Kai-Fu Lee Reiterates Prediction: AI to Replace Half of Jobs by 2027

Kai-Fu Lee, former Google China executive and prominent figure in the tech industry, reaffirms his prediction that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace 50% of global jobs by 2027, a forecast he initially made in 2017. Lee emphasises the repetitive nature of many jobs, citing truck-driving, telemarketing, and assembly-line work as examples likely to be automated. Despite previous scepticism, Lee maintains the accuracy of his prediction, attributing increased belief in its validity to the emergence of "gen AI." With a diverse career spanning roles at Apple, Microsoft Research Asia, and Google, Lee currently heads Sinovation Ventures, a VC fund, and founded 01.AI, an AI startup focused on the Chinese market. Lee's projections align with his belief in China's potential to lead in AI technology.