Hong Kong CNN —Alibaba founder Jack Ma gave a lecture as a visiting professor to the University of Tokyo, as the high-profile Chinese entrepreneur retreats further from his business empire following Beijing’s regulatory crackdown.
His return was a symbolic move and probably a “planned media event” by Beijing intended to appease private sector fears, according to analysts.
In April, the University of Hong Kong announced that Ma would join its business school for the next three years.
Ma became a professor at the University of Tokyo on May 1, and his period of stay is until October 31, a profile page of Ma shows.
Beijing needs the private sector more than ever to shore up growth and create jobs.
Persons:
Hong Kong CNN —, Jack Ma, Ma, –, Masa Son, Ma chatted, Xi Jinping, Li Qiang
Organizations:
Hong Kong CNN, University of Tokyo, Alibaba Group, University of Hong Kong, Damo Academy
Locations:
Hong Kong, Japan, China, India, Malaysia, Shanghai, Beijing, Spain, Hangzhou