I recently wrote a post describing the dilemma faced by large language models: are they simply probabilistic machines predicting the next token, or do they possess a capacity to genuinely connect ideas through some form of internal mathematical or symbolic reasoning? This often boils down to methods like “saying it out loud,” similar to the…
Historically, massive technological breakthroughs—like nuclear weapons, the internet, and satellite reconnaissance—stemmed from deep partnerships between the U.S. government and the scientific community during wartime. Today, however, the landscape has drastically shifted: the AI revolution is largely driven by private companies that have turned inward to focus on consumer apps, social media, and online advertising. This…
I’ve been an iPhone user for many years, largely because of its usability, reliability, and strong battery life. Over time, I experimented with a few Android devices for their camera capabilities and flexibility, but I typically returned to the Apple ecosystem for its seamless integration. That changed in recent months when I transitioned to a…
I once taught a project-oriented master graduation class on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students were given the flexibility to choose their own projects, and I guided them through the process. This approach, where students learn through new challenges and practical applications, closely mirrors real-world AI practice. Initially, I focused on teaching the underlying models…
I attended a local AI conference in Taipei. Conferences are always a great opportunity for academic exchange and catching up with friends. As an outsider, my goal was to make new connections, and thankfully, a colleague graciously introduced me to some of their acquaintances. I’m noticing some interesting differences in engineering social norms here, with…
I’ve spent some time teaching and even training large language models. The question of whether LLMs can actually reason still comes up often. My answer remains essentially the same: no — but with a grain of salt. A couple of years ago, my stance was straightforward. LLMs are fundamentally massive probabilistic models, designed to predict…
In my last post, I mentioned how much I enjoy using the iPad Pro. That said, deep down I’ve still been searching for a truly lightweight laptop. The MacBook Air remains one of my all-time favorites, but over the years it has gotten heavier. With my schedule—constantly driving my kids to different activities—I’ve been wanting…
I originally intended to use this space to share technical thoughts on AI, but I’ll ease in with something lighter—my reading routine while traveling. Lately, I’ve been on the road quite a bit, often crossing continents. For years, I preferred lightweight laptops for work, and the Lenovo ThinkPad—especially the Nano series—was my go-to. The first-generation…