Karen Hao is the 2026 Dai Ho Chun Distinguished Chair at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Social Sciences.
AI and society
Karen Hao, recognized as one of the world’s foremost AI reporters, will delve into the increasing influence of major AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. Her lecture aims to shed light on the implications of this power concentration and discuss how governmental bodies, academic institutions, and the public can actively contribute to shaping the future trajectory of AI. Denise Konan, interim provost at UH Mānoa, emphasized the importance of Hao's work for understanding AI's societal impact, while Aya H. Kimura, senior sustainability advisor and professor of sociology, highlighted the university's role as a platform for discussing AI governance based on principles of sustainability, transparency, and accountability.
Legacy gift
Karen Hao’s speaking engagement is made possible through a generous estate gift from the late Dai Ho Chun to the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation. This endowment is managed by the UH Mānoa College of Social Sciences. The event is also a collaborative effort, organized in conjunction with the Better Tomorrow Speaker Series, a joint initiative involving UH Mānoa, The Learning Coalition, and Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
