Nvidia has launched an independent investigation into reports that its founder and CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation, following his admission of an extramarital affair with a business executive whom US intelligence officials reportedly suspect of passing information to Beijing.

The development has raised questions about corporate security and the potential exposure of sensitive information at the world's most valuable company, whose advanced chips are central to the global artificial intelligence race.

In a letter to employees obtained by multiple news organisations, Huang, 63, acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife and apologised to his family and colleagues. He said he took full responsibility for his actions. "Leading Nvidia is the privilege of my life," Huang wrote. "My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility."

Nvidia's board announced on Sunday that it would examine reports suggesting Huang had been the target of a foreign intelligence effort. The investigation will be overseen by a committee of independent directors, assisted by external legal counsel. The board said it had no reason to believe that either US national security or Nvidia's confidential information had been compromised. However, it said the inquiry would review all available information.

Huang has agreed to cooperate with the investigation and will continue serving as CEO. "Today's news will not slow Nvidia," company spokesperson John Rizzo said in a statement, adding that Huang remained committed to leading the company without interruption.

The investigation follows a report by The New York Times in October that US intelligence agencies had identified a close relationship between Jensen Huang and Alice Huang, a Chinese citizen and business executive who allegedly supplied information to Beijing.

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