TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew says the market underestimates AI's long-term potential

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew spoke at DBS Bank's first Asia Future Forward Forum in Singapore, sharing his views on AI under the theme 'Unlocking Human Potential in an AI Era'.

He believes the market may overestimate AI's short-term abilities but underestimate its long-term impact. In the next two to three years, AI could drive major breakthroughs in physics and biotech. Still, human judgment, creativity, and authenticity remain essential.

He cited the 'paperclip theory' thought experiment, warning that an AI chasing a single goal without limits could produce outcomes misaligned with human intent. He called for proper oversight, saying high-risk work should not rely fully on automation.

He encouraged people to actually use advanced AI models to learn their strengths and limits firsthand. AI may reshape how we work and live, and human-AI collaboration will be key to staying competitive.