AI talent in China surpasses US

The number of artificial intelligence talent in China exceeded that of the United States, new research has found.

China make up almost half the world’s top AI researchers. In comparison, about 18 percent come from the US, according to a study from think tank MacroPolo.

The latest findings suggest a noticeable growth in Chinese AI talents, which only accounted for about one-third of the world’s total three years ago, the study said.

This came as Baidu (9888) rose 2.6 percent in Hong Kong yesterday after it reportedly beat Alibaba (9988) to offer AI services for Apple’s new products this year.

Baidu will become Apple’s local generative AI model provider for its iPhone 16, Mac series, and upcoming mobile operating system iOS 18, mainland media outlet Cailian Press reported yesterday.

This came after the Wall Street Journal last week reported Apple has discussed using Baidu’s generative artificial intelligence in iPhones and other devices within China.

Baidu is considered one of the leaders in AI in the China, where startups and tech giants are investing billions on developing their own answers to ChatGPT.

OpenAI’s seminal creation and other foreign services are not available in China’s tightly regulated online sphere.

Samsung Electronics, Apple’s top smartphone rival, uses Baidu as an AI provider in China for its latest Galaxy phones.