NVIDIA’s board of directors has launched an independent investigation into reports that Chinese intelligence targeted chief executive Jensen Huang. The development follows reports that Huang had a relationship with Alice Huang, an executive at Singapore-based chip company Megaspeed, whom China’s Ministry of State Security allegedly recruited.
The investigation was announced on Sunday, November 8, after Bloomberg and other media outlets reported on Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang. A memo circulated among US policymakers earlier this year reportedly alleged that she had been recruited to gather information about NVIDIA and its chief executive.
In a statement, NVIDIA’s board said it was launching an independent investigation after reports that Huang had been the target of a foreign intelligence effort.
A committee of independent directors will oversee the inquiry, with help from outside legal counsel.
The board said it had "no reason to believe" that either US national security or NVIDIA’s confidential company information had been compromised. It also confirmed that Huang fully supports the review and has committed to cooperating with the investigation.
The company had previously defended Huang’s interactions with Alice Huang, describing them as ordinary business engagements. NVIDIA maintained that its regional cloud customers receive routine business information and not sensitive trade secrets or information relevant to national security.
Separately, Huang acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife in a message circulated among NVIDIA employees. He apologized to his family and colleagues, admitting his actions hurt his wife and children.
“I owe my family and all of you an apology," Huang wrote. "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 also acknowledged falling short of his responsibilities towards NVIDIA’s employees, board members, partners and shareholders, saying they deserved better from him.
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The investigation comes at a sensitive time for NVIDIA, whose artificial intelligence chips have become central to the technology competition between the United States and China.
The company has faced scrutiny over its business dealings in China, particularly amid restrictions on exports of advanced AI chips.
Huang has also been an influential voice in discussions around US technology policy and access to the Chinese market.
The board said it remained confident in Huang and his leadership team while reiterating that protecting US national and economic security remained a priority for NVIDIA and its shareholders.