China unveils world’s first AI newsreader and doctor

IT’S all about artificial intelligence (AI), going by reports in Chinese dailies about a virtual newsreader and an AI doctor in China.

The state-owned Xinhua news agency has introduced what is allegedly the world’s first AI newscaster.

Sin Chew Daily reported that the news anchor started reading the news on Thursday. AI technology is used to synthesise “his” expressions, voice and lip movements.

Wearing a suit and tie, “he” reads the reports entered into the system.

The AI news anchor helps lower production costs although the procurement cost is high.

Meanwhile, Oriental Daily reported that China’s largest online healthcare platform, Ping An Good Doctor, launched an AI-powered one-minute clinic at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen recently.

The patient will see an AI doctor at the clinic before being treated by a real doctor. Treatment and medicine will be decided based on the diagnosis of both doctors.

The company plans to set up these clinics in pharmacies, corporations, schools, tourist spots, shopping malls and rest stops on highways.

> Management trainees at Beijingbased steamboat restaurant chain Haidilao could earn as much as their counterparts in the financing sector, Nanyang Siang Pau reported.

Haidilao, which is set to make its debut in the United Kingdom, plans to hire 120 staff there.

According to a job website, Haidilao is offering an annual sala- ry of £36,000 (RM196,200) for the position of a management trainee.

The average annual salary for management trainees in the retail and wealth management department of an established bank is £38,000 (RM207,100).

A management trainee at a wellknown oil and gas company can earn up to £27,000 (RM147,150) per year.

Haidilao is also hiring cooks, offering an annual salary of up to £57,000 (RM310,650). A British chef earns £25,000 annually (RM136,250).