Ren Zhengfei on China's AI Prospects and Huawei's Strategic Vision

When asked about the challenges Huawei faces and the role of AI in China, CEO Ren Zhengfei offers unexpected insights.

During a Q&A session with the Chinese media outlet People's Daily, Ren admits, "I haven’t thought about it. It's pointless to worry."

In a landscape dominated by five-year plans and crisis navigation, his straightforward advice is striking: "Ignore the obstacles. Keep moving forward one step at a time."

This isn’t merely his personal philosophy; it forms the framework for how Huawei deals with international sanctions and blockades. It's a determined approach evident in all his responses.

On the subject of Huawei’s cutting-edge AI chips, Ren is candid but not boastful. He suggests the surrounding buzz outpaces actual achievements.

"The U.S. has overstated Huawei’s success. We still have progress to make," he concedes, acknowledging their top chips lag by a generation.

Ren encourages resourcefulness with available tools, emphasizing Huawei's strength in software and mathematics to compensate for hardware limitations.

"We apply mathematics in place of physics," he explains, outlining a strategy using software and interconnected chips to rival top competitors, reflecting innovation born from necessity.

This practical approach extends to individuals as well as products. Ren maintains a cautious distance from public acclaim. "Praise puts us under pressure," he notes. "Criticism sharpens our focus."

For Ren, criticisms offer valuable feedback from users, indicating a healthy dynamic. His primary concern: "Focus on performance, not on accolades or criticism."

The essence of Ren's vision goes beyond the latest gadgets to fundamental scientific research. He speaks passionately, likening it to the foundation of growth.

"Without fundamental research, we lack roots," he cautions. "Without roots, even thriving leaves will eventually fall."

At Huawei, this is more than just poetic expression. Significant investments back these words. Out of an annual R&D budget of 180 billion yuan (~$25 billion), a third supports theoretical research. This investment, made without immediate gains in mind, underlines a commitment to long-term innovation.

Ren views AI as a transformative force for both Huawei and humanity, positioning China favorably for this new era through its technology, infrastructure, and workforce.

He envisions breakthroughs in AI coming from professionals across various sectors—doctors, engineers, and even miners—applying AI to tackle real-world challenges.

His optimism is compelling. He references an article by New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman, who described a future not centered in America but seen in China.

Ren Zhengfei exemplifies a leader who remains calm amidst chaos. His focus is on steady, rooted growth ready to withstand future changes. One deliberate step at a time.

(Image credit: European Union under CC BY 4.0 license. Image cropped for effect.)