It became known that Microsoft is transferring its leading researchers in the field of artificial intelligence from China to Canada, which threatens to close the most important training center for talented engineers from China. Beijing-based Microsoft Research Asia (MSRA) has begun issuing visas for the best AI professionals to transfer them to its research institute in Vancouver. The Financial Times writes about this, citing its own informed sources.
The software giant plans to relocate 20 to 40 employees of the MSRA division to a new laboratory staffed by experts from around the world. It is noted that the so-called "Vancouver plan" is a response to increased political tensions between the United States and China, as well as a maneuver aimed at preventing the poaching of the best specialists to local technology companies. Two MSRA employees confirmed that they had recently received a job offer from Chinese Internet companies, but they refused them and applied for a visa and then move to Canada.
"While Microsoft has deep ties to China, having our best researchers here is risky, especially for those working in machine learning. There is a risk of talent being lured away by Chinese companies or persecuted by the authorities. We discussed these risks at internal meetings, "the source quotes the words of one of the MSRA employees.
"We are creating a new laboratory in Vancouver, which will be organizationally merged with MSRA and is designed to provide better interaction with teams of engineers from Vancouver. People from other MSR laboratories around the world, including China, will work in the laboratory, "Microsoft commented on this issue.
The decision to transfer leading AI researchers could draw the ire of local authorities, who are keen to attract overseas talent to work for Chinese companies through generous grants and prestigious positions. As for Microsoft, the company has been operating in China for more than 30 years and has managed to maintain a strong presence in the country even as other Western IT giants such as Google, eBay, Facebook* and Uber have been pushed out of the Chinese market. Microsoft has developed localized products for the Chinese market, including Windows and Office, as well as the Bing search engine.
* It is included in the list of public associations and religious organizations in respect of which the court made a final decision on the liquidation or prohibition of activities on the grounds provided for by Federal Law No. 25-FZ of 07.2002.114 "On Countering Extremist Activity".
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