The tragic passing of Tang Xiao’ou, founder and AI scientist of SenseTime, has cast a somber shadow over the company, precipitating an 18.25% plunge in its shares to an all-time low. The Hong Kong-listed shares plummeted to 1.03 Hong Kong dollars ($0.13), marking a historical nadir and emphasizing the profound impact of Tang’s demise. SenseTime, a key player in the Chinese AI landscape, has witnessed a staggering 50% decline in its shares year-to-date, reflecting the severe blow dealt by this unfortunate event.

Tang Xiao’ou, aged 55, succumbed to an undisclosed illness on December 15, 2023, as announced by SenseTime on its official WeChat account. The company expressed deep condolences and highlighted Tang’s indelible contributions to the field of AI. SenseTime, under Tang’s leadership, has been a prominent developer of AI software platforms, delving into areas such as facial recognition and AI-enabled content generation. Despite its technological strides, SenseTime has grappled with challenges, notably being placed on a U.S. trade blacklist in 2019 due to alleged connections with human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang region.

Tang, who founded SenseTime in 2014, played a pivotal role in its journey to becoming a listed entity on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2021. His multifaceted roles, including directorships and a professorship, underscore his influence and stature in the AI community. As SenseTime navigates the aftermath of this profound loss, the future trajectory of the company, both in terms of leadership and market dynamics, remains a subject of intense speculation.

Read More: Click Here