Chinese Philanthropist Jack Ma has accepted an appointment as an honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Pursuing his lifelong passion for education after retiring from one of Asia’s largest technology companies in 2019, Ma, who turned 58 in September, will hold the position for a three-year term ending in March 2026 in the Faculty of Business and Economics, according to an announcement on the faculty’s website.
Jack Ma is best known as a highly successful entrepreneur who co-founded Alibaba Group Holding, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies. Through his leadership, Alibaba became a significant player in the global technology and retail industries, and Ma himself has been recognized as one of the most influential people in the world by various publications. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including establishing the Jack Ma Foundation to promote education, entrepreneurship, and environmental protection.
In his new role, Ma will collaborate with the HKU faculty on finance, agriculture and entrepreneurial innovations research. He has no plans to deliver public lectures or speeches, according to people familiar with his plans. “We are pleased to confirm Mr Ma is honoured to accept the invitation as we believe the appointment will put his entrepreneurial experience and ideas to effective use,” said the Jack Ma Foundation in response to the Post’s query. “After a hiatus from the world of education, Mr Ma looks forward to returning to campus life and collaborating with faculty and students in his [HKU] appointment while focusing his research on education and business innovation.”
A spokesperson for the University of Hong Kong praised Ma as “a visionary and accomplished entrepreneur” and expressed gratitude to him for accepting the invitation to assume the distinguished position. “We are thrilled to have Jack Ma join us and share his rich knowledge and experience in business innovation and development with students and faculty,” the spokesperson said.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It was founded in 1911 and has a long academic excellence and innovation history. HKU is ranked as one of the top universities in Asia and the world and is known for its vital research programs, particularly in science, engineering, medicine, and business. The university has produced many distinguished alumni, including political leaders, business executives, and renowned scholars. HKU is also known for its beautiful campus, which is located on a hill overlooking Victoria Harbour and the city skyline.
