AMD CEO Lisa Su addressed Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates with a call to view artificial intelligence as an augmentative tool rather than a threat to professional prospects. The speech, delivered at Su's own alma mater, initially generated tension among attendees but ultimately resonated more positively due to the speaker's measured approach.

The core message centered on the principle that technologies do not dictate societal trajectories – people do. Su emphasized that AI lacks the capacity to independently identify priority challenges, make decisions under uncertainty, or assume accountability for outcomes. These responsibilities remain firmly with humans, whose role becomes increasingly critical in an era of automation. Notably, this perspective comes from a leader whose company has committed over $10 billion to advancing next-generation AI infrastructure in Taiwan.

In her closing remarks, Su encouraged graduates to position themselves as responsible stewards of emerging technologies. Unlike preceding speakers whose adaptation-focused messaging provoked audience resistance, the conclusion of her address was received with greater acceptance. Earlier in the ceremony, other presenters – including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Big Machine label head Scott Borchetta – faced negative reactions for overly optimistic assessments of AI's impact on the labor market.