Just wrapped up an insightful trip to Japan! After presenting NAIC/Data61’s work on responsible AI at the UN IGF, I had the privilege to visit several top AI institutes and delve deeper into Japan’s AI initiatives, such as JST’s Trustworthy/Trusted AI programs, Tokyo University, Waseda University, NII, RIKEN AIP, and AIST. Exciting collaboration opportunities lie ahead!

𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
1. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 – The Hiroshima AI Process and the presence of Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, at the IGF speaks volumes about Japan’s commitment to AI and its governance.
2. 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 – Rather than merely feeding more data to AI models in hopes of average improvements, Japan channels its engineering ingenuity to design both AI models and systems with explicit trade-offs and minority cases in mind. This aligns perfectly with our vision of “system-level responsible AI” and “Responsible AI engineering” beyond AI models.
3.  𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬- Japan’s focus on creating core AI tech with a global market perspective is truly inspirational. This approach, rather than just focusing on domestic scenarios, is noteworthy.
4.  𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 – The driving force behind Japan’s deep tech has a thriving community of international researchers and students. Global talent is the backbone of innovation.
5.  𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬- Witnessed a robust intent among Japanese MNCs to work closely with deep-tech-driven SMEs in Australia.

Grateful for this learning experience and the warm hospitality of Japan. Looking forward to fostering stronger bonds and collaborations in the AI sector.