Nvidia, the American technology giant and world’s leading designer of artificial intelligence chips, has launched an independent investigation after its CEO, Jensen Huang, admitted to having an affair with a woman reportedly suspected by US intelligence of working for China.
Huang acknowledged his infidelity in a message to Nvidia employees, apologising to his wife, children and colleagues.
“I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry,” he stated, taking full responsibility for his actions.
The woman at the centre of the controversy is Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, a former executive of Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed, which reportedly purchased billions of dollars’ worth of Nvidia chips.
According to media reports, US intelligence agencies believe Alice Huang was recruited by China’s Ministry of State Security to gather information about Nvidia and potentially influence the company’s dealings with Beijing.
Nvidia’s board has appointed independent legal counsel to investigate the matter. The company, however, stated that it currently has no reason to believe that its trade secrets or US national security interests were compromised.
The investigation comes as the controversy attracts attention in Washington. Republican leaders in the US House of Representatives have requested a briefing from Huang on Nvidia’s corporate security arrangements, foreign espionage risks and supply-chain safeguards.
Despite the controversy, Nvidia has indicated that Huang will continue serving as CEO while the investigation proceeds. The Chinese government has also rejected the espionage allegations.
The development raises serious questions about corporate security, executive accountability and the vulnerability of companies operating at the centre of the global artificial intelligence race.