On Saturday, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced that his company plans to build new research and development centers in China, particularly in Beijing and Shanghai. In his speech, he also praised Asia’s contribution to technological innovation.

“And so, not only is Asia benefiting from the use of technology, Asia will be a major source of the breakthroughs and advances in technology,” Gates said at the annual Boao Forum for Asia, that took place on the southern Chinese island of Hainan.

During his speech, Bill Gates mentioned a previous study which showed that his successor- “the next Bill Gates”- will emerge from Asia.

Gates attributed the Redmond giant’s success to innovation and team work, saying that the newly announced move will hopefully help the company establish a sound relation with its trade partners and the Chinese government to tap