Editor's Note: In the rapidly evolving realm of artificial intelligence, Liang Wenfeng and his creation, DeepSeek, are emerging as a transformative force from the East. As part of our AI series, we delve into the journey of this visionary and his groundbreaking work.
DeepSeek's Breakthrough in AI
An artificial intelligence lab based in Hangzho, east China's Zhejiang Province, has captured global attention with the release of its state-of-the-art AI model. Trained at a fraction of the cost of mainstream models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, DeepSeek's R1 model has ignited discussions across Silicon Valley and beyond.
Founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek unveiled its R1 model last Monday, along with a detailed paper outlining a novel approach to training large-scale reinforcement learning models without relying on supervised fine-tuning as an initial step.
Within days, DeepSeek's app soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing established platforms and stirring debate about the future of AI innovation.
A Shift in the AI Landscape
The release of the R1 model has sparked a heated debate about whether better-resourced U.S. AI companies can maintain their technological lead. Many experts are questioning if DeepSeek's innovations signal a shift in the AI landscape, challenging the attempts to curb China's high-tech ambitions.
The Man Behind DeepSeek: Liang Wenfeng
Liang Wenfeng graduated from Zhejiang University with a degree in artificial intelligence. In 2016, he co-founded the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, which gained recognition for its innovative use of AI-driven trading strategies. By 2021, High-Flyer had fully integrated AI into its operations, utilizing machine learning models to predict market trends and make data-driven investment decisions.
In May 2023, Liang founded DeepSeek with a focus on 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.
A Philosophy of Long-Termism
For Liang, DeepSeek represents a pursuit 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 AGI. Liang's focus is on understanding the essence of human intelligence and the underlying processes, believing that such exploration is crucial despite the lack of immediate commercial incentives.
Liang has maintained a low profile, granting interviews only to Anyong, a sub-brand of China's commercial tech media 36Kr, in 2023 and 2024. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking in the development of AI technologies.
Recognition at the Highest Levels
Liang's work has not gone unnoticed. 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.
The Future of DeepSeek
As DeepSeek continues to gain momentum, its impact on the global AI industry remains a subject of keen interest. Liang Wenfeng's unique approach to AI development highlights the growing influence of innovative thinkers in China and their contributions to the field.
With a philosophy rooted in curiosity and a commitment to advancing foundational research, DeepSeek and Liang Wenfeng represent a new chapter in the story of artificial intelligence—a chapter that the world is watching closely.
Reference(s):
Behind China's rising AI startup DeepSeek: Who is Liang Wenfeng?
cgtn.com
