Tencent launches AI initiative

First US-based research center to be led by former Microsoft scientist

Chinese internet titan Tencent Holdings Ltd said it is gearing up its expansion in the artificial intelligence sector, seeing the red hot field as the next frontier of growth and innovation in the internet industry.

Tencent, the tech giant best known for its WeChat messaging service and gaming, announced on Tuesday that it will open its first US-based AI research lab in Seattle, which will be led by former Microsoft scientist Yu Dong.