China's top SOE supervisor: Central SOEs Must Lead the Way in Developing AI
Central SOEs must lead in embracing and advancing AI
On October 24, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) launched a specialized AI training program for central SOEs. Zhang Yuzhuo (张玉卓), Party Secretary and Director of SASAC, attended the opening ceremony and emphasized the importance of studying and implementing President Xi Jinping’s directives on AI development, in line with the strategic decisions of the Party Central Committee and the State Council.
Zhang called for strong support to help central SOE leaders and technical experts at various levels systematically learn and master AI knowledge, promoting the effective use of AI technologies, advancing the AI industry, accelerating the growth of new productive forces, and building new advantages in high-quality development.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Tan Zuojun, Party Committee Member and Deputy Director of SASAC, and attended by representatives from the Central Organization Department’s Talent Bureau.
Zhang noted that AI is a future-oriented strategic and foundational technology. He emphasized the urgency for central SOEs to understand AI trends and enhance their AI expertise. As the main force in developing new productive forces, central SOEs must lead in embracing and advancing AI, setting a strong example in technological innovation, industrial control, and security support.
Zhang urged a shift in mindset, encouraging central SOEs to carefully consider their positioning in the AI wave and advance high-quality development.
It is essential to shift mindsets and approaches, carefully considering how central SOEs can position themselves within the new wave of AI and advance high-quality development. Efforts should focus on enhancing organizational capabilities in the AI industry, deeply understanding the principles and trends of AI technology and industry development, and taking on the roles of AI pioneers and organizers.
Central SOEs should also strengthen their capacity for AI-driven technological innovation, clearly identifying directions for research investment and continuously increasing resource input to spark robust innovation. Furthermore, efforts must be directed at expanding the capacity to create AI application scenarios. By learning from the innovative applications of AI by leading enterprises at home and abroad, central SOEs can identify and build more strategic scenarios that boost their core competitiveness, promoting the accelerated transformation of AI into productive forces.
Lastly, central SOEs should enhance their capacity for AI safety governance, systematically understanding the various risks involved in AI development, establishing effective protection systems, and ensuring that all types of risks remain manageable and under control.
Zhang also highlighted the need for strong measures to cultivate, attract, and utilize AI talent, aiming to build a high-level, specialized AI talent pool to support the growth of new productive forces and high-quality development within central SOEs. He stressed the importance of organizational leadership in talent development, promoting integrated progress in industry, technology, and talent. SASAC will deepen cooperation with educational institutions to train practical AI talents skilled in AI tools and innovation.
Additionally, Zhang called for attracting top-tier talent, establishing industry-specific talent evaluation systems, and using flexible approaches to recruit leading and young talents. He advocated for breaking conventional norms, fully utilizing diverse talent, enhancing cross-enterprise collaboration, strengthening cooperation with leading AI firms globally, and fostering a tolerant, patient research environment that allows talent to focus on scientific endeavors.
The training program includes four sessions for primary leaders, specialized leaders, tech leaders, and HR training managers of central SOEs, conducted both online and offline.
At the opening ceremony, Zhu Songchun (朱松纯), President of the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence (北京通用人工智能研究院), was invited to lecture on AI development and cutting-edge trends. Senior executives from five companies—China Telecom, China Mobile, China Baowu, China Merchants Group, and China Iron & Steel Research Institute—shared insights during the session.
The event was attended by the SASAC Secretary-General, primary leaders from central SOEs, representatives from SASAC departments and affiliated institutions, and training participants from central SOEs.
Some ABC about the SASAC
The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) is a ministerial-level institution directly under the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, established in 2003. It is responsible for performing the role of an investor in central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and oversees the supervision and management of state assets. SASAC’s primary functions include monitoring the preservation and appreciation of SOE assets, evaluating their operational performance, managing executive leadership, and advancing SOE reform and industrial restructuring.
The central SOEs under SASAC’s jurisdiction span key sectors such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, manufacturing, and finance, exerting a significant influence on China’s economic and social development. In recent years, SASAC has actively promoted SOE reforms through measures like mixed-ownership restructuring, public listings, and resource optimization to enhance the competitiveness and innovation capacity of SOEs in the market. Furthermore, SASAC supports SOEs in their "going global" efforts to strengthen international growth and participation in global competition.
Through its supervision and support of SOEs, SASAC plays a crucial role in advancing high-quality economic development, optimizing resource allocation, and bolstering national economic security in China.
Why SASAC is powerful:
Managing Extensive State Assets
SASAC is responsible for overseeing central SOEs in key sectors such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, and finance, all of which have substantial impacts on the national economy. SASAC not only manages these enterprises but is also tasked with ensuring the preservation and appreciation of state assets, giving it significant influence over the management and allocation of national economic resources.Fulfilling the Role of State Investor
SASAC acts as the representative of the state in fulfilling investor responsibilities, essentially serving as the “shareholder” for central SOEs, overseeing and supervising their operations. Consequently, SASAC holds not only supervisory authority but also the power to appoint and dismiss senior management, directly influencing the strategic direction of these enterprises.Driving SOE Reform
SASAC plays a central role in advancing SOE reforms, including mixed-ownership reform, resource optimization, and promoting public listings. These reforms not only impact the operations and structure of the SOEs but also shape the layout of entire industries and the economy, enhancing SASAC’s leadership in policy formulation and implementation.Executor of National Strategy
As a key executor of national strategy, SASAC takes on critical responsibilities in areas such as energy security, infrastructure development, and technological innovation. SASAC ensures that SOEs contribute to national policies and safeguard economic security, thus granting it a stronger voice in policy and strategic decision-making.Cross-Departmental Coordination
SASAC frequently collaborates with other departments, such as the Ministry of Finance, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in major projects and policies. Particularly in areas involving significant investment, technological innovation, and international expansion, SASAC’s resource coordination and policy implementation capabilities further amplify its influence.Global Influence
SASAC promotes the internationalization of central SOEs, supporting their overseas investments and expansion to strengthen China’s competitiveness in global markets. This role not only broadens SASAC’s scope of authority but also allows it to play a crucial role in international economics and diplomacy.