When asked about the future of AI in China and the challenges facing Huawei, CEO Ren Zhengfei offers a refreshingly straightforward perspective. In a Q&A with the People’s Daily, he candidly states, “I haven’t thought about it. It’s pointless to dwell on it.” Instead, his mantra is to take action step by step, undeterred by obstacles. This approach is not just personal but also reflects how Huawei navigates the complex landscape of international sanctions.
Ren Zhengfei is forthright about Huawei’s advancements in AI chips, acknowledging that the hype often surpasses reality. He notes that while the U.S. exaggerates Huawei’s achievements, the company’s best chips are still a generation behind those of its competitors. However, Ren emphasizes that by leveraging software and mathematical prowess, Huawei can bridge the hardware gap in AI and other areas. “We use mathematics to make up for physics,” he explains, highlighting a strategy of linking chips together in powerful clusters to achieve top-tier results.
This pragmatic approach extends beyond technology to how Ren views corporate reputation. He believes that criticism is a valuable feedback mechanism, fostering a healthy relationship with users. His focus remains on performance rather than praise or criticism. “Don’t care about praise or criticism, but care about whether you can do well,” he advises.
At the heart of Ren’s vision is a deep commitment to basic scientific research. He sees this as the foundation of progress, essential for sustainability. Huawei invests significantly in theoretical research, allocating a third of its annual R&D budget of 180 billion yuan to this area. This long-term investment is a bet on the power of human curiosity, aiming to build a future that may unfold decades from now.
Ren envisions AI as a transformative force for humanity, with China well-positioned due to its infrastructure and workforce. He anticipates that AI breakthroughs will come from diverse fields, not just tech giants. His optimism is rooted in China’s potential to harness AI for real-world problem-solving across various sectors.
Despite the challenges, Ren remains calm and focused on building something with enduring roots. His emphasis is on steady progress rather than reacting to political shifts. This approach reflects a leader who has found a sense of peace amidst adversity, focusing on the slow, deliberate work of constructing a future-ready foundation.
