HONG KONG: Universities across China have recently initiated artificial intelligence (AI) courses focused on the innovations of the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, which has been celebrated as a "Sputnik moment" for the nation. This development comes amid government efforts to enhance scientific and technological innovation within educational institutions to foster new growth avenues for the world's second-largest economy.

DeepSeek, hailing from Hangzhou, has earned accolades from both Silicon Valley leaders and engineers in the United States, asserting that its models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, rival the most advanced AI technologies developed by companies like OpenAI and Meta. Shenzhen University in Guangdong province announced the launch of a curriculum centered on DeepSeek, aiming to educate students on critical technologies, along with security, privacy, and ethical challenges.

The university emphasized that the program will "explore how to find a balance between technological innovation and ethical norms," highlighting the importance of responsible tech advancements. Similarly, Zhejiang University in eastern China has commenced specialized DeepSeek courses, while Shanghai's Jiao Tong University has integrated DeepSeek to enhance AI learning tools within its curriculum. Additionally, Renmin University of China is applying DeepSeek across various fields to invigorate teaching and research activities.

In January, China released its inaugural national action plan aimed at establishing a "strong education nation" by 2035, striving for a "high quality education system" that ranks among the world's best for accessibility and quality. Notably, Liang Wenfeng, the founder of DeepSeek, participated in a significant meeting on February 17 with President Xi Jinping and other prominent figures from China's technology sector, including representatives from Alibaba. For further details, read more from Reuters, Bangkok Post, and Channel News Asia.