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The public face of the startup, backed by Microsoft, has
been on a whirlwind tour looking to capitalise on interest in generative AI and
exert influence on regulation of the burgeoning technology.
"I came to the trip ... sceptical that it was going to
be possible in the short term to get global cooperation to reduce existential
risk but I am now wrapping up the trip feeling quite optimistic we can get it
done," Sam Altman told students in Tokyo.
Regulators are scrambling to adapt existing rules and create
new guidelines to govern the use of generative AI, which can create text and
images and is engendering excitement and fear about its potential to reshape a
wide range of industries.
The European Union is moving ahead with its draft AI Act,
which is expected to become law this year, while the United States is leaning
toward adapting existing laws for AI rather than creating new legislation.
Altman visited Japan in April, meeting with Prime Minister
Fumio Kishida and saying he was considering opening an office in country.
"All of the conversations have progressed quite well,"
Altman said on Monday without providing detail.
Japan is seen as a laggard in the types of AI services
currently generating enthusiasm among consumers even as its manufacturing
heavyweights invest in automation technology.
"There's a long history of humans and machines working
together here," Altman said.
Altman is due to visit Singapore, Indonesia and Australia
before returning to the US. © Reuters