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Tony is part of RioExcel, a program which focuses on building and sharing technical expertise among participants, recognised as RioExperts and leaders in their field.
I have a passion for learning and finding new ways to do things. I grew up in mainland China where I studied computer science. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I moved to France and earned a master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the same field. I arrived in Canada a few years later, where I studied as a postdoctoral research fellow and subsequently started my professional journey.
What drew me to Rio Tinto was its commitment to environmental sustainability, prioritisation of safety and well-being, and focus on development. The culture of collaboration is something that resonates with me as well. Working in a global company with colleagues from all over the world has provided a learning environment where I can thrive.
As a Senior Data Scientist and Technical Lead, my role involves developing and implementing AI and advanced analytics solutions. What I find most exciting about my role is delivering cutting-edge analytics solutions. These solutions are designed to help our teams operate safely and efficiently as we work towards being the best operator.
Being at the forefront of innovation and seeing the tangible impact of my work is truly rewarding. One of my proudest achievements is leading the development of a Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT) like knowledge agent for the Annual Planning Review workshop. We leveraged cutting-edge technology such as Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) and collaborated across different teams to ensure timely delivery in only 3 weeks. This is thanks to the technical advancements the team made in the previous months. The project’s success also reinforced the senior leadership team’s decision to incorporate AI into their business strategies. There is nothing more tangible than that.
I’m also proud of being named a RioExpert in the RioExcel program. This recognition extends beyond technical proficiency. It’s an acknowledgment of the wide array of skills and knowledge I've cultivated over the years. It not only highlights my technical capabilities but also underscores my adaptability and continuous growth in an ever-evolving industry.
As a RioExpert, I have the opportunity to act as an ambassador for AI and data analytics, promoting innovation across a wider community. The program offers regular meetups and training to connect with other experts from various fields, build connections, and continuously upskill myself. These opportunities for growth and development are invaluable. For me, the recognition as a RioExpert is a great honour and source of pride.
Outside of my role, I am a member of the Rio Analytics Committee and actively involved in organising events to promote technical excellence. My goal is to leverage my expertise to lead innovation in AI and data science for safer and more productive operations. I hope to be a role model for collaborative behaviour, knowledge transfer, and continuous personal growth. By fostering closer collaboration across the company, I’m confident we can unlock even greater future opportunities.
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With the exception of the use of cookies, Rio Tinto generally does not seek to collect personal data through this website. However if you choose to provide personal data to Rio Tinto through this website (for example, by sending us an email), we will process that personal data to answer your query and if relevant, to manage our business relationship with you or your company. We won't process that personal data for other purposes except where required to meet our legal obligations or otherwise as authorised by law and notified to you.
If you choose to subscribe to our media releases or other communications, you can unsubscribe at any time (by following the instructions in the email or by contacting us).
With your consent, our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users of our website. This helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and also allows us to improve our site. A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers that we store on your browser or the hard drive of your computer if you agree. Cookies contain information that is transferred to your computer's hard drive.
As some data privacy laws regulate IP addresses and other information collected through the use of cookies as personal data, Rio Tinto’s processing of such personal data needs to comply with its Data Privacy Standard (see Part 1 of our Privacy Policy), and also applicable data privacy laws.
With the exception of the use of cookies (explained below), Rio Tinto generally does not seek to collect personal data through this website. However if you choose to provide personal data to Rio Tinto through this website (for example, by sending us an email), we will process that personal data to answer your query and if relevant, to manage our business relationship with you or your company. We won't process that personal data for other purposes except where required to meet our legal obligations or otherwise as authorised by law and notified to you.
Part 1 of this Privacy Policy contains the Rio Tinto Data Privacy Standard, which provides an overview of Rio Tinto’s approach to personal data processing. There is additional information in the appendices to the Data Privacy Standard, including information about disclosures, trans-border data transfers, the exercise of data subject rights and how to make complaints or obtain further information relating to Rio Tinto’s processing of your personal data.
If you choose to subscribe to our media releases or other communications, you can unsubscribe at any time (by following the instructions in the email or by contacting us at digital.comms@riotinto.com).
With your consent, our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users of our website. This helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and also allows us to improve our site.
A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers that we store on your browser or the hard drive of your computer if you agree. Cookies contain information that is transferred to your computer's hard drive.
As some data privacy laws regulate IP addresses and other information collected through the use of cookies as personal data, Rio Tinto’s processing of such personal data needs to comply with its Data Privacy Standard (see Part 1 of this Privacy Policy), and also applicable data privacy laws.
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