Feature by Ginnie Liang
Have you heard of DeepSeek? It’s an artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to follow human instructions, analyse vast amounts of data, generate reports, and even write code.
Developed by a Hangzhou-based company, DeepSeek is an open-source large language model (LLM) that has quickly gained traction. Its first free chatbot app, released last month, surpassed ChatGPT as the most-downloaded free app in the iOS App Store in both China and the US.
But what does this mean for the future of work? According to Derek Wong Fai, an associate professor at the University of Macau (UM) specialising in Machine Learning, Computational Linguistics and related areas, the key lies in how humans adapt to these advancements. In an online interview with the Post yesterday, Wong emphasised that AI should be seen as a tool, not a replacement for human expertise. “AI cannot operate independently,” he said. “It relies on human input to perform tasks effectively.”
The real takeaway? Those who learn to work alongside AI and leverage its capabilities will gain a significant edge. As Wong put it, “It’s not AI replacing humans, but humans who know how to use AI effectively replacing those who do not.”
Wong encouraged individuals to embrace AI as an opportunity to learn new skills. By mastering tools like DeepSeek, people can unlock new possibilities in their work and stay competitive in an evolving job market, Wong said, adding that rather than fearing AI, we should focus on integrating it into our workflows to boost productivity, foster innovation, and prepare for the future.
However, Wong also highlighted the importance of using AI responsibly. While tools like DeepSeek can provide valuable insights, they are not infallible. “AI generates responses based on patterns in data, but it doesn’t truly ‘understand’ information,” he noted. This means its advice, especially in sensitive areas like healthcare, should always be cross-checked with qualified professionals.
In short, AI is a powerful ally when used wisely. With proper safeguards and awareness, it can enhance human capabilities, helping us make better decisions and achieve more than ever before. “The future belongs to those who learn to harness its potential while staying mindful of its limitations,” Wong concluded.
This undated file photo downloaded from the website of University of Macau (UM) last night shows Derek Wong Fai, associate professor of the UM Faculty of Science and Technology.
The screenshot captured yesterday shows the interface that users will see after entering the DeepSeek app.
