Jack Ma is a visiting professor at a Japanese university
TOKYO: Chinese billionaire Jack Ma on Monday (May 1) took up a position as a visiting professor at a university in Japan, thus witnessing the founder of technology giant Alibaba begin his latest academic role.
AFP reported that the management of Tokyo College, which is part of the prestigious University of Tokyo, said Ma will share his extensive experience and knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship, corporate management and innovation through seminars to students and college staff.
The 58-year-old figure has been seen living a low-profile life since the challenges he faced following the Chinese government’s crackdown on the technology industry two years ago.
Ma was previously reported to have been awarded an honorary professorship from the business faculty of the University of Hong Kong, and has served for three years ending in March 2026.
On Tokyo College’s website, Ma is said to be conducting joint research and projects with faculty members, particularly in the areas of agricultural sustainability and food production.
As visiting professors, youth are also expected to provide advice and support on research topics.
Before launching Alibaba – which covers e-commerce, cloud computing, media and artificial intelligence (AI), Ma taught English for eight years at Hangzhou Dianzi University in eastern China.
He is a high-profile target in the Chinese authorities’ crackdown on the competitive practices of technology companies since the end of 2020.
