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ChatGPT Founder Considers Expansion into Japan

Screens displaying the logos of OpenAI and ChatGPT are seen in Toulouse, southwestern France, Jan. 23, 2023. (AFP Photo)
Screens displaying the logos of OpenAI and ChatGPT are seen in Toulouse, southwestern France, Jan. 23, 2023. (AFP Photo)
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ChatGPT Founder Considers Expansion into Japan

Screens displaying the logos of OpenAI and ChatGPT are seen in Toulouse, southwestern France, Jan. 23, 2023. (AFP Photo)
Screens displaying the logos of OpenAI and ChatGPT are seen in Toulouse, southwestern France, Jan. 23, 2023. (AFP Photo)

The developer of ChatGPT said Monday that his company plans to open an office in Japan amid growing concerns about the chatbot's unauthorized collection of personal data and impact on learning environments.

According to the Japanese news Agency, Kyodo, Sam Altman, chief executive of US-based OpenAI, met Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, as the risks of artificial intelligence are expected to be discussed at the Group of Seven (G-7) ministerial gathering on digital issues, set to be held in Japan, in late April.

Altman told reporters that he explained to Kishida, head of the G-7 summit planned in Hiroshima this May, about the pros and cons of ChatGPT, noting that the prime minister showed interest in the AI technology.

The talks between Kishida and Altman came as many countries have enhanced regulations on the use of ChatGPT over suspicions that OpenAI illegally collects vast amounts of personal data from its users, and violates privacy.

Altman said he is ready to exchange views with policymakers across the globe on the AI technology and his firm's ChatGPT.

On Monday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Japan will explore using the chatbot technology to alleviate administrative burdens on government officials, but the move could only be realized if concerns about confidential information and personal data leaks were addressed.

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Taiwan May Exports Hit Record on AI Demand and Ahead of US Tariffs

A man rides a motobike on the street with wind turbines in the background, in Changhua, Taiwan May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
A man rides a motobike on the street with wind turbines in the background, in Changhua, Taiwan May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
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Taiwan May Exports Hit Record on AI Demand and Ahead of US Tariffs

A man rides a motobike on the street with wind turbines in the background, in Changhua, Taiwan May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
A man rides a motobike on the street with wind turbines in the background, in Changhua, Taiwan May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang

Taiwan's exports surged to a record in May on booming demand for artificial intelligence and as customers placed orders ahead of US tariffs which could take effect next month after a suspension period expires.

Exports increased 38.6% from the same month a year ago - the fastest pace in almost 15 years - to $51.74 billion, a record high and the first time the value of exports has exceeded $50 billion, the finance ministry said on Monday.

The expansion, the 19th consecutive monthly gain, was higher than the 25% expected by economists in a Reuters poll and surpassed April's 29.9% rise.

Taiwan companies such as TSMC , the world's largest contract chipmaker, are major suppliers to Apple , Nvidia and other tech giants.

May exports benefited from continued strong AI demand and customers bringing forward orders to hedge against the possibility of increased U.S. tariffs, the ministry said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump planned a 32% import levy on goods from Taiwan under his global tariff regime, until he announced a 90-day pause in April to allow for trade negotiations.

While AI and other new technologies should continue to support Taiwan's exports, the uncertainty surrounding the US tariffs and geopolitical risks could undermine the global economic outlook, the ministry said.

For June, the ministry expects exports to rise between 15% and 25% year-on-year.

In May, Taiwan's exports to the United States soared 87.4% year-on-year to $15.52 billion, a record in terms of growth and value, versus a 29.5% surge in the prior month.

Exports to China, Taiwan's biggest trading partner, climbed 16.6%, after rising 22.3% in April.

Taiwan's total exports of electronic components gained 28.4% in May on the year to $17.2 billion, with semiconductor exports up 30.1%.

Imports rose 25% to $39.13 billion, lower than economists' forecasts of 30.2%.