TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew stated that AI will drive major scientific breakthroughs in physics, biotech, and chemistry within two to three years. He also warned of rising cybersecurity risks as autonomous systems become more capable.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew stated that artificial intelligence is expected to drive major scientific breakthroughs within the next two to three years. Speaking at the DBS Asia Future Forward Conference in Singapore on Monday, Chew identified physics, biotech, chemistry, and material science as key sectors likely to see significant advancements due to AI.
Chew described the current trajectory of AI development as a "very steep curve," suggesting that the technology's long-term potential is currently underestimated. "In the next two to three years, we’re going to have a real scientific breakthrough: physics, biotech, chemistry, material science, because of AI. It’s very, very, very possible," Chew said.
He added, "I think in the short term we are probably overestimating it, but in the long term we are probably underestimating it."
These remarks coincide with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, expanding its AI research beyond consumer applications. In April, ByteDance’s Seed research team unveiled Protenix-v2, an AI model focused on biomolecular structure prediction and design, which has potential applications in drug discovery. Chew noted that ByteDance is exploring collaborations with scientists to support progress in these areas.
The prediction comes amid increased investment in AI-driven scientific research by major technology companies and governments. Last week, the U.S. government, Meta, and Google announced their participation in a $1.8 billion initiative. According to reports, this project aims to develop AI models capable of predicting how cells behave to accelerate biological research and drug discovery.
Chew emphasized that while AI is already reshaping TikTok’s operations in content creation, recommendations, search, and moderation, its application in scientific discovery remains one of its most promising frontiers.
Despite his optimism, Chew warned that the growing capabilities of AI require stronger safeguards. He highlighted the risks associated with autonomous systems, particularly regarding cybersecurity and user permissions. "I think the cybersecurity risks are quite big," Chew said. He cautioned that users might grant AI agents extensive permissions without fully understanding the consequences, such as autonomous purchases exceeding intended limits.
Chew also pointed to the challenge of aligning increasingly powerful models with human ethical boundaries. "If that happens, then you know the question would be: how do you align the models? How do you align the machines to be doing things that are obvious to us as human beings?" he said. He further noted that sophisticated AI models are making it cheaper for malicious actors to carry out fraudulent activities, necessitating better defensive tools for platforms.
Chew’s comments highlight a shift in how major tech leaders view AI’s role beyond consumer entertainment and social media. By predicting imminent breakthroughs in hard sciences, TikTok’s CEO aligns with a broader industry trend where AI is positioned as a primary driver for medical and material innovation. However, his warnings about cybersecurity and alignment underscore the growing tension between rapid technological deployment and the need for robust safety frameworks.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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