Xiaomi Group's Chairman and CEO, Lei Jun, has unveiled four pivotal national initiatives during China's "Two Sessions," addressing critical areas in AI talent training and sustainability.
According to the reports by ijiwei, Lei's proposals emphasize the urgency of cultivating a green, low-carbon supply chain in manufacturing and ramping up the training of AI talents to propel technological advancements. They also include enhancing safety standards for intelligent driving products and fortifying support for intelligent manufacturing to integrate advanced technologies.
These proposals were submitted to the ongoing 14th National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, collectively known as "The two sessions", where Lei serves as a representative.
Green supply chain
Recognizing the global shift towards green manufacturing, Lei aims to drive further environmentally friendly initiatives within China's manufacturing supply chain to align with the nation's dual carbon goals. These goals entail reducing China's carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by over 65% compared to 2005 levels by 2030 and increasing the proportion of non-fossil energy consumption to above 80% by 2060. Lei addresses supply chain connectivity issues and insufficient carbon data within the domestic industry. His recommendations to the government include establishing a carbon footprint database, developing a green digitalized supply chain system, and creating a national green energy trading mechanism. Through these decisive actions, the Xiaomi founder aims to drive a swift and impactful green transition in China's manufacturing sector, solidifying the nation's position as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing.
AI talent development
Regarding artificial intelligence, Lei stresses the need to develop the next wave of AI leaders as the sector drives the current technological revolution. To tackle the nation's scarcity of top-tier AI talent, he proposes the implementation of comprehensive AI education, from mandatory schooling to university programs. Lei emphasizes integrating AI literacy into compulsory education and enhancing AI-focused university programs. He also calls for increased support from industry and educational institutions to nurture practical AI expertise. Lei aims to address the talent deficit in China's tech ecosystem by bolstering AI education and training and fostering a pipeline of applied AI talent to drive innovation across sectors.
Regulations for safe smart driving
In light of the rapid growth of China's smart driving industry, he sees the need to further regulate assisted driving features, autonomous parking applications, and data usage in smart driving products to ensure secure and comfortable user experiences. Additionally, Lei highlights the necessity of regulating intelligent driving products to uphold public safety and safeguard data privacy, advocating for the standardization of autonomous valet parking and the secure use of vehicle data.
Smart manufacturing
Lei commends China's accelerated digital transformation progress within the manufacturing sector, recognizing its vital role in enhancing efficiency and driving growth. Despite progress, he acknowledges issues such as insufficient standard coordination, limited promotion of applications, and constraints on key technology equipment leave much space to improve. To address these hurdles, Lei advocates for the innovative integration of advanced smart technologies, the refinement of standard systems, and increased support for leading enterprises in pivotal smart manufacturing initiatives.
In addition, he underscores the importance of bolstering intelligent manufacturing, emphasizing the integration of advanced technologies and the undertaking of major projects to overcome current obstacles, including standardization, talent shortages, and funding limitations.
Lei firmly believes these proposed endeavors are vital for overcoming immediate obstacles and securing China's competitive advantage in the global market.
