The Key to Success for Tech Companies Like DeepSeek

In a lengthy post on his Telegram channel, Mr. Durov pointed out that China's AI advances, such as the success of the startup DeepSeek, show how quickly the country is catching up to the West.

Competition motivates students to improve.

Durov claims that this development did not happen overnight but was the result of a solid foundation in mathematics and programming, which could only be facilitated by China's education system.

'China's progress in algorithmic efficiency is not a natural thing. Chinese students have long outperformed others in mathematics and programming at international Olympiads,' he said.

While Durov praises China's education system, he also criticizes Western schools for stifling competition. Many Western schools do not publish rankings or student scores in an effort to reduce pressure on students. While this move is meant to protect students, Durov argues that it can also demotivate top-performing students. Without clear rankings, capable students may struggle to find meaning in their studies.

DeepSeek is one of the products created by China's competitive education system.

'Western schools discourage competition, banning public announcements of students' grades and rankings. The rationale is understandable: to protect students from pressure or ridicule. But such measures can also demotivate the best students. Winning and losing are two sides of the same coin. Eliminating losers means eliminating winners,' he added.

He points out that many gifted students now find competitive video games more appealing than academics because they offer clear rankings and rewards. Durov warns that telling all students they are successful, regardless of their actual performance, can create unrealistic expectations. When they enter the real world, where competition is inevitable in fields like business, science and technology, these students may have difficulty adjusting.

According to Durov, if the West does not make major changes to its education system, he believes China will continue to dominate in the field of AI.

Samuel Daniel

Update 10 February 2025