Hisentrepreneurialventure,UnigroupAITechnologiesInc.,providedhimwithinvaluable experienceinleadingteams,securingfunding,anddevelopingAIproducts.Thisexperiencehoned hisleadershipskillsanddeepenedhisunderstandingofthechallengesandopportunitiesintheAI industry
Hisentrepreneurialventure,UnigroupAITechnologiesInc.,provided himwithinvaluableexperienceinleadingteams,securingfunding,and developingAIproducts.Thisexperiencehonedhisleadershipskillsand deepenedhisunderstandingofthechallengesandopportunitiesintheAI industry
The Story of Rome: From Ancient Empire to Eternal City
How to Open a Convenience Store and Ensure Success
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HEPING LIU
Transforming Enterprises through AI and Big Data Solutions
Senior Machine Learning Principal | Workday
Leadership in AI and big data today goes beyond simply leveraging technology. As these areas advance rapidly, enterprise leaders need to transform them from technology tools into powerful engines of growth, guided by ethical considerations. To stay ahead of market and technology trends, they require a strategic approach to incorporating AI and big data innovations and using them to drive business success.
Heping Liu, Senior Machine Learning Principal at Workday, is among The Most Impactful Leaders in AI & Big Data in 2024. Before entering the industry, he has published 20 academic papers in the areas of forecasting, optimization, and articial intelligence algorithms and their applications, and worked as a reviewer for 20 top academic journals involving machine learning, deep learning, computing, modeling, forecasting, and optimization, and as an editorial board member of the International Journal of Business Analytics.
Cover Story
The Journey from Academia to Industry Leader
Dr. Liu’s journey began with academia, where his enthusiasm and passion for articial intelligence grew. During his master’s thesis, he explored the application of neural networks to predict industry nancial indices and applied the Markowitz model for portfolio optimization. This research laid the foundation for his understanding of computational intelligence. His subsequent Ph.D. studies and practice provided him with the theoretical knowledge and practical applications of articial intelligence, including deep learning and machine learning models.
After completing the Ph.D., Dr. Liu worked in several high-tech companies, gaining valuable experience that enabled him to found Unigroup AI Technologies Inc. in 2018. Leading a startup gave him the opportunity to develop AI products, secure funding, and manage teams, sharpening his leadership skills. One of the pivotal moments in his career was moving from entrepreneurship to a large corporation like Workday.
While working in industry, Dr. Liu’s passion expanded into big data during the early 2010s when it became mainstream. He realized that AI needed large datasets to fully harness its capabilities, and combining AI with big data became the primary focus of his work. Over the years, his interest in theoretical models transformed into a commitment to building practical AI solutions that could reshape industries. His entrepreneurial experience and academic expertise allowed him to view AI as a transformative force that could revolutionize industries and improve business outcomes. This belief continues to guide him in his work at Workday, where he leverages AI and big data to create adaptive enterprise solutions.
Over the next ten years, AI and big data are set to revolutionize industries in ways that are exciting and transformative, yet hard to fully grasp. According to Dr. Liu, one of the most exciting developments is the recent increasing use of AI agents in enterprise applications. These agents will be able to automate a wide range of tasks, signicantly improving efciency and productivity across industries, such as customer service and support, nance, healthcare, retail and e-commerce, and logistics.
The emergence of humanoid robotics will introduce more human-like interactions in sectors such as customer service, caregiving, and hospitality. Autonomous driving technology, led by driverless cars, will completely transform transportation and logistics. In industries such as delivery services, ride-sharing, and long-haul trucking, driverless vehicles will reduce costs, increase efciency, and improve safety.
The evolution of Articial General Intelligence (AGI) will be another pivotal moment. AGI, which aims to mimic human cognitive functions across various tasks and domains, will redene industries by allowing machines to perform tasks that traditionally require human intelligence. Industries like research, legal, and even creative elds such as marketing and design could see machines that not only assist but also innovate independently.
Articial Super Intelligence (ASI) may become a revolutionary force in the future, exceeding human intelligence in every aspect. Although the timeline for ASI remains uncertain, its inuence could transform not only various industries, but humanity itself. ASI systems might tackle some of the most intricate challenges in areas such as climate science, healthcare, and economics, with an unprecedented scale and depth. Especially, the application of ASI to life sciences has the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges in medicine, from curing complex diseases to creating more efcient healthcare systems worldwide.
Advice for Professionals in AI & Big Data Industry
Dr. Liu emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for professionals looking to build a successful career in AI and big data. The industry of AI is constantly growing and staying up to date with the latest advancements is essential for remaining competitive. He also advises professionals to stay curious and open to exploring new ideas. AI is a eld driven by innovation, and those who think outside the box will have the greatest opportunities for success.
Cover Story
ome
From Ancient Empire to Eternal City
Rome is often referred to as the “Eternal City,” and for good reason. With over 2,700 years of history, it stands as a living testament to human ingenuity, endurance, and the passage of time. The blend of ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and bustling modern life creates a city like no other—a place where every corner tells a story. But beyond the ruins and the relics, Rome offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends history with the vibrant pulse of a contemporary metropolis.
Did you know that by the early fourth century, the Romans had constructed a road network spanning an impressive 53,000 miles? Each Roman mile was about 4,800 feet and marked by a milestone, a simple innovation that gave rise to the age-old saying, “All roads lead to Rome.” These roads not only connected a sprawling empire but also laid the foundation for modern infrastructure as we know it today. They carried legions, traders, and ideas, weaving together the cultural and political heart of an empire that still captivates our imaginations.
Craving a taste of Italy? Rome offers a diverse culinary scene. Here are the top 5 best cuisines to try in here:
What is it?
Pasta with guanciale, egg yolks, pecorino, and black pepper.
Sweet buns lled with whipped cream, a traditional Roman breakfast. Artichokes, either braised (alla Romana) or fried (alla Giudia).
Salt cod fried in a light, crispy batter.
Oxtail stew with tomato, wine, pine nuts, raisins, and spices.
Why to try
A perfect blend of simple ingredients, a Roman pasta staple.
A unique, historic pastry found at places like Pasticceria Regoli.
A Roman classic, showing off the versatility of artichokes.
A delicious Roman appetizer, crispy and avorful.
One of Rome’s richest and most avorful stews.
These dishes represent the heart of traditional Roman cooking, offering a delicious blend of avors and textures that highlight the city’s culinary heritage.
Rome may be steeped in history, but it’s far from a city frozen in time. Today, it’s a bustling, modern metropolis, home to over 2.8 million people. Old and new blend can be seen combined together with full evidence in its cultural ambience, showing everything from cutting-edge fashion boutiques to modern art galleries. The metro, though not as large as those of other European capitals, unites ancient with modern districts, bringing comfort to residents and visitors who cope with the stretched plan of the city. As far as it is concerned, it's not a city; it's an experience. Whether tracing emperors' steps, indulging in its culinary delights, or simply enjoying the relaxed pace of life, it invites people to open up to its charm and history. Indeed, every road leads to discovery in the Eternal City.
and Ensure Success?
So, you’re thinking about opening a convenience store? That’s a smart move! These little shops are a big part of our daily lives, making it super easy to grab snacks, drinks, and essentials on the go. But before you jump in, there’s a lot to think about. From picking the right location to guring out what to sell, knowing how to open a convenience store can really set you up for success. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get your store up and running smoothly.
So
Let’s
Start With
Your First Step in How to Open a Convenience Store
1.ResearchandPlanning
Beforejumpingintoanybusiness,thoroughresearch andplanningareessential.Whenthinkingabouthow toopenaconveniencestore,it’simportantto understandtheindustry,themarkettrends,andyour potentialcompetitors.First,youneedtoassessthe demandforaconveniencestoreintheareawhere youplantooperate. Who are your target customers? What are their shopping habits? Are there other stores nearby offering similar products?