During his first term, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump implemented restrictions on the export of American technology to China, citing national security concerns—a policy that has continued under President Joe Biden. These restrictions compelled Nvidia, the leading manufacturer of chips for artificial intelligence applications, to modify its product offerings in China.
"Open science and global collaboration in mathematics and science have been established for a long time. They form the basis for both social and scientific progress," Huang remarked to the media during his visit to Hong Kong.
He emphasized that cooperation will endure, stating, "I cannot predict what will occur with the new administration, but regardless of the outcome, we will ensure compliance with laws and policies while continuing to advance our technology and serve customers worldwide."
Huang, who leads the world's most valuable company, made these comments in the financial center after being awarded an honorary doctorate in engineering from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
While in Hong Kong, he engaged in a fireside chat with the university's Council Chairman, Harry Sham, in front of an audience of students and academics.
When questioned about the significant energy demands of graphics processing units—crucial for artificial intelligence—Huang responded, "If the world consumes more energy to power AI factories, we are ultimately better off as a result."
Huang emphasized that the primary objective of AI is not training but rather inference. He noted that AI has the potential to uncover innovative methods for carbon dioxide storage in reservoirs, develop advanced wind turbine designs, and create new materials for electricity storage.
He suggested that AI supercomputers should be positioned slightly off the power grid, utilizing sustainable energy sources and located away from densely populated areas.
"My aspiration is that ultimately, we will recognize that harnessing energy for intelligence represents the most effective use of energy we can envision," Huang stated.
Earlier on Saturday, during a speech after receiving an honorary degree, Huang informed graduates that "the age of AI has begun."
He described it as "a new computing era that will influence every industry and every scientific discipline."
At 61, Huang expressed a desire that he had begun his career during this transformative period.
"The entire world is undergoing a reset. You are at the starting line alongside everyone else. An industry is being redefined. You now possess the tools necessary to propel advancements in numerous scientific fields," Huang remarked.
"The most significant challenges of our time, which once seemed insurmountable, now appear within reach."