Jack Ma appointed as visiting professor at University in Japan

China based investor and businessman, Jack Ma has taken up a new job as  a visiting professor in Japan. The former executive chairman of Alibaba Group Holding has joined the Tokyo College  at the University of Tokyo. The information was given out in a statement on May 1, 2023 from the official website of the University. As per the reports, Ma in his new role will be working with the researchers and will also be an advisor for the college and the participants in the seminar.

Jack Ma will also be expected to conduct research with the University staff members in the field of sustainable agriculture and food production. The Chinese billionaire had stepped down as the executive chairman of the Alibaba Group Holding in October 2020 and ever since then, he has been maintaining a low profile. Ma had in 2020 criticized the Chinese banks and financial regulator  rigid and unfriendly towards the small businesses. Soon after this, the authorities had put down a $37 billion IPO by the Ant Group at the last minute. The Ant Group is the financial affiliate of Alibaba.

Beijing in recent times had indicated that its hold on the internet industry has been diminishing and might even come to an end soon. Premier Li Qiang, who has recently been appointed, has shown a softer approach towards the private businesses ever since he has taken his position. His approach has been looked upon as an effort to improve the economic condition in China. The recent news has come about a month after Jack Ma had made a rare public appearance in China.

It was in the month of March 2023 when he had visited a school that was funded by Alibaba in his hometown of Hangzhou. Ma during this event was seen meeting the teachers and the students. The Jack Ma Foundation, which is the philanthropic organization of the businessman has told that he frequently travels in China and overseas.

Photo Credits: Jack Ma Official Instagram Account