Understand the Core of the AI Era — Or Get Left Behind!
What Defines the AI Era?
Is it data? Algorithms? Computing power? While these elements are essential, they are not the true core of the AI era. The real game-changer is decision quality.
AI has transitioned from the lab to the real world not just because it can process vast amounts of data or execute complex calculations, but because it has fundamentally improved the way decisions are made. This leap in decision-making capability is what’s reshaping industries, transforming our daily lives, and defining the future of technology.
Go Battle: The Pinnacle of AI Decision-Making
Remember the Go* match that shocked the world in 2016? AlphaGo played against the top human player Lee Sedol. Since then, no human has ever defeated AI in the world of Go. AlphaGo’s victory is not accidental. Every move it made was a carefully calculated decision. Unlike human players, who rely on intuition, experience, and real-time judgment, AI evaluates countless possibilities, predicting dozens — or even hundreds — of moves ahead. This duel was more than the victory or defeat of a Go game; it marked a revolution in decision-making itself.
*Go, an ancient Chinese strategy game is played with black and white stones, where the player who controls the most territory wins. Known as the “King of Board Games,” it embodies art, wisdom, and deep philosophy.
Autonomous Driving: AI Decision-Making in the Real World
The improvement in the quality of AI decision-making is not only reflected on the chessboard but also in our daily lives. Autonomous driving is one of the best examples.
What is the core of autonomous driving? It is the perfect fusion of perception and decision-making.
- The limitations of human driving: Humans rely on our eyes to navigate the road, but our field of vision is limited and blind spots are unavoidable. We use our ears to detect sounds, yet distractions — music, conversations, or outside noise — often distract us. More critically, human learning is finite. Once we learn to drive, few of us refine our driving skills further. Fatigue, stress, and emotions like road rage further increase accident risks.
- Advantages of AI driving: In contrast, AI-driven cars are equipped with multiple cameras, radars and sensors that provide a 360-degree view of the surrounding environment without blind spots. AI doesn’t get distracted, fatigued, or emotional. Unlike humans, it learns and optimizes continuously, adapting to complex road conditions, and improving safety over time. Eventually, AI-driven cars will surpass human drivers in reliability and efficiency.
From the strategic brilliance of Go to the precision of autonomous vehicles, AI is changing the way the world works with more efficient and accurate decisions. AI is transforming decision-making across every domain. As AI systems become more advanced, making faster and more accurate choices than ever before, they are redefining how the world operates.
As AI decision-making seeps into every corner of life, the real question is: How can we find our place in this wave? In this AI-driven revolution, are you ready?
Special Notes
Over the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with founders, investors, and technical teams from technology companies worldwide, particularly in China, the United States, Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, and beyond. Given the diverse national and cultural backgrounds, misunderstandings are sometimes inevitable, especially when it comes to perceptions of China.
To bridge this gap, starting this year, I have decided to regularly share insights from thought leaders in China’s tech industry, offering cutting-edge perspectives and unique viewpoints.
My aim is to foster deeper mutual understanding and break down unnecessary barriers. After all, in an era of rapid AI advancements, humanity must work together to navigate the complexities of intelligent technologies and jointly build a brighter future.
Liang Ning Introduction
The above content is compiled based on Liang Ning’s understanding of the AI era.
Liang Ning is an outstanding business thinker in China’s technology field. In her 20s, she worked with Academician Ni Guangnan to develop China’s domestic chips and operating systems. Later, she founded a well-known outdoor travel portal, Green Man. After the website was acquired by Tencent, she served as Tencent’s product manager. After leaving in 2014, she focused on in-depth research of enterprises.