, Published on 13/02/2025
» This month's AI Action Summit in Paris comes at a critical juncture in the development of artificial intelligence. At issue is not whether Europe can compete with China and the United States in an AI arms race; it is whether Europeans can pioneer a different approach that puts public value at the centre of technological development and governance. The task is to move away from digital feudalism, the term I coined back in 2019 to describe the dominant digital platforms' model of rent extraction.
Ditch Google to avoid fake news
News, FD Flam, Published on 15/01/2024
» Searching for information has become instant and effortless -- just go to your nearest device, ask Siri or click a few keys. But are we better informed than we were before Google became a verb?
Inspirations for travel
Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 21/08/2023
» When I visited Ayutthaya Historical Park last week, I noticed some tourists posing for photos among the ruined temples while wearing classic period attire. My companions and I started to perspire under the brilliant blue sky and soaring temperatures, but they carried on happily exploring various places to take in the nostalgic atmosphere. I could not help but admire how eager they were to enjoy their vacation.
Soft power sells best when not force-fed
Arusa Pisuthipan, Published on 07/08/2023
» South Korea knows how to sell its products. Apart from K-entertainment, the country has also popularised K-merchandise through pop culture. From fried chicken and ramyeon cup noodles to egg drop sandwiches and soju, instant coffee and dietary supplements, we have seen countless products from South Korea in series and movies successfully create a huge customer base in Thailand.
More a sorry scrawl than a signature
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 15/09/2019
» Visiting the bank the other day I had to sign a bunch of documents that no doubt would be carefully filed away to collect dust in a basement, never to be seen again. By the time I had finished I was uncomfortably aware that no two signatures of mine are exactly the same, even when written in close succession.
The golden age of the 'Hippie Trail'
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 08/09/2019
» Travelling long distances overland has always captured the imagination and it seems the passion still remains. Three Land Rovers stopped over in Bangkok earlier this week in what is being called "The Last Expedition" which is taking on the more than 14,000km journey overland from Singapore to London.
Important lessons from a chatbot developer
News, Sutapa Amornvivat, Published on 31/10/2018
» The smoother and deeper our conversation with Siri, (or with Alexa, Bixby or Cortana for that matter) the more realistic Dan Brown's Winston in Origin becomes. Many experts are predicting that demand for new mobile apps is slowing down with the next trend for user interface being chatbots. Of course, much more work in conversational AI will be necessary before we reach Winston's level of chatbot advancement. At least now, users are becoming more familiar and as a result, these interactions provide a constant source of data for machines to "learn".
Solar vital to energy plans
Oped, Editorial, Published on 06/10/2018
» With the Energy Ministry having recently set a new target for Thailand to make a gradual transition away from fossil fuels to decarbonise energy generation in the country, recent research by two Harvard University scholars provides useful information for the policymakers. It gives a realistic assessment of the pros and cons of two renewable energy sources -- wind and solar.
THAI food nosedives
News, Postbag, Published on 06/09/2018
» Business Post on Sept 4 reported the Thai Airways International (THAI) rehab plan to reduce its losses included adopting low-cost business models.
How Siri and Alexa could help boost literacy rates
News, Christopher Cannon, Published on 04/09/2018
» Convenience is atop the list of benefits Siri and Alexa have brought to millions. But is it possible that they're promoting literacy, too?