Chinese President Xi Jinping recently praised Andrew Yao Chi-Chih, a renowned computer scientist and AI expert teaching at Tsinghua University. Xi acknowledged Yao’s dedication, innovative research, and teaching achievements over the past two decades since returning to China.
Yao, the only Chinese recipient of the prestigious AM Turing Award, was encouraged by Xi to continue nurturing China’s innovative talents. He has made significant contributions to algorithm theory, data structure, cryptography, and computer security.
Although initially a physics major, Yao eventually transitioned to computer science, earning two PhD degrees and working at top US universities before joining Tsinghua in 2004. He renounced his US citizenship in 2015 to become a Chinese citizen and was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Yao has received numerous international awards, including the Donald Knuth Prize and George Pólya Prize. His commitment to advancing computer science and fostering talent in China has earned him recognition and respect from leaders and peers alike.