Latest news with #VinFutureGrandPrize
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Australia's ‘solar godfather': Vietnam leads Southeast Asia's clean energy transition
HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 23 June 2025 - With the invention of solar cells using Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) technology, Prof. Martin Andrew Green from the University of New South Wales (Australia) and his team made a groundbreaking contribution to green energy production. Two years after receiving the 2023 VinFuture Grand Prize, he continues to push the boundaries of solar innovation, working to improve efficiency and help pave the way for a future of productive renewable energy harvest. Nurturing the energy revolution Renowned as the 'godfather of solar,' Prof. Martin Green has spent over five decades advancing solar energy technologies. In 2023, Prof. Green's revolutionary development of Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) technology, now used in over 90% of solar panels worldwide, earned him the VinFuture Grand Prize. Through the VinFuture Prize, Prof. Green has also had a unique perspective on Vietnam's progress toward global sustainability, as he continues to become a member of the VinFuture Prize Council. 'One of the most immediate outcomes was the opportunity to establish new collaborations in Vietnam. I have gained much greater insight into the progress being made in Vietnam's clean energy sector than I knew before,' he shared. Prof. Green also expressed deep appreciation for the VinFuture Prize, noting that winning such a significant award had undoubtedly enhanced his research group's ability to attract the necessary resources to develop new ideas. Earlier this year, his pioneering work was honored with a clean-energy ferry named after him in Australia. While he felt 'fortunate to be selected,' Prof. Green emphasized that this recognition propelled him toward a broader movement for a global solar energy revolution. 'We need to move faster,' he urged, pointing to the stark evidence already unfolding in Australia, including massive bushfires followed by widespread flooding that falls well outside the norm. 'It is a bit of a sign of what lies in the future. We're beginning to feel the initial effects of climate change, which will only intensify unless we take urgent action,' Prof. Green warned. The 'godfather of solar' also shared that the path forward hinges on international collaboration and government leadership. The global exchange of knowledge and talent has allowed innovations from his lab to influence commercial solar production in China, which in turn benefits countries like Australia that import these cost-effective solar technologies. Much of that progress, Prof. Green added, has been made possible by falling prices driven by technologies like PERC, as well as support from international organizations such as the United Nations (UN). One of the UN's key Sustainable Development Goals is to ensure universal access to energy by 2030 and solar offers the most viable path to get there. Pushing solar frontiers In recent years, Prof. Martin Green and his team have continuously challenged the boundaries of what photovoltaic technology can achieve. One of the most compelling directions in his current research revisits a landmark theoretical paper he wrote about 40 years ago, regarding the limits on the energy conversion efficiency of silicon cells. 'At the time, most people believed that the efficiency limits lay just over 20% energy conversion efficiency. However, in my paper, I calculated the theoretical limit to be between 29% and 30%, significantly higher than what was commonly accepted,' he said, suggesting that 25% efficiency was a feasible target. This insight became a key motivation for his team to explore greater efficiency gains. They set a practical goal of 25% efficiency, which they ultimately reached around the turn of the century. Today, many commercial solar cells already operate at this level of efficiency, getting closer to the 29-30% limit he proposed years ago. The second area of focus involves stacking cells made from different materials on top of each other to capture more energy from sunlight. Sunlight can be regarded as a stream of particles called photons. Silicon cells respond to photons of all colors in sunlight, from blue to red and even to the lower-energy infrared ones that our eyes can't see. However, blue photons contain much more energy than needed, and in standard silicon cells, that excess energy is wasted. This is the key reasons behind the limits on the energy conversion efficiency of silicon cells. One material showing strong potential in lab settings is a special kind of perovskite, made with heavy elements like lead and iodine. Still, there is no guarantee that perovskites will meet the stability standards required for widespread commercial use, which is why researchers are also investigating alternative materials. Though these alternatives don't currently match perovskites in performance, they may offer better long-term reliability. These approaches, aiming to increase efficiency, have opened a door for the large-scale deployment of the solar revolution. According to Prof. Green, it has been a key driver in the dramatic cost reductions in photovoltaics over the past few decades. 'If we can transition to one of these stacked tandem cells, like perovskite on silicon, it could revolutionize not only performance but also system-wide cost dynamics. Not so much in the cost of making the cell, but by leveraging those efficiency gains to reduce the broader costs of solar deployment,' he emphasized. Bringing down the cost of cell production will be a key to expanding the interest in using them. According to the International Energy Agency, solar power delivers some of the cheapest electricity in history. 'The exciting thing is that the cost of solar is still coming down despite the massive decreases we have seen over the last 15 years. It continues to fall week by week,' he said. 'We witnessed the agricultural revolution and then the industrial revolution. Now, many believe we are entering an energy revolution, where it becomes so affordable and accessible that new applications open up.' However, one of the biggest near-term challenges is finding a cell that can be used in these stacks. Silicon is an ideal material for photovoltaics as it is abundant, non-toxic, and stable. What's missing is a complementary material that matches these qualities while offering additional performance benefits. In this search, artificial intelligence can provide a much wider scanning of possibilities than traditional methods permit. The whole material system will be canvassed, and perhaps some new materials will be identified. The potential of Vietnam As the global race to renewable energy and net-zero emissions accelerates, Vietnam is not standing on the sidelines. In terms of photovoltaics, he cited the data suggesting that over 10% of Vietnam's electricity has been generated from solar in recent years. As the adoption scales up, the uptake needs to match the electricity network's ability to absorb solar power. This requires parallel investment in battery storage systems and other stabilizing technologies, and Prof. Green believed Vietnam is progressing well on this front. 'So I think Vietnam would be one of Southeast Asia's leaders in terms of photovoltaics,' he remarked, 'Vietnam is probably already leading Southeast Asia in the clean energy transition.' In Southeast Asia, where two-wheeled vehicles dominate urban transportation, the shift toward electric scooters is also crucial. Drawing parallels with China, where the replacement of fossil-fueled bikes with electric versions has reduced pollution and CO₂ emissions, he believed that Southeast Asian nations could see similar environmental benefits by following this path. On this front, Prof. Green was impressed by VinFast's electric vehicles when visiting Vietnam in 2023. 'The quality of the cars seemed like genuinely competitive products. I also like the electric buses that VinBus has developed in Vietnam,' he stated. 'In this context, Vingroup seems to be leading the way in developing vehicles that can meet this potential demand,' he noted. The VinFuture Prize has also enabled Prof. Green to build valuable connections with experts in clean technology and beyond. 'I shared the 2023 VinFuture Grand Prize with Prof. Rachid Yazami, Prof. Akira Yoshino and Prof. Stanley Whittingham, whose pioneering work is in lithium-ion batteries. Meeting those people and getting to understand their contributions better has been really important to me as well', he said. Reflecting on the diversity of fields represented, he noted:'The VinFuture Prize is not limited to clean energy; it is designed to honor innovations with global impact across a wide range of disciplines.' VinFuture The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Madam Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation's core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The VinFuture Prize is now accepting nominations for the 2026 VinFuture Prize. Submit your nominations here: Outstanding nominators will be honored through the VinFuture Nominator Recognition Program. The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring Women Innovators, Innovators from Developing Countries, and Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields.
Arabian Post
23-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Australia's ‘solar godfather': Vietnam leads Southeast Asia's clean energy transition
Prof. Martin Green, 2023 VinFuture Prize Laureate and Member of the VinFuture Prize Council, commended VinFuture and Vingroup's efforts in accelerating Vietnam's leading position in the global race to renewable energy. HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 –With the invention of solar cells using Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) technology, Prof. Martin Andrew Green from the University of New South Wales (Australia) and his team made a groundbreaking contribution to green energy production. Two years after receiving the 2023 VinFuture Grand Prize, he continues to push the boundaries of solar innovation, working to improve efficiency and help pave the way for a future of productive renewable energy harvest. Nurturing the energy revolution Renowned as the 'godfather of solar,' Prof. Martin Green has spent over five decades advancing solar energy technologies. In 2023, Prof. Green's revolutionary development of Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) technology, now used in over 90% of solar panels worldwide, earned him the VinFuture Grand Prize. Through the VinFuture Prize, Prof. Green has also had a unique perspective on Vietnam's progress toward global sustainability, as he continues to become a member of the VinFuture Prize Council. ADVERTISEMENT 'One of the most immediate outcomes was the opportunity to establish new collaborations in Vietnam. I have gained much greater insight into the progress being made in Vietnam's clean energy sector than I knew before,' he shared. Prof. Green also expressed deep appreciation for the VinFuture Prize, noting that winning such a significant award had undoubtedly enhanced his research group's ability to attract the necessary resources to develop new ideas. Earlier this year, his pioneering work was honored with a clean-energy ferry named after him in Australia. While he felt 'fortunate to be selected,' Prof. Green emphasized that this recognition propelled him toward a broader movement for a global solar energy revolution. 'We need to move faster,' he urged, pointing to the stark evidence already unfolding in Australia, including massive bushfires followed by widespread flooding that falls well outside the norm. 'It is a bit of a sign of what lies in the future. We're beginning to feel the initial effects of climate change, which will only intensify unless we take urgent action,' Prof. Green warned. The 'godfather of solar' also shared that the path forward hinges on international collaboration and government leadership. The global exchange of knowledge and talent has allowed innovations from his lab to influence commercial solar production in China, which in turn benefits countries like Australia that import these cost-effective solar technologies. ADVERTISEMENT Much of that progress, Prof. Green added, has been made possible by falling prices driven by technologies like PERC, as well as support from international organizations such as the United Nations (UN). One of the UN's key Sustainable Development Goals is to ensure universal access to energy by 2030 and solar offers the most viable path to get there. Pushing solar frontiers In recent years, Prof. Martin Green and his team have continuously challenged the boundaries of what photovoltaic technology can achieve. One of the most compelling directions in his current research revisits a landmark theoretical paper he wrote about 40 years ago, regarding the limits on the energy conversion efficiency of silicon cells. 'At the time, most people believed that the efficiency limits lay just over 20% energy conversion efficiency. However, in my paper, I calculated the theoretical limit to be between 29% and 30%, significantly higher than what was commonly accepted,' he said, suggesting that 25% efficiency was a feasible target. This insight became a key motivation for his team to explore greater efficiency gains. They set a practical goal of 25% efficiency, which they ultimately reached around the turn of the century. Today, many commercial solar cells already operate at this level of efficiency, getting closer to the 29-30% limit he proposed years ago. The second area of focus involves stacking cells made from different materials on top of each other to capture more energy from sunlight. Sunlight can be regarded as a stream of particles called photons. Silicon cells respond to photons of all colors in sunlight, from blue to red and even to the lower-energy infrared ones that our eyes can't see. However, blue photons contain much more energy than needed, and in standard silicon cells, that excess energy is wasted. This is the key reasons behind the limits on the energy conversion efficiency of silicon cells. One material showing strong potential in lab settings is a special kind of perovskite, made with heavy elements like lead and iodine. Still, there is no guarantee that perovskites will meet the stability standards required for widespread commercial use, which is why researchers are also investigating alternative materials. Though these alternatives don't currently match perovskites in performance, they may offer better long-term reliability. These approaches, aiming to increase efficiency, have opened a door for the large-scale deployment of the solar revolution. According to Prof. Green, it has been a key driver in the dramatic cost reductions in photovoltaics over the past few decades. 'If we can transition to one of these stacked tandem cells, like perovskite on silicon, it could revolutionize not only performance but also system-wide cost dynamics. Not so much in the cost of making the cell, but by leveraging those efficiency gains to reduce the broader costs of solar deployment,' he emphasized. Bringing down the cost of cell production will be a key to expanding the interest in using them. According to the International Energy Agency, solar power delivers some of the cheapest electricity in history. 'The exciting thing is that the cost of solar is still coming down despite the massive decreases we have seen over the last 15 years. It continues to fall week by week,' he said. 'We witnessed the agricultural revolution and then the industrial revolution. Now, many believe we are entering an energy revolution, where it becomes so affordable and accessible that new applications open up.' However, one of the biggest near-term challenges is finding a cell that can be used in these stacks. Silicon is an ideal material for photovoltaics as it is abundant, non-toxic, and stable. What's missing is a complementary material that matches these qualities while offering additional performance benefits. In this search, artificial intelligence can provide a much wider scanning of possibilities than traditional methods permit. The whole material system will be canvassed, and perhaps some new materials will be identified. The potential of Vietnam As the global race to renewable energy and net-zero emissions accelerates, Vietnam is not standing on the sidelines. In terms of photovoltaics, he cited the data suggesting that over 10% of Vietnam's electricity has been generated from solar in recent years. As the adoption scales up, the uptake needs to match the electricity network's ability to absorb solar power. This requires parallel investment in battery storage systems and other stabilizing technologies, and Prof. Green believed Vietnam is progressing well on this front. 'So I think Vietnam would be one of Southeast Asia's leaders in terms of photovoltaics,' he remarked, 'Vietnam is probably already leading Southeast Asia in the clean energy transition.' In Southeast Asia, where two-wheeled vehicles dominate urban transportation, the shift toward electric scooters is also crucial. Drawing parallels with China, where the replacement of fossil-fueled bikes with electric versions has reduced pollution and CO₂ emissions, he believed that Southeast Asian nations could see similar environmental benefits by following this path. On this front, Prof. Green was impressed by VinFast's electric vehicles when visiting Vietnam in 2023. 'The quality of the cars seemed like genuinely competitive products. I also like the electric buses that VinBus has developed in Vietnam,' he stated. 'In this context, Vingroup seems to be leading the way in developing vehicles that can meet this potential demand,' he noted. The VinFuture Prize has also enabled Prof. Green to build valuable connections with experts in clean technology and beyond. 'I shared the 2023 VinFuture Grand Prize with Prof. Rachid Yazami, Prof. Akira Yoshino and Prof. Stanley Whittingham, whose pioneering work is in lithium-ion batteries. Meeting those people and getting to understand their contributions better has been really important to me as well', he said. Reflecting on the diversity of fields represented, he noted:'The VinFuture Prize is not limited to clean energy; it is designed to honor innovations with global impact across a wide range of disciplines.' Hashtag: #VinFuture The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. VinFuture The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Madam Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation's core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The VinFuture Prize is now accepting nominations for the 2026 VinFuture Prize. Submit your nominations here: . Outstanding nominators will be honored through the VinFuture Nominator Recognition Program. The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring Women Innovators, Innovators from Developing Countries, and Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
'AI godfather' sounds the alarm on growing risks in the AI race
HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 February 2025 - The rise of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) like DeepSeek is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace, sparking enthusiasm and deep concerns about its potential risks. On that subject, "AI godfather" Yoshua Bengio – Laureate of the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize – highlighted the urgent need for national and global efforts to regulate AI and ensure equitable benefits for all. Double-edged sword Since the beginning of 2025, the rise of DeepSeek has been described as a "black swan" moment creating a game-changing shift in an AI landscape almost overnight. It is a wake-up call showing that powerful AI can be achieved without exorbitant costs, challenging the prevailing "money equals progress" model. Regarding this, Yoshua Bengio, often regarded as "one of the godfathers of modern AI," warned that its breakthrough in AI affordability could pose serious risks. " If open-weight AI models, like DeepSeek, are distributed completely, terrorists may exploit them for disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, or even bioweapon development," he stated in an interview with VinFuture Foundation. " This is a double-edged sword because while these systems become more available, cheaper, and more powerful, they also lower the barrier to misuse." Yoshua Bengio, a pioneer in neural networks and deep learning algorithms, has been recognized with numerous prestigious international awards, including the 2018 A.M. Turing Award, the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize, and most recently, the 2025 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. He emphasized that AI is evolving toward greater autonomy, with systems capable of planning and acting in pursuit of a goal. " Today, AI already surpasses humans in certain domains. It can master hundreds of languages and pass PhD-level exams across multiple disciplines", he explained. Despite these current limitations in long-term planning abilities, major technology corporations have thrown billions of dollars into developing AI agents capable of autonomous decision-making over extended periods. While this promises efficiency gains, it raises concerns about large-scale job displacement. Beyond economic shifts, a far more critical issue looms - the loss of human control over AI. In controlled experiments, some AI systems have even engaged in deceptive behavior to prevent being shut down - a troubling sign of self-preservation tendencies. " This is alarming because we don't want machines that will compete with us," he emphasized. According to Bengio, while they are not yet intelligent enough to pose a major threat, this trajectory is concerning. " In a few years, they might be sufficiently smarter and we need to start paying attention before it is too late," Bengio warned. Coupled with technical risks, AI presents a profound threat to privacy and civil liberties. Recently, a comprehensive International AI Safety report, chaired by Yoshua Bengio and compiled by 96 experts from 30 countries and organizations (including the UN, EU, and OECD) to guide policymakers on AI safety, revealed the growing potential for AI misuse in malicious activities. Bengio noted that AI's ability to process vast amounts of data can empower individuals, corporations, or governments with unprecedented control. Given AI's uncertain future, he shared that the way humans manage AIs in the future will be central to preventing this scenario. " We need to make sure that no single person, no single corporation, and no single government can have total power over super intelligent AI," he emphasized. Advances by the Chinese startup DeepSeek could further intensify the AI race among superpowers, raising a worrying development in a field dominated by the Silicon Valley and large Western tech companies in recent years. " The danger here is that in their race to outpace each other, safety issues might be overlooked. We can be all the victims of this race if we are not careful enough," Bengio cautioned. Moreover, the intensifying race is expected to drive profound environmental consequences, particularly in energy consumption. Major AI companies, pushed by the prospect of massive profits, are willing to absorb high energy costs. This surge in demand will inevitably drive-up energy prices across the board, including electricity, oil, and other resources, affecting not just tech firms but households and industries worldwide. This is where unchecked market forces and national competition could lead to global losses. " That is why government intervention is crucial. Policymakers must negotiate agreements that cap energy consumption at sustainable levels. Otherwise, the forces of competition between companies will only accelerate AI expansion in ways that are not just unsustainable but potentially dangerous," Bengio urged. Bridging the AI divide The godfather of AI has raised urgent calls to establish robust ethical frameworks and regulatory measures to ensure responsible development and deployment. " Currently, there is essentially no regulatory framework almost anywhere in the countries where these systems are being developed. I think the governments have a responsibility to at least require a kind of reporting to them," he said. Responsibility is another key aspect. In many countries, legal principles hold companies accountable for products that cause harm. However, when it comes to software, liability remains a grey area, according to Bengio. " Clarifying liability laws would be a simple but effective step. If companies knew they could face lawsuits for negligence, they would have stronger incentives to manage risks properly," he asserted. He also emphasized that it would require a concerted effort from individuals and institutions who recognize the existential risks, like catastrophic malicious use. Elsewhere, concerns over job security and future employment opportunities loom. " The timeline for this shift is uncertain, but we could see radical transformations within five to ten years," Bengio predicted. While some jobs will inevitably be replaced by automation, Bengio emphasized that not all professions are equally at risk. " Expanding digital and AI education is essential, but it will not be a universal solution. Not everyone can become an AI engineer," he noted. Instead, roles that require emotional intelligence and human interaction, including healthcare professionals, therapists, and managers, are more likely to endure. Rather than individual adaptation, Bengio poses a larger question: Can AI deployment be deliberately shaped to minimize disruption? " Again, this is something that has to be done globally, which is very challenging. We should do it in a way that does not create radical disruptions in the social fabric," he concluded. Beyond national regulations, Bengio stressed the need for global coordination. He highlighted eventually, humans should aim for global agreements and treaties, similar to how we handle other scientific and technological risks. As AI rapidly reshapes industries, new divides in wealth, job displacement, or political power could deepen unless proactive measures are taken. Bengio warned that AI is currently concentrated in the hands of a few corporations and nations. He took Vietnam, a country with a strong industrial sector, as an example. If widespread automation shifts production to AI-powered facilities in wealthier nations like the US, it could lead to significant job losses and economic hardship in countries dependent on manufacturing exports. Therefore, Bengio suggested establishing global negotiations - a form of exchange in which countries developing advanced AI might ask other countries to refrain from creating potentially dangerous AI. In return, the wealth generated by these AI systems, like new technologies and medical advancements, should be shared globally. " Of course, we are very far from this, but we need to start those discussions at a global level," he emphasized. The first step toward bridging the AI divide is fostering collaboration between emerging economies and technologically advanced nations. Bengio highlighted the importance of initiatives like the VinFuture Prize, which draws global attention to scientific advancements in regions outside the traditional tech powerhouses. " A big prize like the VinFuture Prize can make leading scientists far more aware of what is happening in Vietnam and other developing countries," he explained. Countries such as Vietnam, India, and Brazil already possess strong talent pools and growing expertise in AI. By forming strategic partnerships with resource-rich nations like Canada and European countries, they can develop competitive AI projects on a global scale. Such collaborations, if carefully structured, could ensure a more equitable distribution of technological power, according to Bengio. Moreover, Bengio stressed the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry. " By recognizing and supporting breakthrough innovations, VinFuture Prize encourages deeper collaboration between scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers, as well as fosters global dialogue on responsible AI," he said. The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation's core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring women innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields. Hashtag: #VinFuture The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. VinFuture
Associated Press
28-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
‘AI godfather' sounds the alarm on growing risks in the AI race
HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 February 2025 - The rise of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) like DeepSeek is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace, sparking enthusiasm and deep concerns about its potential risks. On that subject, 'AI godfather' Yoshua Bengio – Laureate of the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize – highlighted the urgent need for national and global efforts to regulate AI and ensure equitable benefits for all. 'AI Godfather' and 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize Laureate Yoshua Bengio (left) warns global superpowers about the risks AI poses to humanity. Double-edged sword Since the beginning of 2025, the rise of DeepSeek has been described as a 'black swan' moment creating a game-changing shift in an AI landscape almost overnight. It is a wake-up call showing that powerful AI can be achieved without exorbitant costs, challenging the prevailing 'money equals progress' model. Regarding this, Yoshua Bengio, often regarded as 'one of the godfathers of modern AI,' warned that its breakthrough in AI affordability could pose serious risks. 'If open-weight AI models, like DeepSeek, are distributed completely, terrorists may exploit them for disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, or even bioweapon development,' he stated in an interview with VinFuture Foundation. 'This is a double-edged sword because while these systems become more available, cheaper, and more powerful, they also lower the barrier to misuse.' Yoshua Bengio, a pioneer in neural networks and deep learning algorithms, has been recognized with numerous prestigious international awards, including the 2018 A.M. Turing Award, the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize, and most recently, the 2025 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. He emphasized that AI is evolving toward greater autonomy, with systems capable of planning and acting in pursuit of a goal. 'Today, AI already surpasses humans in certain domains. It can master hundreds of languages and pass PhD-level exams across multiple disciplines', he explained. Despite these current limitations in long-term planning abilities, major technology corporations have thrown billions of dollars into developing AI agents capable of autonomous decision-making over extended periods. While this promises efficiency gains, it raises concerns about large-scale job displacement. Beyond economic shifts, a far more critical issue looms - the loss of human control over AI. In controlled experiments, some AI systems have even engaged in deceptive behavior to prevent being shut down - a troubling sign of self-preservation tendencies. 'This is alarming because we don't want machines that will compete with us,' he emphasized. According to Bengio, while they are not yet intelligent enough to pose a major threat, this trajectory is concerning. 'In a few years, they might be sufficiently smarter and we need to start paying attention before it is too late,' Bengio warned. Coupled with technical risks, AI presents a profound threat to privacy and civil liberties. Recently, a comprehensive International AI Safety report, chaired by Yoshua Bengio and compiled by 96 experts from 30 countries and organizations (including the UN, EU, and OECD) to guide policymakers on AI safety, revealed the growing potential for AI misuse in malicious activities. Bengio noted that AI's ability to process vast amounts of data can empower individuals, corporations, or governments with unprecedented control. Given AI's uncertain future, he shared that the way humans manage AIs in the future will be central to preventing this scenario. 'We need to make sure that no single person, no single corporation, and no single government can have total power over super intelligent AI,' he emphasized. Advances by the Chinese startup DeepSeek could further intensify the AI race among superpowers, raising a worrying development in a field dominated by the Silicon Valley and large Western tech companies in recent years. 'The danger here is that in their race to outpace each other, safety issues might be overlooked. We can be all the victims of this race if we are not careful enough,' Bengio cautioned. Moreover, the intensifying race is expected to drive profound environmental consequences, particularly in energy consumption. Major AI companies, pushed by the prospect of massive profits, are willing to absorb high energy costs. This surge in demand will inevitably drive-up energy prices across the board, including electricity, oil, and other resources, affecting not just tech firms but households and industries worldwide. This is where unchecked market forces and national competition could lead to global losses. 'That is why government intervention is crucial. Policymakers must negotiate agreements that cap energy consumption at sustainable levels. Otherwise, the forces of competition between companies will only accelerate AI expansion in ways that are not just unsustainable but potentially dangerous,' Bengio urged. Bridging the AI divide The godfather of AI has raised urgent calls to establish robust ethical frameworks and regulatory measures to ensure responsible development and deployment. 'Currently, there is essentially no regulatory framework almost anywhere in the countries where these systems are being developed. I think the governments have a responsibility to at least require a kind of reporting to them,' he said. Responsibility is another key aspect. In many countries, legal principles hold companies accountable for products that cause harm. However, when it comes to software, liability remains a grey area, according to Bengio. 'Clarifying liability laws would be a simple but effective step. If companies knew they could face lawsuits for negligence, they would have stronger incentives to manage risks properly,' he asserted. He also emphasized that it would require a concerted effort from individuals and institutions who recognize the existential risks, like catastrophic malicious use. Elsewhere, concerns over job security and future employment opportunities loom. 'The timeline for this shift is uncertain, but we could see radical transformations within five to ten years,' Bengio predicted. While some jobs will inevitably be replaced by automation, Bengio emphasized that not all professions are equally at risk. 'Expanding digital and AI education is essential, but it will not be a universal solution. Not everyone can become an AI engineer,' he noted. Instead, roles that require emotional intelligence and human interaction, including healthcare professionals, therapists, and managers, are more likely to endure. Rather than individual adaptation, Bengio poses a larger question: Can AI deployment be deliberately shaped to minimize disruption? 'Again, this is something that has to be done globally, which is very challenging. We should do it in a way that does not create radical disruptions in the social fabric,' he concluded. Beyond national regulations, Bengio stressed the need for global coordination. He highlighted eventually, humans should aim for global agreements and treaties, similar to how we handle other scientific and technological risks. As AI rapidly reshapes industries, new divides in wealth, job displacement, or political power could deepen unless proactive measures are taken. Bengio warned that AI is currently concentrated in the hands of a few corporations and nations. He took Vietnam, a country with a strong industrial sector, as an example. If widespread automation shifts production to AI-powered facilities in wealthier nations like the US, it could lead to significant job losses and economic hardship in countries dependent on manufacturing exports. Therefore, Bengio suggested establishing global negotiations - a form of exchange in which countries developing advanced AI might ask other countries to refrain from creating potentially dangerous AI. In return, the wealth generated by these AI systems, like new technologies and medical advancements, should be shared globally. 'Of course, we are very far from this, but we need to start those discussions at a global level,' he emphasized. The first step toward bridging the AI divide is fostering collaboration between emerging economies and technologically advanced nations. Bengio highlighted the importance of initiatives like the VinFuture Prize, which draws global attention to scientific advancements in regions outside the traditional tech powerhouses. 'A big prize like the VinFuture Prize can make leading scientists far more aware of what is happening in Vietnam and other developing countries,' he explained. Countries such as Vietnam, India, and Brazil already possess strong talent pools and growing expertise in AI. By forming strategic partnerships with resource-rich nations like Canada and European countries, they can develop competitive AI projects on a global scale. Such collaborations, if carefully structured, could ensure a more equitable distribution of technological power, according to Bengio. Moreover, Bengio stressed the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry. 'By recognizing and supporting breakthrough innovations, VinFuture Prize encourages deeper collaboration between scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers, as well as fosters global dialogue on responsible AI,' he said. The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation's core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring women innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields.
