Tencent clarifies resource shift: reallocating half of workforce to AI exploration, denies mass layoffs

Tencent PR director Zhang Jun issued a statement on November 12 to refute circulating online rumors suggesting the company was planning a 50% staff reduction. While management did confirm a push for organizational change during the company's 28th anniversary Linktime livestream, Zhang Jun clarified that this initiative is not a continuation of previous cost-cutting measures. Instead, the adjustment represents a proactive transformation aimed at the AI era, focusing on innovation and efficiency. Tencent plans to dedicate approximately 50% of its workforce to bolster existing core businesses, while the remaining 50% will be channeled into exploring AI Native directions and fostering new growth avenues. Zhang Jun further noted that the company encourages frontline teams to seek out new business opportunities, while advocating for a flatter, more agile structure for middle management. The company emphasized that this resource reallocation is not a layoff, but a strategic pivot to accelerate improvements across both its established operations and its emerging AI ventures.