Rise of a Tech Hero
In a remote village in southern Guangdong province, a surge of national pride has transformed the sleepy community of Mililing into a pilgrimage site for tech enthusiasts. The reason? Liang Wenfeng, the 40-year-old founder of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence start-up that’s been making waves in Silicon Valley and Wall Street.
Liang’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a household name embodies the Chinese spirit of achieving greatness through intellectual excellence. Born in 1985 to a primary school teacher, Liang’s rise to prominence mirrors the country’s own economic transformation. When he was born, China was still recovering from a planned economy, with a GDP per capita of just $300 and limited financial infrastructure.
The villagers, many of whom share Liang’s surname, have set up stalls near his childhood home, selling souvenirs and ‘zhuangyuan sugar cane juice’ – a nod to the ancient title given to top scorers in imperial examinations. This phenomenon highlights not just Liang’s personal achievement but also the cultural significance of his success.
Liang’s statement, “China can’t always be a follower,” made during an interview with 36Kr in 2024, resonates deeply with the nation’s aspirations in the tech space. His company’s innovative AI model has positioned him alongside other global tech leaders like Sam Altman of OpenAI, setting the stage for a new chapter in the US-China tech rivalry.
The level of attention Liang receives is unprecedented. During his Lunar New Year visit to the village, he was accompanied by armed police officers, underscoring his critical importance to China’s national interests. As China continues to push its technological boundaries, figures like Liang Wenfeng are becoming the new heroes, inspiring a nation and reshaping its future in the process.
