Avi Wigderson, a world-renowned computer scientist and mathematician, was honored with the title of ICSO International Public Welfare Ambassador in 2023 for his groundbreaking research in complexity theory and cryptography. His work has had a profound impact not only in academia but also in advancing global information technology and cybersecurity. As a professor at the School of Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, Wigderson’s academic achievements have deeply influenced various areas of modern computer science, particularly in understanding randomness and computational resource limitations—marking significant breakthroughs in computational theory. Professor Wigderson’s work has not only reshaped the landscape of computer science but has also inspired countless young people to pursue careers in technology, making him a key driver of global innovation and education.
01 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: First of all, congratulations on being named the 2023 ICSO International Public Welfare Ambassador. As a leading figure in the fields of computer science and mathematics, can you share what sparked your interest in technological innovation? Was there a particular experience or idea that led you down this path?
Avi Wigderson: Thank you for the recognition. Reflecting on my research career, my initial interest indeed stemmed from mathematics. Mathematics is a fascinating world—both abstract and filled with endless possibilities. When I was first exposed to computer science, I suddenly realized that it offered a new pathway: not only could abstract mathematical ideas be translated into practical applications, but they could also bring profound societal impact while transforming the world.
I remember reading many papers about how computers could solve complex problems, especially in cryptography and computational complexity. These studies made me realize deeply that technology is not just a tool—it’s a powerful force that can change human life and the structure of society. That’s when I decided to focus my research in this area, hoping to contribute real value to the world through my work.
02 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: You mentioned promoting social progress through research. What area of your work do you consider most important, and why do you think it’s crucial for the future of society?
Avi Wigderson: I have always regarded computational complexity theory and cryptography as the core areas of my research. These two fields are not just academically challenging—they are closely related to the safety and privacy of every individual in real life. Complexity theory helps us understand the computational resources required for different problems, revealing how to process information efficiently under limited resources. Cryptography, on the other hand, is the cornerstone of our information security.
With the advent of the internet and the digital age, data security has become critically important. The protection of personal privacy, financial transactions, and even national security all depend on research and innovation in cryptography. Therefore, I believe that in this era of rapid information and globalization, cryptographic research carries not only academic value but also has a direct impact on societal stability and progress.
ICSO: Your work clearly promotes technological innovation. However, we know that technological progress often brings not only benefits but also challenges. In your view, what potential risks must we be wary of behind tech innovation?
Avi Wigderson: That’s a very important question. I believe that technological innovation is a double-edged sword. While it brings unprecedented opportunities, it can also give rise to new social challenges. A direct risk is the misuse of technology—cybersecurity vulnerabilities, data privacy breaches, and potential loss of control over artificial intelligence. These are blind spots that we might overlook in our pursuit of innovation.
As technology becomes more complex, many ordinary people and even policymakers may not fully grasp its deeper implications. In this process, we need not only to innovate but also to seriously consider ethical and legal boundaries. How can we ensure that technological advancement does not infringe on individual freedoms? How do we prevent technology from being abused? These are critical challenges we must face.
03 Exclusive Interview
ICSO: The issue of technological misuse naturally leads to the role of education. In your opinion, how should education play a vital role in this? What approaches should we take to cultivate tech talent with a strong sense of social responsibility?
Avi Wigderson: Education is essential in shaping the future of technological innovators. If tech talent only blindly pursues technology without considering its social impact, we may face even more unintended consequences. I have always believed that education should not be limited to teaching technology itself—it should also teach students how to think critically about the ethical, social, and legal implications behind the technology.
We need to develop students’ critical thinking abilities so they can deeply understand the long-term impact of every innovation they encounter. To achieve this, universities and research institutions should offer diverse curricula that allow students to not only grasp the essence of technology but also gain exposure to related fields such as sociology and ethics. I firmly believe that future tech leaders need more than just technical skills—they need to know how to integrate technology with social responsibility to create innovations with real societal value.
ICSO: As a leader in technological innovation, what are your expectations for the future of global tech development? Especially in today’s world of increasingly close global cooperation, how can we promote more inclusive and sustainable technological progress?
Avi Wigderson: When facing global challenges, the efforts of a single country or region are far from sufficient. Technological innovation should be the result of global collaboration. Whether it’s climate change, public health, or the spread of the digital economy, these issues all require global cooperation to address effectively. I hope that future technological advancements will rely more on cross-national and interdisciplinary collaboration.
For instance, scholars, engineers, and policymakers from around the world should work more closely in sharing technologies, exchanging research outcomes, and developing global standards and regulations. At the same time, innovation should be more inclusive—people from different backgrounds should benefit from the wave of technological progress.
Developing countries, in particular, may face significant gaps in education, tech resources, and talent development. We must pay greater attention to their needs and help them secure a place in the global technological landscape.
ICSO: The development of technological innovation often relies on the participation of the younger generation. What advice would you offer to young people preparing to enter this field? How can they find their place in a rapidly evolving tech world?
Avi Wigderson: My advice to young people is: always maintain your curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Technological innovation is a process of continuous exploration and trial-and-error. No one can predict every outcome, but only through persistent learning and experimentation can we uncover true opportunities.
My second piece of advice is that an interdisciplinary perspective is extremely important. Modern technological problems are increasingly complex, and it is difficult to solve them with a single-disciplinary viewpoint. Therefore, young people should learn to think across disciplines—understanding and integrating knowledge from different fields will allow them to play a greater role in addressing global challenges.
Epilogue
Professor Avi Wigderson’s contributions to technological innovation and global education have made him an outstanding role model in the tech world. His leadership not only advanced the development of computer science and mathematical theory but also laid a solid foundation for global technological progress and sustainable development.
Professor Wigderson firmly believes that the ultimate value of technology lies not just in academic achievements but in its ability to bring real change to society. Especially when facing global issues, technology must be guided by concern for human well-being and ethical responsibility.
His foresight and emphasis on education have made him a key driver in nurturing future technology leaders. Through promoting global collaboration and educational initiatives, he has inspired generations of tech talents to align their personal aspirations with social responsibility—working toward solving global challenges and building a more equitable and sustainable future.
