SenseTime, a global artificial intelligence software company, and the Faculty of Law at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance collaboration in the fields of technology and law. The agreement, announced last Thursday, aims to enhance the accessibility of legal information and promote the use of inclusive technology for public benefit.
As part of the partnership, the two parties will jointly develop an AI model designed to improve access to legal information in Hong Kong. This initiative leverages SenseTime’s Cantonese large language model, known as Sensechat, to support the digital transformation of legal information services within the legal industry. The AI tool will be made available to the public to provide greater access to legal knowledge, which is intended to enhance everyday life for users.
The AI model aims to offer accessible, 24/7 legal information services tailored to answer common legal questions encountered by the public. By drawing on the linguistic strengths of Sensechat and combining it with a deep understanding of Hong Kong’s legal system and sociocultural context, the technology will deliver professional-level yet user-friendly information. This platform will enable convenient access to relevant legal information that suits people’s daily needs and circumstances.
Lin Dahua, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist for AI Infrastructure and Large Model at SenseTime, emphasised the collaborative nature of the project. Speaking to TNGlobal, he said, “This collaboration on the AI model allows both parties to fully harness our respective strengths and to help the general public break down the barriers to legal information. As part of this effort, talent development is a cornerstone of our long-term strategy to drive sustainable innovation and create greater social value.” He added that the partnership hopes to provide CUHK law students with practical experience integrating legal expertise and AI technology.
Professor Chao Xi, Dean of the Faculty of Law at CUHK, highlighted the significance of accessible legal information as a fundamental point of public engagement with the legal system. “Hong Kong stands as the only region in China that practices the common law and adopts a bilingual legal framework,” he noted. “Anchored in the city’s rich legal and cultural landscape, CUHK LAW recognises the importance of harnessing technology to enhance access to legal knowledge.” He further expressed appreciation for SenseTime’s support in improving Cantonese-language legal services and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals.
SenseTime, with its roots in Hong Kong, views technology’s primary role as serving its communities. Looking forward, the company plans to continue strengthening collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners to drive innovation, fulfil social responsibilities, and promote AI applications that contribute positively to Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem.
CUHK’s Faculty of Law has been proactive in this area, introducing elective courses related to law and technology as early as 2020 for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The faculty has also launched a variety of courses focusing on digital technology and AI more recently. Additionally, its Center for Legal Innovation and Digital Society has played a key role in facilitating legal tech research and knowledge transfer, positioning CUHK at the forefront of integrating technology within legal education and practice.
Source: Noah Wire Services