Congratulations! Dr. Ya-Qin Zhang, Dean of AIR, has been elected as a Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering for 2021 - Tsinghua University Institute for AI Industry Research

**Abstract:** Professor Ya-Qin Zhang, a world-renowned scientist and entrepreneur in the fields of digital video and artificial intelligence (AI), has been elected as a Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) for the year 2021. This prestigious recognition underscores his significant contributions to both the scientific and industrial realms, particularly in the areas of video compression and transmission technologies, AI, and advanced cloud computing. Currently, Zhang serves as the Chair Professor of Intelligent Science and the Director of the Academy of Intelligent Industries (AIR) at Tsinghua University. His career spans a rich history of leadership and innovation, including a pivotal role at Baidu, one of China's leading technology companies, and a long tenure at Microsoft, where he held multiple high-ranking positions. **Key Events:** - **Election to the Chinese Academy of Engineering:** Professor Ya-Qin Zhang was elected as a Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) in 2021. This election highlights his contributions to the fields of digital video and AI, as well as his leadership in the technology industry. - **Leadership at Tsinghua University:** Zhang is currently the Chair Professor of Intelligent Science and the Director of the Academy of Intelligent Industries (AIR) at Tsinghua University, a position that allows him to continue his research and mentor the next generation of AI scientists and engineers. - **Baidu Presidency:** From September 2014 to October 2019, Zhang served as the President of Baidu, where he spearheaded the development of the Apollo autonomous driving project. He also holds the position of Chairman of the Apollo Global Council, the world's largest open technology platform for autonomous driving. - **Microsoft Tenure:** Prior to Baidu, Zhang spent 16 years at Microsoft, rising through the ranks to become a Global Senior Vice President, Chairman of Microsoft Asia Pacific R&D Group, President of Microsoft Research Asia, Chief Scientist of Microsoft Asia, and Chairman of Microsoft China. His contributions to Microsoft were instrumental in shaping the company's research and development efforts in Asia. **Key People:** - **Professor Ya-Qin Zhang:** A leading figure in AI and digital video technology, Zhang has a distinguished career in both academia and industry. His innovative work has been widely recognized, including his election to the CAE, and he holds several other prestigious titles and memberships. - **Tsinghua University:** One of China's top academic institutions, Tsinghua University is where Zhang currently holds his professorship and directs the AIR, contributing to the university's reputation in AI research and development. - **Baidu:** A major Chinese technology company, Baidu benefited from Zhang's leadership during his tenure as President, particularly in the advancement of autonomous driving technology through the Apollo project. - **Microsoft:** Zhang's long career at Microsoft, where he held several key positions, significantly influenced the company's research and development activities, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. **Key Locations:** - **China:** The primary location where Zhang's recent and ongoing work is centered, including his role at Tsinghua University and his election to the CAE. - **United States:** Zhang received his Ph.D. from George Washington University and spent a significant part of his career at Microsoft, a U.S.-based company. - **Asia-Pacific Region:** Zhang's influence extended across this region during his time at Microsoft, where he led the Asia Pacific R&D Group and Microsoft Research Asia. **Time Elements:** - **2021:** The year in which Zhang was elected as a Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. - **1966:** Zhang's year of birth, which provides context for his age and the timeline of his achievements. - **1989:** The year Zhang obtained his Ph.D. from George Washington University. - **2014-2019:** The period during which Zhang served as President of Baidu. - **1993-2009:** The approximate 16-year span of Zhang's career at Microsoft, where he held various leadership roles. **Summary of Contributions:** Professor Ya-Qin Zhang's election to the Chinese Academy of Engineering as a Foreign Member in 2021 is a testament to his exceptional contributions to the fields of digital video and AI. His innovative work in image and video compression and transmission has been adopted into international standards and widely applied in various industries, including high-definition television and internet video. At Baidu, Zhang led the development of the Apollo autonomous driving project, which has become a global leader in the field. His leadership and research have also been pivotal in advancing mobile applications, AI, and smart cloud computing. Zhang's academic and industrial achievements have earned him several prestigious titles, including Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Foreign Member of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and Member of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences. His ongoing work at Tsinghua University continues to shape the future of AI research and education in China.