Source: Business News Asia
SINGAPORE – Sony Research and AI Singapore (AISG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly research large language models (LLMs) tailored for Southeast Asian languages.
This collaboration will initially focus on SEA-LION (Southeast Asian Languages In One Network), specifically for the Tamil language.
The partnership aims to address the underrepresentation of Southeast Asian languages in the global LLM landscape.
By leveraging Sony Research’s expertise in LLM development and AISG’s regional knowledge, the initiative seeks to enhance the inclusivity and functionality of AI models for diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.
Sony Research, through its division Sony AI, will collaborate with AISG to test and refine the SEA-LION model, with a particular emphasis on Tamil.
Tamil, spoken by an estimated 60-85 million people globally, represents a significant linguistic group in both India and Southeast Asia. The research will also explore applications in speech generation, content analysis, and recognition.
Hiroaki Kitano, President of Sony Research, highlighted the importance of global linguistic representation in AI.
“Access to LLMs that reflect the diversity of languages and cultures is crucial for advancing research and developing technologies that are equitable and representative of global populations,” he said. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to making AI accessible and effective for all.”
Leslie Teo, Senior Director of AI Products at AISG, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“We are thrilled to work with Sony Research on this groundbreaking project. The SEA-LION model’s capabilities for Tamil and other Southeast Asian languages have great potential to advance multilingual AI technologies,” Teo said.
Kitano, an active member of Singapore’s technology community, is involved with various local organizations, including the Advisory Council on the Ethical Use of AI and Data, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and the National Research Foundation (NRF).
THE AUTHOR: Business News Asia
