Science and Technology Daily:
As previously mentioned, Sichuan has designated artificial intelligence (AI) as its "No. 1 innovation project" for this year. Could you please elaborate on Sichuan's advantages in this field and outline the specific measures the province plans to implement? Thank you.
Huang Qiang:
Thank you for your questions. Mr. Wu will answer them.
Wu Qungang:
Thank you. Sichuan is a crucial node in China's east-to-west computing resource transfer project. The province is home to two national computing power platforms and over 1,100 AI enterprises. Additionally, 27 universities and colleges offer AI-related programs. Leveraging this strong foundation, Sichuan has made AI development a top priority to drive high-quality development, concentrating efforts on overcoming significant challenges. Our approach focuses on three key areas: technology, policy and reform.
In promoting technological innovation, we have focused on key areas such as AI chips, computing power servers and algorithm models, conducting organized research efforts to accelerate breakthroughs in original technologies. For instance, a Chengdu-based tech company has innovatively developed "AI plus satellite technology," which intelligently processes images captured from space, filtering out low-value ones and significantly improving satellite efficiency. This company is continuously making advancements, such as striving to process data and generate results directly in space, thereby creating new possibilities for future deep space exploration.
In terms of enhancing policy support, Sichuan has integrated various policies and resources to provide exceptional and targeted assistance, particularly to those promising and committed enterprises. We offer support wherever it is needed, ensuring comprehensive and timely policy backing. For instance, we have facilitated the collaboration of Tsinghua University, Sichuan University and the Chengdu Rongchuang Company, bringing together top resources from both within and outside the province. This special initiative has led to the establishment of the Sichuan Intelligent Sensing and Computing Technology Innovation Center, which quickly gathered over 300 innovative professionals in fields such as chips, algorithms and robotics, rapidly building a strong innovation chain cluster.
To fully leverage the role of reform, as Mr. Huang emphasized, we must overcome institutional barriers through bold innovation. Sichuan has adhered to the principle of "small incision, deep impact," ensuring the smooth integration of education, talent, and science and technology to provide continuous momentum for AI development. Recently, we have introduced new mechanisms by establishing the Sichuan Province Artificial Intelligence College. This initiative is led by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, with participation from eight other provincial universities and major companies like Huawei and Tencent. This collaboration has enabled joint efforts between schools and enterprises in talent cultivation, aligning the supply and demand of talent, as well as integrating industry with education. As the saying goes, AI is a great opportunity, but favorable conditions are necessary to seize it. Sichuan will continue to explore new mechanisms and models to drive AI development forward through reform, opening new chapters and seizing the momentum.
That's all from me. Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you to Mr. Huang and all the other speakers and the journalists who are present. Today's press briefing will conclude here. Goodbye.
Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang qian, Liu Caiyi, Wang Yiming, Zhu Bochen, Wang Yanfang, Mi Xingang, Huang Shan, Xu Kailin, Zhang Rui, Zhang Tingting, Liu Qiang, Yan Bin, Liu Sitong, Wang Ziteng, Zhang Junmian, Qin Qi, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.