China Business News published an article on Microsoft Research Asia’s talent cultivation efforts and style. Microsoft Research Asia’s talents are described as full of passion and vigor, relentlessly pursuing technological research with a zeal spurred by their earnest interest in the subject area. The relaxed culture at Microsoft Research Asia is examined, one that is fashioned to encourage innovative ideas, with guidance available at any given time, but mostly a freedom bestowed upon the researchers and interns to let inspiration bloom. Hierarchy is also blurred when it comes down to innovation.

Freedom, equality, and openness are three characteristics of the culture at Microsoft Research Asia. A debate on a new innovative idea may spark at any point between any two people, no matter the rank. Harry Shum, for example, animatedly relates his heated discussions with a passionate intern who bombed him with new ideas every few days. Although having left the institute, he holds unforgettable memories of the time when he was there. Shum says that it is important for the researchers to challenge each other, but that “if you criticize others, you should also be willing to accept others’ criticisms.” The importance of a good attitude is emphasized.

The article then examines the environment at Microsoft Research Asia. The relaxing atmosphere, decked with significant exchanges between intelligent minds, is depicted in a soothing portrait of the office site, where casualness is a key ingredient to the birth of brilliant new ideas. Excellent facilities and an abundance of sustenance ensure perfect comfort for the researchers. In such an office, working hours are flexible; it is up to the researchers to set their own schedule and work pace. Help and guidance is available at any time, but given only when requested. Shum adds that “With research, patience is very important.” Also included in the article is the opportunity at Microsoft Research Asia to visit Bill Gates’ house and exchange ideas with him directly, for it is the institute’s job to develop talents by creating opportunities for them.

Microsoft has a solid foundation for pictures, voices and video; once these multimedia techniques are combined with search products, Microsoft is confident that it will be able to outrun competitors in multimedia technology and search products. New areas of research such as Re-Search and searching in Word are under development, through which it can be easily seen that Microsoft and its research institutes are determined to excel.