China’s Top AI Scientist, Yang Hongxia, Embarks on a New Chapter at Hong Kong Polytechnic University
In a significant boost to Hong Kong’s aspirations of becoming a leading technology hub, Yang Hongxia, one of China’s foremost experts in artificial intelligence (AI), has recently taken her expertise to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). This move comes amidst the Hong Kong government’s intensified efforts to leverage the research prowess of its premier universities to transform the city into a beacon of technological innovation.
Yang, who has previously made her mark at global tech giants such as Alibaba Group Holding and TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, now serves as a professor in PolyU’s Department of Computing. She focuses on recruiting bright minds for doctoral and postdoctoral positions, specifically targeting candidates with a passion for generative AI and decentralized computing. Despite multiple attempts to reach her, Yang was unavailable for comment on her recent appointment.
The significance of Yang’s inclusion in the PolyU faculty transcends her personal achievements, showcasing the Hong Kong government’s dedication to nurturing a high-tech ecosystem within the city. Albert Wong Hak-keung, CEO of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, highlighted the territory’s global appeal and its foundational research strengths as key elements propelling it towards its goal of becoming an international tech hub.
Yang’s illustrious career in tech includes pioneering work with ByteDance’s applied machine learning team, where she contributed in 2023 before departing to pursue her own projects in May. Notably, her time at ByteDance in Seattle had her collaborating closely with Liang Xiang on the development of the Doubao large language model, pushing the boundaries of AI research. Prior to her stint at ByteDance, Yang was instrumental at Alibaba’s Damo Academy, contributing to the groundbreaking M6 multimodal model, laying the groundwork for further innovations like the Tongyi Qianwen model. Alibaba, which backs her former workplace, is among the tech behemoths championing AI advancements.
Yang’s journey through the tech landscape has been varied and impressive. Beyond her corporate achievements, she has served in academia as an adjunct professor and has a track record of over 100 published papers. She is also a prolific inventor, holding over 50 patents in AI across the US and China. Her academic credentials are equally remarkable, with a bachelor’s degree in statistics from Nankai University and a PhD from Duke University.
The trend of AI professionals migrating from corporate roles to academia or entrepreneurial ventures is increasingly prevalent in China, signaling a robust and dynamic AI ecosystem. This phenomenon is mirrored by similar moves by other Chinese AI luminaries, such as Zhou Chang and Jia Yangqing, who have ventured into the startup realm, highlighting the vibrant AI innovation landscape within the country.
Yang Hongxia’s move to Hong Kong Polytechnic University is more than a career shift—it’s a testament to Hong Kong’s growing appeal as a global technology and research hub. With talents like Yang steering the next generation of AI innovation, the city is well on its path to achieving its lofty tech ambitions.
