Prof. Daiji Kawaguchi, Dean of GraSPP, delivering his presentation.

On 19 September, Prof. Daiji Kawaguchi, Dean of the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) at the University of Tokyo (UT), led a knowledge-sharing session on The Impact of Automation Technology on Employment, Productivity, and Wages at an APO Secretariat town hall meeting. He was accompanied by Professor Toshiro Nishizawa, GraSPP, UT. This session was organized following a meeting with APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata in June, during which he extended an invitation to enhance the understanding of automation and its impacts.

During the session, Prof. Kawaguchi presented invaluable insights on automation technologies including AI, supported by a wealth of case studies and survey findings. He highlighted AI’s potential to reduce the wealth gap, citing research that showed a 5% productivity improvement in low-skilled taxi drivers, measured by reduced vacancy and drive time, through the use of AI navigation systems.

The knowledge shared during this session was particularly useful in deepening the understanding of APO Secretariat staff, enabling them to provide quality service to APO members for relevant projects and activities. The profound impact of AI on productivity discussed during the session drew the attention and interest of many Secretariat staff members. This initiative reaffirmed the shared commitment of the APO and GraSPP to continue exploring opportunities for collaboration.