Having spent half of his life in China and half in the U.S., Ye Ouyang has a unique, bicultural perspective on the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications technologies, big data, and business practices in both countries. The 2014 alumnus of the inaugural class of the M.S. in Data Science program at Columbia University is a scientist, researcher, innovator, research and development manager, and thought leader. His work lies at the intersection of AI, telecom, information technology, and data science, with a focus on innovation and commercialization in 5G networks.
Today, Ouyang is chief technology officer and senior vice president of AsiaInfo Technologies, which is a top telecom software provider in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation countries and greater China. He is responsible for research and development and innovation, which includes AI, big data, digital twins, network management, and network intelligence. Before AsiaInfo, he leveraged AI and analytics to improve telecom networks and devices with Verizon and T-Mobile.
Ouyang has received many awards in industry and academia, authored nine books and 30+ papers, holds more than 40 patents, and serves on various global telecom standards bodies. Here, he discusses AI and data science in the telecom industry, and shares insights on high tech in both China and the U.S.
How is 5G different from previous generations of telecom technology?
2G was voice service—essentially your cell phone. 3G advanced to include smart phones—data services, online access, etc. 4G enables streaming video and crystal clear voice quality, with better network structure that can run multiple apps. With 5G, the power of the network expands from consumers to industry, enabling companies to offload traffic from the cloud to powerful computing locally at high speeds. It has been famously said: “4G changed lives; 5G will change society.”
What are some of the possibilities of 5G and AI?
5G and AI are general purpose technologies that have enormous potential to benefit every consumer and every industry. In telecom, there are many possibilities for innovation, especially in terms of coverage, network quality, and marketing analytics. 5G towers can use AI and IoT sensors to create a “smart network” that understands demand, communicates coverage quality, and tunes antennas in response to demand and need. Telecom companies can leverage federated machine learning to collaborate with other companies and share insights, without necessarily having to share secure data. AI, 5G, and IoT can work together in a number of areas to create the “smart cities” of the future. The U.S. and China are leaders in AI and have the best 5G networks in the world. My focus for the next few years is on exploring and actualizing the possibilities that come from merging these two technologies together.
What are some of the concerns?
Data security is a concern, but this is not limited, or unique, to 5G. Environmental impact is another important concern. 5G’s coverage area is small and requires more towers, which consume a lot of power. This is a real concern that we are working at addressing. “Radiation” from 5G is a nonissue.
Do you mind sharing some of the lessons you’ve learned while working in both China and the U.S.?
I often remind myself to “switch positions” when I deal with a problem or scenario. When working in China, I ask myself: “What would I do if I were in the U.S.?” I look for differences, not just from the tech perspective, but also from a cultural, consumer behavior, government regulation perspective. If I’m in the U.S., I ask myself: “What would I do if I were in Chinese company?” This approach helps me in some critical moments to make strategic decisions. It also helps clear up potential miscommunications and helps minimize gaps, both tech and culture wise. We need to boost this communication and collaboration more. Working in silos won’t be beneficial for a global economy. I think it is better to have universal, global standards the telecom space. For that, collaboration and communication are necessary. Particularly for engineers and scientists from around the world, regardless of their nationality.
How has your experience at Columbia influenced your work?
Data science and AI are universal tools that support and advance vertical industries, such as mechanical, electrical, telecom, in their digital transformations. I value the way that the Data Science Institute (DSI) trains students to apply AI to a broad range of domains. My own experience at DSI recalls it’s old name—the Institute of Data Science and Engineering—and I appreciate how it brought the two fields together and helped educate and train me as both a scientist and engineer.
Congratulations on your most recent awards! Can you tell us more about them?
The 2020 China Artificial Intelligence Industry Leader Award is a well-known industry award in the high tech domain in China that is offered to a select group annually. I am honored to be in the company of previous winners and Columbia alumni such as Kai Fu Lee ‘83. I am also grateful for the recognition from the National Diversity Council as one of the top diverse leaders in tech. This award highlights exceptional leaders from diverse backgrounds in the U.S. Sharing opportunities with junior engineers with diverse backgrounds is very important to me. In my career, I have been glad to mentor and advocate for many outstanding and diverse engineers, especially first generation immigrants to the U.S. Diversity and inclusion should be core values in the high tech industry.
— Karina Alexanyan, Ph.D.