Former Google DeepMind director Cao Liangliang has returned to Hong Kong to serve as the Chair Professor of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).
This appointment brings high-level Silicon Valley leadership to the region's academic sector. By recruiting top-tier talent from global AI leaders, Hong Kong aims to accelerate its development as a hub for machine learning and computer vision research.
Cao previously served as a principal engineer and director at Google DeepMind. His return to the city follows an absence of 20 years [1]. This move is described as an "intellectual boomerang trajectory," as he returns to his roots after gaining extensive industry experience abroad [1].
During his time away, Cao studied under several prominent figures in the computer vision and AI sectors. He now intends to use that expertise to contribute to the growth of the local artificial intelligence community [1], [2].
PolyU's decision to appoint Cao reflects a broader strategy to bridge the gap between theoretical research and industrial application. His role involves overseeing advanced data science initiatives, and mentoring the next generation of AI specialists in Hong Kong.
Cao said he aims to leverage his experience to help the city's AI ecosystem. The university expects his leadership to attract further international collaboration and investment in the field of artificial intelligence [1].
“Cao Liangliang returns to Hong Kong after 20 years.”
The recruitment of a former DeepMind director signals Hong Kong's strategic effort to compete in the global AI talent war. By attracting individuals with direct experience from the world's leading AI labs, PolyU is positioning itself to transition from academic research to the practical, scalable implementation of artificial intelligence, potentially increasing the city's competitiveness against other regional tech hubs.
