When asked about artificial intelligence and the challenges facing Huawei, CEO Ren Zhengfei offers unexpected insights. His approach is refreshingly straightforward: “I haven’t thought about it… It’s useless to think about it.” Rather than becoming mired in difficulties, he advocates for a practical solution: “Just do it and move forward step by step.” This mantra encapsulates how Huawei is maneuvering through international sanctions and adversities, showcasing a quiet resilience in his responses. When the discussion turns to Huawei’s AI chips, Ren is frank about their status. He doesn’t engage in self-promotion and acknowledges the reality of their technological standings.
“The United States has exaggerated Huawei’s achievements. Huawei is not that great yet,” he states, recognizing that their top chips are still not the most advanced. Faced with this limitation, Ren advises leveraging available resources wisely. Huawei intends to bridge the hardware gap through software and mathematical innovation, utilizing code to create robust solutions.
Ren’s philosophy extends to the corporate culture of Huawei. He expresses caution regarding commendations, viewing them as pressures rather than accolades. He perceives criticism as constructive feedback that helps improve relationships with users. “Don’t care about praise or criticism, but care about whether you can do well,” he emphasizes.
At the core of Ren’s vision is a commitment to fundamental scientific research, which he believes is essential for long-term progress. To that end, Huawei invests heavily in research and development, allocating a significant portion of its budget to theoretical research, reflecting a dedication to nurturing human curiosity. Looking ahead, Ren believes AI represents a critical juncture not only for Huawei but for all of humanity. He envisions a world where diverse experts leverage AI to drive innovations that address real-world challenges.
His unwavering focus is on building deeply rooted foundations for the future, ready to navigate whatever lies ahead.