Mark Zuckerberg is currently in Japan, where he has been engaging in various activities, including skiing with his family, crafting a katana with sword master Akihira Kokaji, and trying local delicacies like the Ebi shrimp burger at McDonald's. However, his primary focus during this trip is on business matters.
Zuckerberg is strategically working to strengthen Meta's presence in the wider Asia region, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality. To achieve this, he is holding meetings with key political figures in Japan and South Korea. Discussions with Japan's Prime Minister and South Korea's President are aimed at fostering relationships that will influence the regulation of AI, a technology that has raised concerns about potential misuse.
As the 2024 election year approaches, the impact of AI on elections is a significant topic of discussion. Zuckerberg is advocating for the responsible use of AI, especially in the context of open-source models like Llama 2, which have faced scrutiny over potential security risks.
Aside from political engagements, Zuckerberg is also focusing on business partnerships in Asia. Meta's mixed reality headsets, the Quests, are facing competition from Apple's Vision Pro. Zuckerberg is actively seeking collaborations with companies like LG Electronics and Samsung to strengthen Meta's position in the market.
Overall, Zuckerberg's trip to Asia is a blend of business and leisure activities, reflecting his commitment to advancing Meta's interests in the region.