In June last year, there was news that Microsoft would close the Asia Research Institute. According to reports, Beijing-based Microsoft Research Asia has begun seeking visas to move top AI experts from Beijing to its research institute in Vancouver. At the time, the company did not make a statement about the rumours. However, the company has now come out to say that this is not true.
Microsoft Research Asia (MSRA) has recently refuted rumours of relocating from China to Canada. This puts an end to speculations about the potential closure of its Asia Research Institute. The denial came in response to reports claiming that the Beijing-based institution was seeking to move its top AI experts to a new lab in Canada. The relocation of this lab to Canada would have affected about 20 to 40 employees. This response from Microsoft Research Asia reaffirms its commitment to the region and its ongoing research and development activities.
In response to the rumours, Microsoft Global Senior Vice President and Head of Microsoft Research Institute, Peter Lee responded that there are currently no discussions or proposals to close Microsoft Research Asia. “We continue to support Microsoft Research Asia and its world-class research work, and we are full of expectations for future research plans,” he said.
Microsoft Research Asia Denies Relocation Rumors
Microsoft Research Asia, established in 1998, is a leading research lab with locations in Beijing and Shanghai. The institution conducts basic and applied research in areas central to Microsoft’s long-term strategy. This includes natural user interface, AI, cloud and edge computing, big data and knowledge mining. It also includes computer science fundamentals, intelligent multimedia, and computational science. The recent rumours of its relocation to Canada have been categorically denied by MSRA. The MSRA emphasizes the false nature of the news and reaffirms its dedication to the Asia Pacific region.
Brad Smith, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Microsoft Corporation, said, “Historical experience shows that only by drawing ideas from around the world can you succeed. ‘Guardrails’ and ‘control’ are important, but the importance of ‘participation’ cannot be ignored either.”
Commitment to Innovation and Research
The response from Microsoft Research Asia underscores the institution’s commitment to innovation and cross-disciplinary research progress in collaboration with academic and industrial partners in the Asia Pacific region. The lab has retained an open and growth mindset, aiming to provide an inclusive and sustainable environment for scientific research, where every individual involved plays a vital role in the pursuit of discoveries and contributions.
Microsoft has a long-standing commitment to innovation and research, which has been a driving force behind its success. The company invests in a range of emerging technology trends and breakthroughs that offer the potential for growth and broad adoption of its products and services.
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Microsoft’s culture of innovation has contributed to the creation of groundbreaking technologies and has also contributed to the growth of an innovative organization. The company also upholds strict ethical standards, advocating for responsible business practices and supporting human rights. Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and research has made a lasting difference in the lives of people worldwide, empowering individuals and businesses, bridging the digital divide, and driving positive change.
Impact of Microsoft Asia Research Institute
Microsoft Research Asia (MSRA) has had a significant impact on the academic community in China. The Microsoft Research Asia Fellowship program, established in 1999, has supported a large number of outstanding PhD students in the Asia-Pacific region. It provides research funding, MSRA internship opportunities, and a chance to meet with Turing Award winners. The Fellowship is specifically designed for junior PhD students, and the number of papers published is not the most important criterion for judging the applicant, rather academic potential is a more central element.
MSRA has also developed extensive cooperation with research institutions and universities in China. It engages with the academic community to innovate and turn ideas into reality. The lab conducts basic and applied research in areas central to Microsoft’s long-term strategy. This includes natural user interface, AI, cloud and edge computing, big data and knowledge mining, computer science fundamentals, intelligent multimedia, and computational science.
The technologies developed by MSRA have made a significant impact within Microsoft and also around the world. Also, new, innovative technologies are constantly being born from the lab. Researchers at MSRA are free to explore and pursue their interests in an open and collaborative environment. This has driven the creation of groundbreaking technologies and has also contributed to the growth of an innovative organization.
Final Words
Microsoft Research Asia’s denial of the rumours regarding the relocation of its Asia Research Institute to Canada reflects the institution’s steadfast commitment to the region and its ongoing research and development endeavours. This response puts to rest the speculations surrounding the potential closure of the lab. It reaffirms its dedication to innovation and cross-disciplinary research progress in the Asia Pacific region. The research institute is Microsoft’s second foreign basic research institution. It is one of only two basic research institutions in Asia, the other being Microsoft India Research Institute. Through the cooperation of experts and scholars from different disciplines and backgrounds around the world, Microsoft Research Asia has become a world-class computer basic and applied research institution.
Author Bio
Efe Udin is a seasoned tech writer with over seven years of experience. He covers a wide range of topics in the tech industry from industry politics to mobile phone performance. From mobile phones to tablets, Efe has also kept a keen eye on the latest advancements and trends. He provides insightful analysis and reviews to inform and educate readers. Efe is very passionate about tech and covers interesting stories as well as offers solutions where possible.
