At the recent Apsara Conference in Hangzhou, Alibaba showcased its comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) technology stack, demonstrating its ambition to become a premier global full-stack AI service provider. Despite heavy rain, crowds flocked to the event after Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu Yongming unveiled new AI infrastructure investments exceeding the initial US$53 billion, boosting the company’s stock value to a four-year high. The conference attracted diverse attendees, from Alibaba Cloud users to tech investors, eager to explore AI hardware, applications, and foundational models over 40,000 square meters. Unlike previous years focusing on large language models, the emphasis shifted this year to AI applications across various industries. Tech analyst Poe Zhao noted that large language models now serve as foundational infrastructure, with exhibitors showcasing robust AI agents built on Alibaba’s open-source Qwen models. The event also inspired interest from younger attendees, highlighting the growing significance of AI technology.
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