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.\\" KhabarAsia.com is delving into the power of innovation and its global impact. In this article, we explore the man behind DeepSeek, his ideology, and his journey.
An AI Revolution from Hangzhou
DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, has taken the tech world by storm with the release of its state-of-the-art R1 model. Trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek's breakthrough has captured global attention.
The release of the R1 model last Monday was accompanied by a detailed paper outlining a novel approach to training large-scale reinforcement learning (RL) models 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 United States, surpassing the once-dominant ChatGPT.
A Stir in Silicon Valley
DeepSeek's rapid ascent has ignited a heated debate in Silicon Valley. Many AI experts express concern over whether better-resourced U.S. AI companies, including Meta and OpenAI, can maintain their technological advantage. Some critics describe DeepSeek's advancements as counterproductive to efforts intended to curb China's high-tech ambitions.
A Visionary Leader: Liang Wenfeng
At the center of DeepSeek's success is its founder, Liang Wenfeng. A graduate of Zhejiang University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence, Liang co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer in 2016. The fund quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven trading strategies, and 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, driven by a deep curiosity and commitment to foundational research, Liang founded DeepSeek with the aim of 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.
DeepSeek's 'Long-Termism'
Liang's approach to DeepSeek is unconventional. He views the lab as more than a business venture—it's a passion project. \\"I'm captivated by the challenge of exploring complex fields like finance and the potential of AGI,\\" Liang shared in a rare interview with Anyong, a sub-brand of China's tech media 36Kr. \\"Understanding the essence of human intelligence and the processes that underlie it is crucial, even if there are no immediate commercial incentives.\\"
Liang's low-profile demeanor extends to his public appearances. Last week, he was invited to a symposium in Beijing, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang sought opinions from experts and entrepreneurs on a draft government work report. Liang's inclusion in such a high-level discussion underscores the significance of his work and the impact of DeepSeek's advancements on China's position in the global AI landscape.
The Road Ahead
As DeepSeek continues to push the boundaries of AI research, its influence is felt not just in China but around the world. Liang Wenfeng's dedication to fundamental research and his visionary approach offer a glimpse into the future of AI development. The debate sparked in Silicon Valley highlights a shifting dynamic in global technological leadership.
For global readers, business professionals, academics, and the Asian diaspora alike, the story of DeepSeek and Liang Wenfeng provides insight into Asia's burgeoning role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. As the tech world watches closely, one thing is clear: DeepSeek's \\"mysterious force from the East\\" is a force to be reckoned with.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
