17/08/2023 (China) - Tencent Holdings Ltd. has announced its intention to introduce a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) model, aiming to position itself among the elite AI developers in China. This move is seen as the company's proactive step to rival early AI frontrunners like Baidu Inc. and SenseTime Group Inc.
Recently, after disclosing their financial outcomes, Tencent executives shed light on the firm's progress in AI. The emphasis was on the development of a comprehensive language model that would bolster generative AI and various other applications. Historically, the tech magnate has been perceived as lagging behind its local counterparts, primarily due to its reticence about its AI endeavors. However, the company has been actively testing its AI model, named Hunyuan, in areas like cloud computing and search functionalities.
Martin Lau, Tencent's president, in the recent Q2 earnings discussion, pointed out, “Hunyuan ranks among the foremost foundational models developed in China.” Lau emphasized the company's unwavering commitment to refining the model in anticipation of its launch slated for later this year.
However, Tencent's foray into AI is not just confined to the dimensions popularized by platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT. The tech giant is undergoing internal trials of AI in diverse sectors like gaming, cloud computing, and fintech. There's also a vision to leverage AI technology to amplify its reach in advertising and marketing.
Discussing the future potential of AI, Lau remarked, "The deeper we delve into AI, the more it emerges as a potential catalyst for our growth." He emphasized that Tencent's perspective on AI transcends the conventional realms of chatbots and Q&A sessions.
In terms of its cloud offerings, Tencent is in the midst of setting up a marketplace tailored for its corporate clientele. This platform will enable users to selectively avail generative AI-driven services. According to Lau, this strategic move is poised to usher in significant profit margins for the company.