In a climate of skepticism towards AI, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stands firm in his belief that AI will fundamentally reshape society. During a recent conversation at The Big Interview event in San Francisco, he described AI as a revolutionary reset in computing history, asserting, “You are either on this wave, or you missed that wave.”
Huang likened AI’s impact to that of energy and communication infrastructures, proposing that a new digital intelligence infrastructure is emerging. His ambitious goal is to persuade governments worldwide to invest in their own AI infrastructures, processing national data and creating independent AI systems, all while utilizing Nvidia hardware.
Currently in Thailand—where he spent part of his childhood—Huang discussed plans with the Thai prime minister to establish "world-class AI infrastructure." This meeting underscores his ongoing global tour, during which he aims to get governments on board with creating autonomous AI systems. So far, at least ten countries have engaged in similar agreements with Nvidia, including Denmark, Japan, Indonesia, and India.
This realization of AI’s potential reflects a global shift toward recognizing data as a vital national resource, with countries wanting to harness their data to protect their societal knowledge and culture. However, Huang’s ambitions face immense geopolitical tension, particularly between the US and China, amidst new export restrictions announced by the US government. These rules, which limit the export of certain chip technologies, are likely to complicate Nvidia’s operations and impact its ability to cater to Chinese companies.
Despite these challenges, Huang remains optimistic. He reached out to President Trump, expressing his willingness to support the new administration as it navigates the complexities of AI and technology. Huang is leveraging the growing global awareness of AI’s capabilities, effectively promoting the concept of "sovereign AI," where countries assert control over their own technological futures.
As nations compete to define the future of AI, Huang believes that acknowledging and cultivating national data resources will be essential for any country seeking to harness the power of this transformative technology.
