Jack Ma takes up visiting professor post in Japan

AFP | Tokyo

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com    

Chinese billionaire Jack Ma yesterday took up a visiting professor position at a Japanese university, another new academic role for the founder of tech giant Alibaba.

Tokyo College, part of the prestigious University of Tokyo, said Ma would “share his rich experience and pioneering knowledge on entrepreneurship, corporate management and innovation” in seminars for students and staff.

The 58-year-old has kept a low profile since his fall from grace during a Chinese government crackdown on the tech industry over two years ago.

But he recently accepted an honorary professorship from the University of Hong Kong’s business school, reportedly for a three-year term ending in March 2026.

On its website, Tokyo College said Ma would “conduct joint research and projects” with faculty members, “especially in the field of sustainable agriculture and food production”.

As visiting professor, the magnate is also expected to “provide advice and support” on research topics.

Before launching Alibaba -- whose operations span e-commerce, cloud computing, media and AI -- Ma taught English for eight years at Hangzhou Dianzi University in eastern China.