August 26, 2008 – Xian-Sheng Hua has been recognized by Technology Review magazine as one of the world’s top innovators under the age of 35 in recognition for his ground-breaking work in enhancing video research. This is the third time a researcher from Microsoft Research Asia, Microsoft’s fundamental research arm in Asia Pacific, has been recognized by the MIT Technology Review over the course of its 10 year history, underscoring the lab’s thriving environment and success in cultivating tomorrow’s leading researchers. Selected from more than 300 nominees by a panel of expert judges and the editorial staff of Technology Review, the TR35 is an elite group of accomplished young innovators who exemplify the spirit of innovation.

“I am honored to have been recognized by the MIT Technology Review. In June 2004, MIT coined Microsoft Research Asia ‘The World’s Hottest Computer Lab’ in a cover story. Since that story, we have continued to push the boundaries of innovation and taken our research efforts to the next level. Our culture, open approach to risk taking research, and the great researchers that work in this lab is what enables that success and empowers young researchers like myself,” said Xian-Sheng Hua.

Hsiao-Wuen Hon, Managing Director at Microsoft Research Asia, said: “Young researchers play an important role in driving our research agenda at Microsoft Research Asia. They are bold, have big dreams, and take risks. Their dynamic and rich creativity is a necessary ingredient in the research process.”

Over the course of his 7 year career, Dr. Hua has published more 130 papers in international journals and conferences and holds more than 30 patents for ground breaking technologies. A number of technologies developed by Xian-Sheng have been transferred to Microsoft products.

“The TR35 honors young innovators for accomplishments that are poised to have a dramatic impact on the world as we know it,” said Jason Pontin, editor in chief and publisher of Technology Review magazine. “We celebrate their success and look forward to their continued advancement of technology in their respective fields.”

Xian-Sheng Hua and the other TR35 winners for 2008 will be featured in the September issue of Technology Review magazine and honored at the EmTech08 Conference to be held at MIT in Cambridge, Mass. September 23-25, 2008.