University of Hong Kong expert using AI to help young people in distress nominated for Spirit of Hong Kong Award
- Professor Paul Yip is part of a team behind a new online platform that parses users’ messages for warning signs of suicidal thoughts
- His work has earned him a nomination in this year’s Spirit of Innovation category
Hong Kong Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai, a population health expert, does not take any message from someone seeking help lightly.
Now, with a technological assist from an online platform called Open Up, the academic and his team can more quickly determine whether an individual using the text-based support service is at risk, and whether timely intervention is required to save a life.
The system, which has natural language-processing capabilities and launched in October 2018, aims specifically to meet the needs of youths experiencing emotional issues, such as relationship anxiety and study-related stress.
It uses data analytics and computerised algorithms to parse chat messages entered by those seeking help via designated Open Up channels, including its website, Facebook page and WhatsApp channel, before connecting users to a counsellor.
According to Yip, director of the HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong, users may not be explicit about their suicidal thoughts, even if they are harbouring such feelings.
