DeepSeek_s_Rise__Unveiling_the_Man_Behind_China_s_New_AI_Powerhouse

DeepSeek’s Rise: Unveiling the Man Behind China’s New AI Powerhouse

Editor's note: In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), Liang Wenfeng and his creation, DeepSeek, are emerging as a \\"mysterious force from the East.\\"

An artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, has set Silicon Valley abuzz with the release of its state-of-the-art model, trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. The breakthrough has drawn criticism from many AI experts online, who describe it as \\"counterproductive\\" to the U.S.'s attempt to curb the Chinese mainland's high-tech ambitions.

DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, unveiled its R1 model last Monday, accompanied by a detailed paper outlining how to train a large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) model without relying on supervised fine-tuning (SFT) as a preliminary step.

Within days, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the U.S., surpassing the once-dominant ChatGPT.

The release of DeepSeek's R1 model has ignited a heated debate in Silicon Valley about whether better-resourced U.S. AI companies, including Meta and OpenAI, can maintain their technological advantage.

Meanwhile, Liang has become a focal point of discussion in China. Last week, he was invited to a symposium in Beijing, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought opinions and suggestions from experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives across various sectors—including education, science, culture, health, and sports—on a draft government work report.

About Liang Wenfeng

Liang Wenfeng graduated from Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence. He co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer in 2016, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven trading strategies. By 2021, High-Flyer had fully integrated AI into its operations, using machine learning models to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions.

In May 2023, Liang took a bold step by founding DeepSeek, aiming at AI-focused research in advancing the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, DeepSeek was envisioned as a platform for long-term, fundamental research, where curiosity-driven exploration could drive meaningful advancements in AI.

Liang has remained low-profile, granting interviews only to Anyong, a sub-brand of China's commercial tech media 36Kr, in 2023 and 2024. Below are translated excerpts from these interviews, offering a glimpse into his philosophy and vision.

DeepSeek's 'Long-Termism'

For Liang, DeepSeek is more like a side project or hobby, driven by deep curiosity and a commitment to foundational research. He acknowledges that basic research often yields low immediate returns on investment, yet he is captivated by the challenge of exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Liang's focus is on understanding the essence of human intelligence and the processes that underlie it, believing that such exploration is crucial despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives.

A New Player in Global AI

DeepSeek's rapid ascent highlights the dynamic and evolving landscape of AI development in the Chinese mainland. The company's success reflects a growing emphasis on innovative research and a willingness to explore unconventional paths in technology.

Liang's approach embodies a blend of ambition and humility. By prioritizing long-term research over immediate profits, DeepSeek positions itself not just as a competitor but as a collaborator in the global quest for advanced AI.

Impact and Future Prospects

As DeepSeek continues to make waves in the AI community, questions arise about the future balance of technological leadership. The company's advancements challenge established norms and encourage a reevaluation of strategies among global AI leaders.

Liang's vision for DeepSeek suggests a future where fundamental research and practical application coexist, fostering innovation that benefits a wide spectrum of industries and societies.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top