In the realm of artificial intelligence, few have witnessed its evolution as profoundly as Alice Chang, the founder and CEO of Perfect Corp. With a prior tenure as CEO of CyberLink, Chang launched Perfect Corp in 2015, aiming to revolutionize beauty recommendations through the integration of AI and augmented reality. The company empowers users to make informed beauty choices, from selecting the right makeup shades for their unique skin tones to identifying optimal skincare ingredients addressing specific concerns. Chang’s transition to technology was not by design; her background includes an MBA from UCLA, but her passion for tech—particularly in beauty—drove her to harness this innovation to tackle widespread consumer challenges within the industry.
Chang’s love for beauty began in her youth, shaped by the struggles she faced in selecting the right makeup. “Deciding on the right color can be overwhelming,” she reflects, recalling the myriad choices available and the inability to try them on effectively before the advent of AI. Her realization that AI could ease the decision-making process for consumers sparked her vision for Perfect Corp. It became clear to her that AI could bridge the gap between beauty enthusiasts and their aspirations, ultimately transforming how they engage with products.
When Perfect Corp started out, Chang entered a nascent phase of AI technology, at a time when the potential of AI was not universally recognized. “In 2015, the concept of AI was still quite abstract,” she recalls. While initial models lasted two to three years before needing updates, the landscape has evolved dramatically, with models now being updated every few months. This rapid pace can be daunting; however, for Chang, it embodies her philosophy of relentless progress. “Everything was yesterday,” she states, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and adaptation.
As AI models become increasingly sophisticated, Chang believes they will shape the future of the beauty industry. AI technology, notably enhanced by modern camera capabilities, allows for hyper-personalized recommendations that resonate deeply with consumers. “AI knows you better than you know yourself,” she explains, highlighting its role in creating tailored experiences for beauty lovers and retailers alike. This technological advancement not only meets the immediate desires of consumers but also realizes their beauty dreams, reinforcing Chang’s conviction in AI’s transformative power.
However, despite the buzz surrounding AI, it’s not the core of Chang’s motivation. For her, the most critical elements of her work are passion, belief in her vision, and nurturing her team. “You have to love your work,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of dedication and trust in pioneering endeavors. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, she sees opportunities to achieve what was previously unimaginable, defining success through innovation and collaboration.
As Perfect Corp navigates the complexities of the AI landscape, Chang’s journey reflects a broader narrative about the intersection of technology and beauty. Her story is one of passion-driven innovation, demonstrating how AI can solve real-world problems while fulfilling the dreams of beauty enthusiasts. Chang’s vision not only highlights the potential of AI in the beauty sector but also serves as an inspiring example for those seeking to make their mark through technology.
