Manulife Supports The Hinton Lectures™ to Enhance AI Safety Understanding

Manulife Partners with The Hinton Lectures™ on AI Safety

Manulife Financial Corporation is making headlines once again by announcing its sponsorship of The Hinton Lectures™, a prestigious annual series dedicated to fostering public awareness and scientific discourse around the critical topic of artificial intelligence safety. Named after the illustrious Nobel Laureate, Professor Geoffrey Hinton, this series is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping discussions concerning the ethics and responsibilities that accompany the advancement of AI technology.

The partnership not only showcases Manulife's steadfast commitment to promoting the responsible use of AI but also underscores the company's alignment with its Responsible AI Principles. These principles are designed to harness AI's potential for driving meaningful long-term benefits while ensuring ethical implementation that serves customers, employees, and society at large. As the landscape of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Manulife is determined to adapt its principles in accordance with new industry developments and regulatory frameworks.

A Platform for Informed Dialogue

Jodie Wallis, Manulife's Global Chief AI Officer, spoke about the significance of this sponsorship, saying, "Our support for The Hinton Lectures™ reflects Manulife's deep commitment to advancing responsible AI. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, we believe it's critical to invest in initiatives that promote responsible development and safety." This sentiment is echoed across the AI community as challenges concerning AI safety and ethical considerations continue to grow.

The Hinton Lectures™ will take place from November 10-12, 2025, at the John W. H. Bassett Theatre in Toronto, Canada. This year, the lectures will feature Owain Evans, a recognized authority in AI alignment and existential risk, adding further credibility and depth to discussions on how to ensure that advancements in AI technology provide benefits to humanity rather than pose risks.

Professor Hinton himself noted the importance of such dialogues, stating, "AI is now transforming the world in remarkable ways, and as we build more powerful systems, it's very important we figure out how to keep them safe." His passion for fostering awareness and serious discussion on the implications of AI underscores the importance of events like The Hinton Lectures™.

Driven by Data and Expertise

Earlier this year, Manulife achieved a significant milestone by being ranked first in the life insurance sector for AI maturity in the Evident AI Index for Insurance. This achievement not only highlights Manulife's commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities into its services but also positions the company among the top firms within the broader insurance landscape. Key to their success is the ability to attract and retain top talent in AI and data analytics, as well as a commitment to continuous improvement based on emerging technologies and customer needs.

The event is organized by the AI Safety Foundation, alongside the Global Risk Institute, and is designed to be accessible to a wide audience. Attendees can expect to engage with experts and gain insights that contribute to a better understanding of AI's complexities. Registration for both in-person attendance and livestream access is available online at the official Hinton Lectures website.

In conclusion, Manulife's sponsorship of The Hinton Lectures™ marks a commendable step towards fostering a greater understanding of AI safety. As the interactions between technology and society become increasingly intertwined, such initiatives are essential for promoting responsible innovation and ensuring that the benefits of AI can be enjoyed by all, while mitigating potential risks.

For further information on Manulife's journey in AI, interested parties can visit Manulife.com/AI.