The AI computing center in Shanghai Photo: Courtesy of SenseTime

Tang Xiao’ou, founder of Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company SenseTime Group Inc., died on Friday after succumbing to an undisclosed illness, the company said in a statement on Saturday, adding that as “a pioneer in China’s AI industry”, he will continue to “serve as an inspiration for others.”

Tang was a renowned AI scientist, director of Pujiang Lab, director of Shanghai AI Lab, and a professor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, according to the company.

“He dedicated his entire life to computer science research and technological breakthroughs, and made remarkable contributions to the development of AI technology,” the company said.

According to media reports, Tang was born in 1968 in Anshan, Northeast China’s Liaoning Province, and graduated from the University of Science and Technology of China in 1990. Tang was known as a “pioneer” and “trailblazer” in global facial-recognition technology. 

In 2014, Tang Xiao'ou co-founded SenseTime in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), which later went public in 2021 at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. On the Forbes 2022 list of the wealthiest individuals in Hong Kong, Tang made his debut with a fortune of $6 billion, securing the 16th position on the ranking.

Stephen Wong Yuen-shan, head of HKSAR government’s Chief Executive's Policy Unit (CEPU), expressed deep sorrow and, on behalf of the CEPU, extended condolences to Tang’s family, local media reported on Saturday.

Tang was a member of the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers (CECA).

Wong said that Tang has provided valuable insights to the CECA in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship since its establishment in March, making significant contributions to the sector.

HKSAR’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong also expressed profound condolences. He said that Tang was dedicated to serving the community, serving as a member of the CECA. During the period from 2018 to 2021, Tang also served as a board member of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, making significant contributions to the development of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector.

Global Times