The chairman of a leading Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) firm urged the rapid adoption of legislation covering the AI field at a panel discussion during the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai on Tuesday. 

Usually, legislation is brought in when something of a novel nature has entered a stable stage after initial development, but then it needs careful thinking and lasts a long period, stressed Liu Qingfeng, chairman of iFlytek. 

AI technologies are changing human society at a rapid rate. "If we follow the previous way to creating relevant laws, troubles and even disasters may already be developing," Liu said. 

Two months ago, China's first law school dedicated to AI technologies was established under the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. 

Liu believed this was of profound significance, as the institution would be able to make a detailed study with foresight into the necessary legislation for the AI era. 

Liu also urged the need to stress ethics, technical standards and management in the application of AI technologies, so as to prevent data leaks and protect public morality. 

The Hongqiao International Economic Forum, part of the ongoing second China International Import Expo (CIIE), is dedicated to offering wisdom for global economic development. 

The panel discussion was a sideline event of the forum focusing on the topics of AI and innovative development. 

IFlytek, specializing in voice recognition, is one of China's top 50 VR enterprises. It is also the supplier of portable smart translation devices for the second CIIE.