Author: Michael Yung

Michael possessed over 30 years of experience in Information Technology with focuses on complex application development, database technologies and IT strategy. He also spent the last 20 years in Internet technology, eCommerce development / operations, web usability, computer security and Public Key Infrastructure technologies.

AI vs Human Creation

We often describe AI as cold or synthetic. But thatโ€™s a misconception.

AI isnโ€™t “creating” in a vacuum; it is remixing everything we have ever written, drawn, or coded. Its training data is, in fact, a mirror of us.

Because of this, I believe authentic human creation is more valuable now than ever before.

To celebrate that human touch, I am proud to share my sixth photo book. Iโ€™ve been embracing on-demand printing since 2008 to bring my digital work to life, but this volume feels special. It marks the finale of my three-part photo story:

๐Ÿ‘๏ธ Eyes like a shutter
๐Ÿง  Mind like a lens
โค๏ธ Heart like a film

To me, there is something irreplaceable about the smell of ink and the weight of paper. While I use digital tools every day, seeing these three books side-by-side reminds me that some stories just need to be held in your hands.

Iโ€™d love to hear what you are working on. What is your latest creation?

HumanCreativity #AI #GenerativeAI #Creativity #Storytelling

The Hidden Risks: When the Safety Layer Becomes the Danger 

The devastation in Tai Po has left our city in mourning. Like many of you, I am heartbroken by the loss of life.

Experts have noted that the bamboo scaffolding itself likely wasn’t the primary culprit. While I have always admired bamboo for its flexibility and strength, this tragedy highlights a critical truth: structural integrity alone is not enough.

This offers a sobering reflection for the technology sector.

We often obsess over the “Bamboo” – our core logic, algorithms, and new AI features. Meanwhile, we treat the “Netting” – our security guardrails and compliance, as secondary wrappers.

But as this tragedy reminds us, system integrity isn’t just about the skeleton. It is also about the quality of the protection.

  • The Bamboo (Core): The functionality we build. It must be resilient.
  • The Netting (Protection): The governance we apply. If this layer is substandard or implemented merely to “pass inspection,” it doesn’t just fail to protect – it can become a hidden accelerant for disaster.

True engineering artistry isn’t just about building high; itโ€™s about ensuring that every layer, especially those meant to keep people safe, is real, resilient, and fire-tested.

(Image: A photo I took years ago in Tsim Sha Tsui, a somber reminder today that the core holds strong only when the layers around it are sound.)

#EngineeringSafety #SoftwareArchitecture #RiskManagement

The City Never Stays Still

They say Hong Kong people walk fast, talk fast, and act fast. Weโ€™ve all seen the taxi drivers with a dashboard full of mobile phones, juggling orders in real-time. To the untrained eye, this intensity can sometimes be mistaken for impatience, mindlessness, or even rudeness.

But if you look closer, youโ€™ll see something different.

You see a city running on an incredibly efficient engine. That rapid pace isn’t about rushing; it’s about a collective drive not to waste a single second. It is a refusal to miss a beat or forego an opportunity.

To me, this is the true spirit of Hong Kong, Asiaโ€™s World City: The ability to mobilize, adapt, and get the job done – in no time at all.

Hereโ€™s to the efficiency that keeps this city moving forward. ๐Ÿฅ‚

#HongKong #Efficiency #CityLife

The “Two-Minute Rule” just got a massive upgrade

Iโ€™ve been a loyal fan of David Allenโ€™s Getting Things Done (GTD) for years. In fact, I make it a ritual to re-read the book every few years to reset my productivity baseline.

The most sticky habit I picked up? The Two-Minute Rule. The concept is simple: If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. Donโ€™t file it. Donโ€™t schedule it. Just do it.

Itโ€™s the secret behind my responsiveness. I clear the small stuff instantly to keep my mental deck clear.

But GenAI has redefined what is possible in “Two Minutes.” Weโ€™ve moved from simple maintenance to strategic output:

  • Then: Sending a quick “Yes/No” reply or forwarding a file.
  • Now: Drafting a comprehensive email, summarizing a 20-page report, or brainstorming strategic angles for a deck.

The rule remains, but the ROI has skyrocketed. We aren’t just clearing administrative clutter anymore; we are clearing strategic hurdles in the time it takes to brew a coffee.

How are you using AI to expand your two-minute window?

#Productivity #GTD #GenerativeAI #FutureOfWork #Efficiency

AI Is Our Amplified Intelligence

In today’s fast-paced world, the conversation around artificial intelligence often centers on the idea of displacement. However, that perspective misses a crucial point. AI isn’t here to replace us; it’s here to amplify us.

Think of it as a powerful new tool in our toolbox. Just as the invention of the calculator allowed us to perform complex math faster and more accurately, AI tools enable us to be more productive, creative, and strategic. They can handle the repetitive, data-heavy tasks, freeing up our time and energy to focus on what humans do best: critical thinking, innovation, and building relationships.

The real key to success in this new era isn’t a battle of human versus machine. Instead, it’s about learning how to work with AI. We must all become proficient in understanding its capabilities and limitations, discerning when and how to use it, and knowing how to evaluate the quality of its output. The ability to use AI as a partner will be a fundamental skill, one that empowers us to do our jobs faster, smarter, and better than ever before.

AI is our ๐ŸŒŸAmplified Intelligence ๐ŸŒŸ

What are your thoughts? How have you seen AI amplify human potential in your field?