Post the invention of the internet, for sure the unleashing of the ChatGPT to the world, has been the most momentous moment. While the world got hooked to the conversational GPT, the technical, compute and business model of OpenAI and other more established behemoths was widely accepted as the only model of AI development. The companies and their Czars saw to it that they become the reigning deities of the AI world. Fortunately, that was not to continue for long and when nobody expected a bombshell in this field, it happened.
DeepSeek- R1’s launch earlier this year changed it all. The learning, compute, open source and the cost of development, put OpenAI’s model on its head. This is now a publicly known story and as stands today, no one knows the real trajectory of AI. What we all know is that it would be exponential as it has been so far in the recent past. One thing that has never been thought of leaving aside debate is that there can be anybody else involved with AI research and development but for notch computer science engineers, others from similar ilk and top class AI researchers and scientists.
Strong technical background is thus at the core. This itself has been busted by DeepSeek. DeepSeek actively hires those with a background in the humanities. CEO Liang Wenfeng argues that “critical thinkers with deep understanding of human behaviour and culture contribute valuable insights to AI development. OpenAI, Meta or for that matter any other AI company does not prioritise candidates with extensive technical expertise, Liang focuses on creativity, intellectual curiosity, and diverse perspectives. So what has been his successful hiring strategy to fulfill his stated attribute, attitude and other behavioural requirements.
Given this background of the prevailing thought of the company, he places an emphasis on hiring Generation Z, avid readers, and humanities background. He also believes that imaginative thinking is more valuable than years of experience. And he is so right, the tech world has been forcing us to think the other way round. More so, if the companies have long term ambitions, the CEO repeats that experience holds less significance. His final thought in his own words, “Core competencies, an inventive mindset, and an unwavering passion for work are the attributes I value above all else.”
AI IS REDEFINING ITSELF, ALL CAN BE A PART IN THE ENGAGEMENT OF OUR EVOLVING FUTURE.
Sanjay Sahay
Have a nice evening.