Learning to Think: A Ten-Year Perspective

Learning to Think: A Ten-Year Perspective

Ten years ago, Jürgen Schmidhuber introduced the concept of the reinforcement learning (RL) prompt engineer, an adaptive mechanism through which an RL controller learns to actively query a neural world model to support abstract reasoning and decision-making. This early vision anticipated today’s chain-of-thought and deliberative reasoning architectures, emphasizing systems that improve their own cognitive processes through learning.

Schmidhuber’s 2015 formulation builds upon two earlier milestones:

  • 1990 Neural World Model
    A predictive neural architecture capable of millisecond-level planning, allowing agents to simulate and anticipate environmental dynamics.
  • 1991 Adaptive Neural Subgoal Generator
    A pioneering framework for hierarchical planning, enabling self-generated intermediate goals and multi-level decision structures.

Together, these systems represent a progression from low-level predictive modeling → structured subgoal formation → integrated RL-driven reasoning.

This continuum demonstrates a long-standing pursuit: creating AI that does not merely respond, but learns how to think—developing internal queries, refining its strategies, and coordinating understanding through dynamic world models.

Schmidhuber’s contributions remain foundational to modern adaptive reasoning, world-model-based AI, large-sequence models, and the emerging generation of self-improving autonomous systems.

AIWS recognizes the importance of research that advances:

  • transparent and interpretable reasoning
  • adaptive, self-reflective AI
  • architectures grounded in humanistic, responsible intelligence

The evolution traced here aligns closely with the AIWS mission to develop AI that supports human dignity, creativity, and enlightened governance.

Op-Ed Statement Inspired by CTO Magazine Interview with Nguyen Anh Tuan

Op-Ed Statement Inspired by CTO Magazine Interview with Nguyen Anh Tuan

In an era transformed by rapid technological power, Nguyen Anh Tuan offers a vital reminder for today’s leaders:

“The question for today’s leaders is no longer what AI can do, but how it should be guided. Human values—not technical power—are the real drivers of a meaningful digital future.”

This perspective marks a turning point in the evolution of artificial intelligence. As AI becomes embedded in everyday life, the core challenge shifts from engineering capability to ethical guidance, democratic responsibility, and human-centered leadership.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and CEO of the Boston Global Forum and architect of the AI World Society (AIWS), emphasizes that technology must remain in service to humanity—not dominate it. The future he envisions depends on moral leadership, where AI advances peace, justice, and human dignity.

He calls on leaders to ask:

  • What values should guide AI’s decisions?
  • How do we embed compassion, fairness, and transparency into digital systems?
  • How do we ensure AI strengthens—not undermines—democracy and human dignity?

The AIWS Model, the Social Contract for the AI Age, and AIWS Government 24/7 offer frameworks that translate these principles into practice. Their foundation is clear and universal:
human values—compassion, enlightenment, and responsibility—must lead the way.

As we confront the global implications of AI, Nguyen Anh Tuan’s message stands firm: the future will be shaped not by what machines can achieve, but by the wisdom and ethics with which humanity guides them.

High-Level Roundtable on AI Strategy with General Secretary Tô Lâm and Vietnam’s Leadership – London, October 28, 2025

High-Level Roundtable on AI Strategy with General Secretary Tô Lâm and Vietnam’s Leadership – London, October 28, 2025

On October 28, 2025, at the historic Raffles Hotel London, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) co-organized a high-level strategic event where General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Tô Lâm and senior Vietnamese leaders met with world-renowned strategists and experts in artificial intelligence, digital governance, and chip technology.

This landmark gathering marked a major milestone in Vietnam’s journey to build a powerful, ethical, and globally competitive AI future — and to contribute Vietnamese wisdom and values to the world as humanity enters a new era: the Age of AI.

During the Roundtable, General Secretary Tô Lâm emphasized Vietnam’s determination to “develop AI as a driving force for national modernization, build a peaceful, humane, and innovation-driven society, and ensure that technological progress always serves the people.”

He also affirmed that international cooperation—especially with leading global institutions such as BGF and its partners—is essential for Vietnam “to go further, faster, and responsibly” in shaping its AI future.

Representing the Boston Global Forum, Co-Founder Nguyen Anh Tuan presented three comprehensive strategic programs supporting Vietnam’s national AI development.

1. AIWS Government 24/7 for Vietnam

A model of continuous, ethical governance using trusted AI to support Vietnam’s leaders, optimize policymaking, and deliver transparent, personalized public services 24/7.

Key components include:

  • AI for real-time decision support
    • Unified citizen service hub
    • Transparency and trust dashboard
    • Digital management of public investment and government spending
    • A national 24/7 government data center
    • A next-generation, people-centered digital governance architecture

This model positions Vietnam to become a global pioneer in AI-powered public administration.

2. Center for Digital Assets with AIWS Digital Asset Standards (AIWS-DASI)

Vietnam will establish a national center to:

  • Build ethical, high-quality digital assets aligned with global standards
    • Apply AIWS-DASI, the world’s first ethical certification system for digital assets
    • Ensure trust, transparency, and safety in the digital economy
    • Support fintech, banking, education, culture, and innovation ecosystems

AIWS-DASI will help Vietnam become a trusted hub of ethical digital economic innovation in Asia.

3. AIWS Film Park – A Cultural–Technological Innovation Platform

This initiative brings together:

  • Advanced cinematic technologies
    • AI-powered creative tools
    • Preservation and elevation of Vietnamese cultural identity
    • Global collaboration in film, music, and immersive arts

With cultural heritage centers such as Nha Trang, Ha Long – Yên Tử, and Hội An, Vietnam is positioned to become a global destination for AI-enhanced cultural creativity.

A Special Strategic Roundtable with Vietnam’s Top Leadership

Nguyen Anh Tuan presented strategic recommendations on AI development to General Secretary Tô Lâm and Vietnam’s top decision-makers, including:

Politburo Members and Senior Leaders

  • Nguyễn Hoà Bình – First Deputy Prime Minister
    • Nguyễn Duy Ngọc – Secretary of Hanoi Party Committee, Politburo Member
    • Nguyễn Trọng Nghĩa – Politburo Member
    • Phan Văn Giang – Minister of Defense, Politburo Member
    • Lương Tam Quang – Minister of Public Security, Politburo Member
    • Lê Hoài Trung – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Party Central Committee Secretary
    • Phạm Gia Túc – Chief of Staff of the Vietnam Communist Party
    • Trần Lưu Quang – Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Party Central Committee Secretary

Key Ministers and Officials

  • Nguyễn Văn Thắng – Minister of Finance
    • Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng – Minister of Science and Technology
    • Nguyễn Kim Sơn – Minister of Education
    • Nguyễn Thị Hồng – Governor, State Bank of Vietnam
    • Tô Ân Xô – Chief of Staff to General Secretary Tô Lâm
    • Đỗ Minh Hưng – Ambassador of Vietnam to the UK

Global Strategists and Experts Joining the Event

From the Boston Global Forum – AIWS Family

  • Governor Michael Dukakis – Co-Founder, BGF (online)
    • Nguyen Anh Tuan – CEO, BGF
    • Professor Alex Pentland – MIT (online)
    • Professor Thomas Patterson – Harvard (online)
    • Professor David Silbersweig – Harvard (online)

International Strategists and Experts

  • Hon. Mark Kennedy – Wahba Initiative, NYU; Former US Congressman
    • Liam Maxwell – Director, Government Transformation, AWS; UK Government’s first Chief Technology Officer
    • Tantum Collins – Former Director for Technology & National Security, White House
    • Glen Weyl – Leader of Microsoft Research
    • Lord Francis Maude – Former UK Minister for Reform
    • Dr. Marc Warner – CEO & Co-Founder, Faculty
    • Lord Liam Booth Smith – EMEA Policy Lead, Anthropic; Former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
    • Michael Webb – Founder, Quantum Leap
    • Andrew Trask – Founder, OpenMined; Senior Scientist, DeepMind
    • Saul Klein OBE – Investor; Member of UK Technology Strategy Board
    • Alastair Lukies CBE – Chair, FinTech Alliance
    • Yossi Katribas – Former Senior Deputy Director General, Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (online)
    • Yasuhide Nakayama – Former Japanese State Minister of Foreign Affairs (online)

Moderator: Nguyen Anh Tuan

This gathering connected Vietnam’s leadership with global thinkers, offering deep insights into AI strategy, chip sovereignty, cybersecurity, digital ethics, and economic modernization.

A New Chapter for Vietnam’s AI Future

The event reaffirmed BGF’s commitment to support Vietnam in building a modern, ethical, and globally integrated AI-driven society.

Through:

  • AIWS Government 24/7
    AIWS Digital Asset Standards (AIWS-DASI)
    AIWS Film Park

BGF aims to help Vietnam become a model of innovation, cultural creativity, and ethical AI governance in Southeast Asia and the world.

Further Coverage

Shinzo Abe Conference 2026 to Spotlight the Shinzo Abe Film Project

Shinzo Abe Conference 2026 to Spotlight the Shinzo Abe Film Project

A Major Gathering in Late March — Tokyo, Japan

The Shinzo Abe Conference 2026, organized by the Boston Global Forum as part of the Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, will take place in Tokyo in late March 2026. This year’s conference will place a strong focus on the highly anticipated Shinzo Abe Film, a major cinematic work that will portray the life, vision, and courage of one of Japan’s most influential leaders.

A Focus on the Shinzo Abe Film: Leadership, Crisis, and Vision

The centerpiece of the 2026 conference will be the in-depth presentation of the Shinzo Abe Film.
More than a biography, the film will illuminate:

  • Abe’s leadership during Japan’s most difficult and defining moments
  • His strategic decisions during national and global crises
  • His steady, calm presence during political and security challenges
  • His unwavering defense of democracy in the Indo-Pacific
  • His visionary creation of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)

These special and challenging moments of his leadership—moments that demanded clarity, courage, innovation, and resolve—form the emotional and moral core of the film.

At the Tokyo conference, the film team will reveal:

  • Story structure and historical narrative
  • The thematic arc capturing Abe’s statesmanship
  • The dramatic portrayal of crisis leadership
  • Production plans and cinematic direction
  • Global impact goals for education, democracy, and peace

Forwarding Abe’s Legacy — From Shinzo Abe Initiative to PM Sanae Takaichi

The conference will also highlight how Abe’s legacy is being continued and strengthened today through:

  • The Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, advancing his FOIP vision
  • Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a recipient of the World Leader in AIWS Award, whose firm, hands-on leadership echoes Abe’s clarity and decisiveness
  • Her commitment to guiding Japan through the challenges of the AI Age while upholding democratic values and national strength

Together, they represent the continuation of Abe’s mission:
a stable, peaceful, democratic Indo-Pacific built on courage, innovation, and unwavering resolve.

A Gathering of Visionaries in Tokyo

The conference will convene:

  • Leading policymakers and diplomats from Japan, the U.S., and Indo-Pacific partners
  • Distinguished thinkers on politics, democracy, and AI governance
  • Members of the BGF–AIWS Family
  • Filmmakers, cultural innovators, and historians
  • World Leader for Peace and Security Award recipients

They will jointly examine how film, culture, and innovation can help transmit Abe’s leadership philosophy to future generations.

Abe’s Legacy in the AI Age

As the world enters deeper into the AI Era, the Shinzo Abe Initiative and the leadership of PM Sanae Takaichi play a key role in ensuring that:

  • Japan remains a pillar of peace and stability
  • Democratic values stand strong in a turbulent world
  • The next generation understands and inherits Abe’s principles of courage, dignity, and human-centered leadership

The Shinzo Abe Conference 2026 in Tokyo—centered on the Shinzo Abe Film—will be a powerful reaffirmation of his standing as one of the world’s great leaders and an enduring force for peace in the Indo-Pacific.

Shared Wisdom for the AI Age: Building the AI World Society Model

Shared Wisdom for the AI Age: Building the AI World Society Model

Professor Alex Pentland’s new book Shared Wisdom offers a timely and profound foundation for the development of the AI World Society (AIWS) model. His central message is clear: to build a flourishing society, we must design our technologies based on deep understanding of human nature — not allow technology to reshape humanity blindly. In Shared Wisdom, Pentland traces the great leaps of human civilization — from the birth of cities to the Enlightenment to the Scientific Revolution — demonstrating that progress has always depended on cultural inventions that strengthened cooperation, accelerated innovation, and expanded collective wisdom.

Today’s global challenges — climate change, pandemics, declining trust, and fragile institutions — require similarly transformative cultural architectures. Pentland shows how AI and digital systems, if designed with human deliberation, dignity, and social cohesion at their center, can become tools that amplify — rather than replace — human judgment and creativity. These ideas directly inform the AIWS Model: a framework for building the next stage of civilization by aligning technology with human values, shared purpose, and enlightened governance. Shared Wisdom contributes essential insights that help AIWS design a society where AI strengthens democracy, empowers communities, and accelerates cultural evolution toward peace, creativity, and global flourishing.

Professor Alex Pentland Advises Secretary General Tô Lâm: Vietnam Should Build Its Own AI Model

Professor Alex Pentland Advises Secretary General Tô Lâm: Vietnam Should Build Its Own AI Model

At the October 28, 2025 high-level dialogue in London, Professor Alex “Sandy” Pentland of MIT—one of the world’s foremost authorities in AI, data science, and digital governance—shared strategic advice directly with Vietnam’s General Secretary Tô Lâm.

Professor Pentland emphasized that Vietnam should not follow the China model or the U.S. model in building its digital governance and AI strategy.

Vietnam, he said, has a unique opportunity to define a new, modern, people-centric model—distinct from both China and the United States.
This new model could reflect Vietnam’s culture, values, creativity, and national priorities while still aligning with global standards for ethics and digital trust.

AI Tools to Support Vietnam’s AIWS Government 24/7

To support Vietnam as it builds this new governance model aligned with the AIWS Government 24/7 initiative of the Boston Global Forum, Professor Pentland introduced two practical, deployable platforms:

  1. Deliberation Platform
    https://deliberation.io/
    A trusted AI-mediated system for citizen participation, enabling inclusive policymaking, structured consultation, and transparent feedback for leaders.
  2. Loyal Agents
    https://loyalagents.org/
    A new ethical framework for personal AI agents that act with “duty of loyalty”—helping citizens navigate government services, digital systems, and daily decisions with trust and protection.

Pentland noted that these tools could help Vietnam quickly build a citizen-centric, transparent, and ethical AI governance infrastructure, becoming a model for emerging economies worldwide.

Please see full video here:

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: A Steady, Abe-Style Leader for Japan in a Defining Moment

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: A Steady, Abe-Style Leader for Japan in a Defining Moment

World Leader in AIWS – One Month of Leadership, One Clear Direction

One month into her historic tenure as Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi—recipient of the World Leader in AIWS Award—has demonstrated a governing style that profoundly echoes the clarity, decisiveness, and strategic discipline of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

From the very first days of her administration, Takaichi signaled a leadership ethos rooted in hands-on engagement, principled conviction, and future-oriented national strategy. Her brisk, highly focused approach reflects the governing spirit that defined Abe’s era: strong national defense, technological sovereignty, international partnership, and a deep belief in Japan’s global responsibility.

A Month Marked by Steadfast Leadership

In these initial weeks, Takaichi has shown:

  • Firmness and stability—projecting the confidence expected of a Japanese leader facing complex domestic and global challenges.
  • Clarity of direction—prioritizing strategic technologies, security alliances, and economic resilience.
  • Continuity with Abe’s long-term vision, ensuring Japan remains a pillar of democracy and innovation in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Commitment to ethical and human-centered AI, aligning national priorities with the principles of the AI World Society (AIWS).

Her leadership style—decisive, grounded, intellectually rigorous, and action-oriented—resonates strongly with the political qualities admired in Abe’s tenure. In a moment when Japan plays an essential role in balancing global power, Takaichi is meeting the demands of her position with maturity and strength.

A Leader for Japan — and for the AI Age

As a World Leader in AIWS, Prime Minister Takaichi continues to champion:

  • Ethical AI governance and global standards
  • A secure and democratic digital economy
  • Technological innovation that strengthens peace and prosperity
  • Japan’s leadership in shaping the human-centered AI future

Her first month has affirmed not only her capacity to lead Japan, but also her readiness to guide international conversations on the responsible development of AI and emerging technologies.

https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/japan-s-new-pm/1-month-in-takaichi-s-hands-on-leadership-echoes-abe-s-governing-style

America at 250 – A Beacon for the AI Age

America at 250 – A Beacon for the AI Age

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the nation stands at a pivotal crossroads. For two and a half centuries, America has shaped global history through its foundational values of liberty, democracy, human dignity, innovation, and the belief in equal opportunity.

Now, in the transformative Age of Artificial Intelligence, the world once again turns to the United States for leadership—not only technological leadership, but moral, cultural, and philosophical leadership capable of guiding humanity toward a flourishing future.

A New Vision and Model for America at 250

The Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the AI World Society (AIWS) propose A New Model for America at 250 – A Beacon for the AI Age, based on AIWS concepts, a visionary framework that positions the United States as the guiding star for ethical, human-centered, globally beneficial AI development in the 21st century.

This new model integrates visions and strategies that:

  • Strengthen America’s global competitiveness in the AI Age
  • Accelerate innovation across all sectors of society
  • Empower every citizen to develop their full human abilities
  • Expand equal opportunities for all people—regardless of geography or background
  • Ensure AI enhances human dignity, creativity, and freedom
  • Contribute to a safe, ethical, prosperous, democratic world
  • Inspire other nations to adopt enlightened, responsible AI governance models

America at 250 becomes not merely a commemoration—but a transformation.

A Beacon for the AI Age

America has always been defined not simply by its power, but by its ability to inspire.

In the AI Age, this inspiration must come through:

  • Ethical AI governance
  • Trustworthy and transparent digital systems
  • Protection of human rights and human dignity
  • Advancement of democracy and rule of law
  • Innovation rooted in compassion and responsibility
  • Cultural flourishing through human–AI creativity
  • Global collaboration for peace, prosperity, and shared humanity

This is the essence of becoming a Beacon for the AI Age.

America at 250: Activities & Initiatives

To bring this model to life, BGF and AIWS will organize a series of America at 250 programs, including:

1. National and Global Events
  • Symposia at Harvard, MIT, and major U.S. cities
  • International forums connecting America with allies and partners
  • Dialogues with policymakers, scholars, innovators, artists, and youth leaders
2. Strategic Roundtables & Workshops
  • Designing next-generation digital governance
  • AI for democracy, ethics, and public service
  • Economic transformation through innovation
  • Strengthening U.S. competitiveness in science and technology
3. America at 250 – Achievement Recognitions

Honoring outstanding ideas, initiatives, solutions, products, and services that advance:

  • Ethical AI
  • Digital trust
  • Human-centered innovation
  • Equal opportunity
  • Public service improvement
  • Cultural and creative excellence

These recognitions will uplift the brightest contributions from thought leaders, businesses, communities, and young innovators.

4. Business & Innovation Partnerships

BGF invites:

  • CEOs
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Technology companies
  • Financial and investment leaders
  • Creative and cultural industries
  • Innovation ecosystems

to contribute transformative solutions that help America become the world’s leading model for the AI Age.

A Call to Leaders, Thinkers, Innovators, and Young Citizens

We invite:

  • World Leader for Peace and Security Award laureates
  • World Leader in AIWS Award recipients
  • Distinguished global policymakers
  • Scholars and innovators
  • Students and young talents
  • Members of the global BGF–AIWS Family

to join this movement of shared wisdom and shared responsibility.

Official Launch at Harvard University – November 3, 2025

This program was officially launched by Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Founder, Co-Chair, and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, at the Harvard University Faculty Club on November 3, 2025, and updated on November 23, 2025, in Beacon Hill, Boston.

The launch honored Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the World Leader for Peace and Security Award (2015–2025).

This moment marked the beginning of a new era—one in which:

America at 250 becomes a new model for the world, a blueprint for enlightened society, and truly a Beacon for the AI Age.