Meta isn’t holding back in its bid to stay ahead in the global AI race. The company has recently welcomed four renowned researchers—Zhao Shengjia, Ren Hongyu, Yu Jiahui, and Bi Shuchao—originally from OpenAI, into its team. Their arrival marks a confident step towards harnessing the expertise that has propelled Chinese AI professionals onto the international stage.
Alexandr Wang, who leads Meta’s AI division and previously steered Scale AI, shared his excitement on social media about collaborating with the new team. Although neither Meta nor OpenAI has officially commented, retaining their OpenAI titles on social profiles suggests a careful transition amid industry buzz.
This move fits neatly into Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s broader strategy of investing heavily in talent. With enticing incentives, including bonuses that can reach up to $100 million, Meta is clearly determined to draw top engineers away from its competitors. Earlier, the acquisition of a 49% stake in Scale AI for $14.2 billion underlined the company’s commitment to integrating seasoned industry leaders like Wang.
It’s also a nod to the growing influence of Chinese professionals in shaping America’s tech landscape. Many of these experts have strong ties to celebrated universities in China, further enriched by their advanced studies in the United States. Their journey is a reminder that expertise knows no borders, especially in a sector as dynamic as AI.