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Best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories you'll actually use

Best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories you'll actually use

CNA2 days ago
Buyers' Guide
Level up your Switch 2 experience with ergonomic grips, pro-level controllers, durable carrying cases and fast-charging power banks to keep you gaming anywhere.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.
The Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger OLED screen, improved hardware and controllers and support for 4K/60 output when docked. To help you get the most out of your handheld, we've shortlisted some must-have Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, from protective cases to pro-level controllers.
CONTROLLERS
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (S$74.50) Photo: 8BitDo
This great alternative to the Pro Controller is also PC-compatible. It introduces TMR thumbsticks, which offer improved accuracy and durability over potentiometer-based controllers. It also includes remappable shoulder buttons, digital trigger locks, and gyro support, making it suitable for a wide range of gaming genres. It supports Bluetooth, USB-C, and 2.4GHz wireless connections, with a charging dock that doubles as a low-latency dongle.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller (S$109.90) Photo: Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a solid upgrade over the standard Joy Con controllers, especially for longer gaming sessions. It offers a more comfortable grip, smoother analogue sticks and a more responsive D-pad. The new programmable rear buttons add flexibility, and the built-in headset jack is a nice touch for chatting mid-game.
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CASES & PROTECTION
Spigen Dual Grip Case Designed for Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) – Black (S$27.99) Photo: Amazon.sg
The Spigen Dual Grip Case features a tactical dual-grip design that makes handheld play more ergonomic, especially during long sessions. Made from durable PC and TPU materials, it offers solid protection while still being dock-compatible. You don't have to remove it to charge or play on the big screen. The case includes precise cutouts for all buttons, ports, and even the kickstand. Do note that you'll need to remove the case to detach the Joy-Cons.
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Genki Aegis Shield Tempered Glass for Nintendo Switch 2 (S$29) Photo: Genki
The Genki Aegis Shield features nanoweave glass that guards against scratches, drops and everyday wear. The drop-in-place applicator makes installation stress-free and bubble-free. Each pack includes two protectors, a microfiber cloth, alcohol wipes, and a squeegee.
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Jsaux Mega Carry Case for Nintendo Switch 2 (S$33.90) Photo: Jsaux
The Jsaux MegaCarry Case is a spacious travel-friendly storage solution that fits the Switch 2 even with a protective shell on. Inside, you'll find a plush microfibre lining, velcro strap to secure the consol, and 20 game card slots. The hard EVA shell protects against drops and scratches, while the mesh pocket holds accessories like Joy-Cons, cables and earbuds.
Shop here POWER
Baseus Blade 20,000mAh 100W Laptop Power Bank (S$59.12; Usual Price: S$219) Photo: Baseus
This sleek, ultra-thin power bank is designed for serious charging on the go. With two USB-C and two USB-A ports, it can charge up to four devices at once—including laptops, tablets, and phones. The built-in LED screen shows real-time charging stats, and its flat design slides easily into any bag.
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Baseus 65W Power Bank 26,800mAh PD Quick Charge Power Bank (S$84.91) Photo: Baseus
This portable powerhouse features five output ports and three input options. The 65W USB-C PD output is perfect for high-demand devices, and the smart LED display shows real-time battery, voltage, and current info. It's got a sleek design, solid build, and built-in safety protections. Whether you're traveling, working remotely, or gaming on the go, this power bank keeps everything charged and ready without breaking a sweat 1.
Shop here STORAGE AND MULTIMEDIA
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (S$70.90) Photo: Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a sleek, plug-and-play webcam designed to enhance your GameChat experience. Its ultra-wide angle lens with face-optimised exposure and low-light noise reduction makes it ideal for video calls and screen-sharing. The built-in privacy shutter adds peace of mind. It connects via USB so works with PCs and Macs aswell. While image quality is solid at 1,080p, it lacks mounting flexibility and a built-in mic. If you want a polished, official accessory that integrates seamlessly with the Switch 2, it's a dependable pick.
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SteelSeries TUSQ In-Ear Gaming Headset (S$71) Photo: SteelSeries
The SteelSeries Tusq is a lightweight, in-ear gaming headset for gamers who want portability without sacrificing performance. It features a detachable boom mic for crystal-clear voice chat and a built-in mic for casual use. The around- ear suspension design keeps the earbuds secure and comfy during long sessions. It features multiple ear tip sizes for a custom fit. Audio is crisp and detailed, thanks to dynamic sound drivers, though it's more tuned for games than music or movies. It's compatible with any device using a 3.5mm jack, making it a solid pick for gaming on the go.
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Samsung Official MicroSD Express Card, 256GB (Mario Edition), Japan Import (S$89.90; Usual Price: S$117.90; 24% off) Photo: Samsung
This 256GB card is the official high-speed storage upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2. This microSD Express card delivers faster read/write speeds compared to older microSDXC cards, which aren't supported on the Switch 2 anyway.
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SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (PS) (S$319) Photo: SteelSeries
If you're bringing your Switch 2 on your flight, these gaming-oriented earbuds include a Wi-Fi dongle that streams high-quality 2.4GHz wireless audio from your device. We found it to be a comfortable headset that's great for gaming, movies, music and offers good noise-cancelling . The dongle allows it to pair directly with your console (some consoles, like the PS5, don't support Bluetooth pairing), offering low-latency, detailed, balanced sound and effective noise cancelling.
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Prices are accurate as of the time of publication. Discount and promo codes for some products are available for eligible Prime members.
Not a Prime member yet? Join Prime or start a 30-day free trial at Amazon.sg/prime . Prime members enjoy free one-day domestic delivery and free international delivery on eligible items. Buyers' Guide Affiliate Nintendo
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Where do top chefs eat in Hong Kong?
Where do top chefs eat in Hong Kong?

CNA

time3 hours ago

  • CNA

Where do top chefs eat in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, food isn't just fuel – it's a full-blown obsession. From well-loved cha chaan teng to polished Michelin-starred restaurants, the city's culinary landscape is as dynamic as its skyline. Whether you're craving wonton noodles at a hole-in-the-wall joint or modern Cantonese fare with a view, Hong Kong delivers – loud, proud, and always delicious. Here's a selection of places to indulge your tastebuds. ARCHAN CHAN, HEAD CHEF, HO LEE FOOK ArChan Chan is the head chef of Ho Lee Fook in Hong Kong, where she reinterprets classic Cantonese cuisine with contemporary flavours and bold, wok-fired techniques. Recognised for her vibrant energy and culinary flair, she elevates humble, homestyle dishes with her unique blend of tradition and innovation. 'There is something just so effortlessly cool about Falcone. It has got great energy where the vibe is always just right. The pasta is consistently delicious, the pizza is spot on and the wine list is unfussy and easy to love. The team brings a lot of heart to the floor, so every visit feels like a good time waiting to happen.' Falcone, Shop 1082, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St, Central, Hong Kong Ah Lung Pakistan Halal Food 'This little curry spot holds a very special place in my heart – I have been eating here for over 30 years. The flavours have stayed remarkably consistent, which is rare and comforting. Even during the decade I spent living in Australia, it was always one of my first stops whenever I came back to Hong Kong.' Ah Lung Pakistan Halal Food, G/F, 95B Woosung Street, Jordan, Hong Kong Ju Xing Home 'Ju Xing Home is a true local gem and a favourite among chefs for its honest cooking, quality ingredients and refreshingly reasonable prices. It feels just like eating at home – especially for me, as it's only a three-minute walk from where my parents live in the neighbourhood I grew up. It is the perfect spot for big, casual meals with family or friends.' Ju Xin Home, 418 Portland Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong Eight Treasures 'If you're into herbal broth, you will absolutely fall for this place. Beef brisket noodles are a Hong Kong classic and Eight Treasures really knows how to elevate the dish. I actually stumbled upon it by accident – I walked past, caught a whiff of something incredible, and decided to give it a go. Safe to say, I've been back many times since.' Eight Treasures, G/F, Wing Wah Bldg, 124 Electric Road, Tin Hau, Hong Kong Bar Leone 'Ranked number one on Asia's 50 Best Bars (and number two for the World's 50 Best Bars), Bar Leone is a place that gets all the little details right. The hospitality is warm and genuine, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and the snacks are simple yet seriously tasty. It doesn't try too hard either, which is exactly what makes it such a standout.' Bar Leone, 11-15 Bridges St, Central, Hong Kong DAVID LAI, CHEF-OWNER, NEIGHBOURHOOD David Lai is the chef-owner of one Michelin-starred Neighborhood in Hong Kong, which serves up French bistro cuisine with around 20 seafood-driven, tapas-style dishes on rotation. A pioneer of the city's farm-to-table movement, his restaurant offers an intimate dining experience that showcases his meticulous sourcing and culinary craftsmanship. Dynasty 'While there may be other dim sum places in Hong Kong that are more popular among foodies, my go-to spot is Dynasty at the Renaissance Harbour Hotel. The dim sum here is classic, refined, and well executed – and the service is consistently excellent. In my opinion, their chicken feet are the best in Hong Kong.' Dynasty, Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Genuine Lamma Hilton 'This scenic seaside restaurant on Lamma Island is where I like to take out of towners for leisurely alfresco seafood lunches. It's located off the beaten path, away from the tourist traps near the government ferry pier and less than a 15-minute boat ride from the pier outside Ap Lei Chau market, which happens to be one of Hong Kong's finest fish markets. I usually buy my own seafood there and bring it to the restaurant for cooking.' Genuine Lamma Hilton, Lot 584 DD, 10 Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong Sun Hon Kee 'Sun Hon Kee is a beloved Hakka bistro located deep in the New Territories. Each day, chef Hon prepares a bespoke menu for eight to 12 people in the restaurant's private dining room. In doing so, he'd scour the market for the best seasonal ingredients and prepare them simply and heartily, but always with a twist. It's the type of personalised cooking that is increasingly difficult to find in our gentrified city.' Sun Hon Kee, Shop G01, G/F, Commune Modern, 28 Wo Fung Street, Luen Wo Hui, Fanling, New Territories, Hong Kong Kamcentre Roast Goose 'Kamcentre is an offshoot of the famed Yung Kee restaurant in Central, which is famous for their roast goose. Located in a bowling alley at the South China Athletic Association, the head chef at Kamcentre was the top barbeque chef at Yung Kee back in the day. Now, he and his veteran teammates cook up some of the best roast goose, char siu, and other Cantonese barbecue meats in the city. Be sure to book ahead.' Kamcentre Roast Goose, 1/F, South China Athletic Association, 88 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong RICHARD EKKEBUS, CHEF, AMBER Dutch-born Richard Ekkebus is the chef behind Hong Kong's three-Michelin-starred Amber, where he redefines French haute cuisine with sustainable ingredients and bold Asian influences. With a menu that is dairy-free and increasingly plastic-free, his groundbreaking approach has shaped the city's fine dining landscape for nearly two decades. Yardbird 'Founded by my friends Matt Abergel and Lindsay Jang, Yardbird remains one of Hong Kong's most contemporary and dynamic yakitori spots. Every cut of chicken – from thigh to heart – is masterfully grilled over binchotan charcoal, while their house-made shichimi togarashi adds a signature kick to each skewer. With its no-reservations policy, it's an ideal spot for relaxed dining, whether after service or on a day off.' Yardbird, Winsome House, 154-158 Wing Lok Street G/F, Shops A and B, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong The Chairman 'The Chairman is a must whenever I have visiting chef friends, and I've been an ardent supporter since my early days at Kau U Fong. It's become an icon for traditional Cantonese cuisine with dishes that are rooted in tradition yet elevated by the finest seasonal ingredients (many of which are locally sourced and often organic). Besides the preset menus, I usually entrust Danny [Yip] and his team to create a unique experience for me.' The Chairman, 3F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong Xin Rong Ji 'Xin Rong Ji specialises in seafood dishes of Taizhou in the Zhejiang province, and the wild yellow croaker is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to sourcing only the finest ingredients. Holding a Michelin star, the culinary execution here is exceptional. Besides seafood, their roasted Peking duck stands out as one of Hong Kong's finest, alongside comforting home-style dishes.' Xin Rong Ji, GF & 1F, China Overseas Building, 139 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Babette 'Babette is the brainchild of Cedric Tsia, one of my former junior sous chefs at Amber. This charming bistro embodies the true spirit of Parisian dining: A relaxed setting, moderately priced dishes, and an unpretentious yet deeply satisfying menu. As someone with an enduring love for Paris (where I met my wife Fiona), Babette evokes comforting nostalgia for one of my favourite cities.' Babette, Shop G-3, G/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong Man Wah 'Perched within the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Man Wah is more than an opulent dining space – it's a dim sum pilgrimage. The gilded interiors and harbour views set the stage, but chef Wong's reimagined classics steal the show. Their char siu bao, glazed with honey from local hives, is a masterclass in balance where a sticky-sweet crust gives way to smoky, succulent pork.' Man Wah, 25/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong The acclaimed chef behind Caprice at Four Seasons Hong Kong, Guillaume Galliot is a master at blending classical French techniques with bold Asian influences. Hailing originally from the Loire Valley, his three-Michelin-starred cuisine showcases precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional ingredients. REMPAH NOODLES 'This little noodle bar in Wan Chai serves authentic Nonya flavours. Although the menu is on the small side, they are very consistent and do everything well. I always order two bowls of laksa and sometimes the kaya toast and kueh pie tee, too.' Rempah Noodles, G/F 18 Hennessey Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong One Harbour Road at Grand Hyatt 'Our regular weekly Sunday family dim sum spot and where we take out-of-town guests, we always order the works here including har gow, siu mai, cheong fun, taro puffs, crispy chicken, char siu and suckling pig. The wok-fried beef noodles is another favourite, and my wife likes the hot and sour soup.' One Harbour Road at Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Samsen 'Samsen needs no introduction as one of Hong Kong's best spots for Thai food, and we try to go at off-peak times since the queues are notoriously long. The food is consistent and always tasty – we like the pad thai, khao soi beef and chicken, and curry chicken with rice.' Samsen, 23 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Yat Lok 'A legendary spot for roast goose in Central, Hong Kong, our usual order at Yat Lok is rice with half a roast goose and a mixed plate of char siu (BBQ pork) and roast pork for two to share. If we're not too hungry, we'd get the dried noodles with roast goose and a side of veggies.' Yat Lok, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong Lobster Bar and Grill at Island Shangri-la 'The perfect family-friendly spot for Sunday brunch, the Lobster Bar at Island Shangri-la has baby chairs, a kids' menu and great quality food and wine. My usual order is the beef tenderloin or the burger. Chef Cary also works with the seasons, and we recently had a delicious artichoke dish served just like how we'd have it at home in France.' Lobster Bar and Grill, Level 6, Island Shangri-la, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong AUGUSTIN BALBI, CHEF, ANDO Born in Argentina and trained in Japan, chef Augustin Balbi is the man behind Michelin-starred Ando, where he artfully merges Japanese kaiseki traditions with his Argentine heritage to create refined, seasonally driven tasting menus. Exciting, bold and innovative, expect only precision cooking and pic-pretty plates that will not only feed your appetite but your Instagram, too. Ta Vie 'The chef at Ta Vie is a good friend of mine and you can feel how passionate he and the team are from the moment you walk in. I love their uni pasta but all their new creations are equally delicious. If you're lucky enough to try the Peking duck, don't miss it. Their homemade butter and chocolate mousse are also amazing. A spot perfect for special occasions!' Estro 'I love Italian food and, in my opinion, Estro is the most creative modern Italian restaurant in town. Their signature bottoni is a must-have every time I'm there, but to be honest all their pastas are amazing. Antimo combines tradition with innovation in such a way that it's comforting while delivering something new and unexpected.' Estro, Level 2, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong Tasty Congee and Wantun Noodle Shop 'This place is a neighborhood haunt for me and my family. Every time we go, we get the wonton noodles, but they also have a variety of signature dishes like congee and beef noodles too. The staff is also super nice and will even recognise you if you come often.' Tasty Congee and Wantun Noodle Shop, 21 King Kwong St, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Fook Lam Moon 'An iconic Hong Kong restaurant, Fook Lam Moon has been around since 1972, which I respect a lot. Their dim sum is super delicious and well made, and whenever I have visitors in Hong Kong, I like to bring them to the Wan Chai flagship for a taste of traditional Hong Kong cuisine. Don't miss the roast suckling pig and glazed barbecue pork buns.' Fook Lam Moon, 35-45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Little Napoli 'For me, Little Napoli has the best pizza in town. Expect classic Neapolitan pizzas with ingredients sourced from Naples – the classic margarita is a work of art. All pizzas are made to order and baked in a stone oven right in front of you, boasting a puffy crust with lots of flavour. It doesn't get any better than that.' Little Napoli, G/F, No. 6-16 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong RICARDO CHANETON, CHEF-OWNER, MONO Richard Chaneton is the chef-owner of MONO where he crafts refined, contemporary Latin American cuisine with European technique and precision. A veteran of Mirazur (3-Michelin stars) in France and former head chef of Petrus in Hong Kong, his culinary artistry and cross-cultural storytelling has earned MONO a Michelin star. 22 Ships 'The real deal for Spanish flavours in Hong Kong, 22 Ships is a great spot for brunch or dinner. Get the jamon croquetas, black octopus paella and tortilla to share with friends and pair with some wines. They've recently moved from Wan Chai to a bigger spot with a terrace now at PMQ Central, too.' 22 Ships, S109 - S113, Block A, PMQ, Staunton St, Central, Hong Kong Chachawan 'If you're craving bold, punchy Thai flavours, this is the spot – it's super lively and always packed for a reason. My top picks from the menu are the Gai Yang (marinated grilled chicken), Pla Phao Glua (salt-crusted fish), Larb Bet (duck salad), and Som Tum Goong Papaya (spicy papaya salad).' Chachawan, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Luk Yu Tea House 'Luk Yu Teahouse is a must for old school dim sum and classic Cantonese fare. It has been around for over 80 years and may not be regarded as the best dim sum in town, but it is very authentic. Be sure to order the char siu bao, siu mai, egg tarts, and shrimp dumplings.' Luk Yu Tea House, G/F- 3F, 24-26 Stanley St, Central, Hong Kong COA 'COA needs no introduction as one of Asia's 50 Best Bars (number 18 to be exact). Known for their super creative agave-based cocktails, we even did a collaboration with them for MONO's fifth anniversary.' COA, Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong

From Singapore to Silicon Valley, this young woman now shapes ChatGPT's future
From Singapore to Silicon Valley, this young woman now shapes ChatGPT's future

CNA

time12 hours ago

  • CNA

From Singapore to Silicon Valley, this young woman now shapes ChatGPT's future

TikTok's Chew Shou Zi is not the only Singaporean driving global technology. You may not have heard of Ms Jerene Yang, but chances are, you have probably used the technology she is helping to develop. The 35-year-old is head of OpenAI's Runtime, the massive computing engine behind ChatGPT. Ms Yang's team of 35 artificial intelligence (AI) engineers and experts help to enable new ChatGPT models to be trained and rolled out for use. These model upgrades are game-changing. If you have ever lamented to ChatGPT about a bad breakup, for instance, the first version of ChatGPT might say: "Here are some things you can do. One: Go for a walk. Two: Eat some good food. Three: Talk to friends." Quite unhelpful for a heartbreak, Ms Yang said. The latest ChatGPT, however, would respond more empathically and even ask insightful questions, almost like a friend or therapist. Indeed, because of how human-like ChatGPT has become, many users are developing friendships and relationships with it, although the consequences of having such a close relationship with a chatbot are still very much under scrutiny. Beyond that, as a tool for basic research, new models provide more accurate answers faster and more cost-effectively, driving forward the AI revolution. FROM SINGAPORE TO SILICON VALLEY When I met Ms Yang in late April, the first thing that struck me was how down-to-earth she was. Based in San Francisco, United States and back in Singapore for four days to attend an AI conference, she had just arrived on a red-eye flight the night before. Her first stop at 10 o'clock in the morning was the wet market at Block 505 Jurong West Street 52. "I didn't even check in at the hotel. I took my luggage and went. I had chicken porridge at Soh Kee, fish soup at 128 Fish Porridge and chicken rice. I starved myself on the plane so I could eat," she said with a laugh about how she had all three dishes in one go. These were the types of meals this overseas Singaporean grew up eating and sorely missed. Homegrown to the core, Ms Yang spent her childhood playing at "dragon" playgrounds – a design for playgrounds in public housing estates that began in the late 1970s and is now considered "retro". After 16 years in the US, she still speaks Singlish at home with her Singaporean husband and two young sons, and always keeps a bottle of sambal handy on her desk to pair with everything from fries to burgers. Her in-laws take these over to her in bulk when they visit from Singapore. When you look past her pivotal role working on era-defining AI technology, she almost sounds like a friend you and I might have. How did she go from the Little Red Dot to the frontier of Silicon Valley? "When I was very young, I played plenty of computer games, like StarCraft," she said with a chuckle, referring to the online real-time battle between humans, insectoids and aliens for galactic dominion. "And I like math a lot, so I thought maybe computer science was the right focus area for me." That was how Ms Yang ended up at Carnegie Mellon University in the US, taking up courses that few women pursued – computer science and mathematics. "I would go into a class and it was basically all men. A guy asked me, 'Are you in the right class?' I realised that people saw me differently but I didn't feel that myself. I was there to learn," she said matter-of-factly. Upon graduating, Ms Yang's peers began to fill out positions in big-name companies such as Google and Facebook (before it was parked under Meta). She took a different route. "During a job fair, I found this little table without a banner, without names and with just one guy sitting at the table. He soon became the co-founder (of my first startup)," she said. This startup, IO Turbine, created technology that accelerated data storage. It was acquired in 16 to 18 months – a success for Ms Yang. From there, she co-founded another startup in data analytics with the same team. This second venture failed and she had to shut it down after six years. Ms Yang described having to let go of 50 people as one of the lowest points of her career. "After that, I just wanted to go back to what I had a lot of joy doing – coding," she said. She joined Google as a software engineer in 2020 and over the next four-and-a-half years, built a team of 60. At Google, she focused on data storage. As AI grew in prominence, she began to see a lot of AI-related data, which was how she transitioned to AI training infrastructure. Last year, she moved to OpenAI. AN INSIDER'S GLIMPSE INTO THE AI WORLD What is AI and why do we have a love-hate relationship with this efficiency-boosting technology? "We've seen Terminator and those kinds of movies, right?" Ms Yang reflected. "If you don't know how it works, you fear the unknown." If there is one thing Ms Yang wants you to know, it is this: "Fundamentally, AI is a bunch of numbers and computers that are doing additions and multiplications with these numbers. It is not some unimaginable dark magic." The system works by crunching these numbers very quickly to give you a very high probabilistic output that will be what you're looking for, she elaborated. "It is not scary," she added. Because there are so many numbers, they cannot fit in one machine. To train ChatGPT, OpenAI needs data to flow between many computers, Ms Yang explained. And that is where she and her team come in to do the needful. "When you're looking at hundreds of thousands of computers, at any time, something is broken – (a computer) might die, crash, restart or forget what it is supposed to do. "We figure out which machine is dead and restart it. Then, we figure out the other (machines working directly with this machine) and we restart all of them so they can recover from the mistake and continue," she said. Ms Yang's work makes the training of the next ChatGPT model possible, accelerating the launch of newer versions from a year to a few months. In addition, she and her team also recently launched a new AI agent called Operator. Currently still in its research preview stage and only available to subscribers of its Pro plan at US$200 (S$255) a month in the US, Operator is designed to execute tasks such as filling out forms, ordering groceries and party planning, freeing humans from such drudgery. If you take a photo of the contents in your fridge, for instance, it could not just come up with a grocery list, but also buy all the groceries on your behalf such that the items arrive directly at your door, Ms Yang said. HOW TO MAKE AI WORK FOR YOU Singaporeans are already embracing AI. Data from Open AI showed that Singapore has the highest per capita ChatGPT usage globally – about one in four people use it weekly. "As Singaporeans, we're very tech-curious. This tech-savviness is something I'm very proud of as a Singaporean," Ms Yang said. Ms Yang added that she was heartened by the number of Singaporean AI startups that have emerged and was excited by these startups' potential for global impact. Beyond work-related AI use, Ms Yang believes that the technology can significantly simplify everyday life. As a mother of two young children aged five and two, she uses ChatGPT to take off some of her mental load, whether it is gift ideas for the birthday of her son's friend, grocery shopping or cooking nutritious meals for picky eaters. She credits ChatGPT for teaching her how to whip up Hokkien mee, laksa and nasi lemak. "The best thing is, you can set up your camera and as you are cooking, Chat (referring to ChatGPT) will say things like, 'Stop, you are going to burn it'," she said. Another of Ms Yang's personal mum-hacks: She gives her five-year-old son access to her ChatGPT account. "Previously, when kids ask parents some questions, they may not know the answer. Now, my kid would ask Chat. It's like having a very, very smart imaginary friend who is kind, honest and helpful. It encourages kids to be curious," she said. "My son calls my Chat 'Holly' and loves to show Holly his stuff such as his collection of cars. He also loves playing trivia," she added. Her suggestion for concerned parents is to give ChatGPT the context and guidelines. Useful information such as the child's age and interests, as well as your goals, can help AI respond with appropriate language and content. In general, ChatGPT will steer clear of inappropriate or dangerous content, Ms Yang said. This includes sexual content, graphic violence, self-harm, as well as hate and extremist speech. Parents can also review the full transcript of their child's conversation and further refine these safety settings for their children. In Ms Yang's case, she even instructs ChatGPT to respond only when her son uses "please" and "thank you", to encourage good manners. AI is already overtaking so many facets of our lives and Yang believes this will only grow. She envisions that in the not-too-distant future, AI could act as a home assistant fully integrated across all end devices such as phones, computers and other devices. "It's like Jarvis in Iron Man," she said, referring to superhero billionaire Tony Stark's omnipresent AI virtual butler. GOING INTO UNCHARTED REALMS Using AI as an assistant for everyday chores may be a boost, but the dark side of ChatGPT is only just starting to surface when users go beyond that. International media outlets have in recent months reported on cases where users, through long conversations with ChatGPT, ended up believing in alternate realities or even showing signs of psychosis. OpenAI acknowledged in two blog posts this year how the latest ChatGPT had become "overly supportive but disingenuous", leading to the chatbot "validating doubts, fuelling anger, urging impulsive decisions, or reinforcing negative emotions". The company said it had taken action to "mitigate much of the negative impact". CNA TODAY asked Ms Yang for her views on this issue after the interview with her was completed, when news surged the past month on ChatGPT-induced psychosis, but she declined to comment further. In April, when asked, her advice to other Singaporeans was not to be afraid of AI. "AI is like that sidekick that is always available. It is there to augment human thought and creativity. "But if you are shunning AI and saying, 'I want to do everything by myself', it can't help you," she said. Elaborating on how she also shapes perceptions about her home country, she said that in the US, when people hear that she is from Singapore, she always gets asked: "Will I be caned if I chew gum?" She then tells them that what is more distinct about her country and culture is that "we are always looking for lobang". Lobang, a Malay word that literally means "hole", refers to a connection or a source of information in Singlish – a person who can help you get a good deal, for instance. "The lobang is not just (applicable) to things that you buy, right? It is also how you're spending your time – being kiasu with your time," she said, referring to how having a good lobang saves you time to get what you want quickly. Ms Yang admitted that she is very kiasu about her time and that has helped her immensely in her career. It is also one of her arguments for embracing AI.

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