Alibaba Group Holding co-founder Jack Ma has joined the University of Tokyo’s Tokyo College as a visiting professor, according to a profile page on the university’s website.
Ma, 58, began the new position Monday and is expected to contribute in several areas, the school said. He will provide advice on research topics and conduct research, especially in sustainable agriculture and food production. He will also give seminars about entrepreneurship and innovation.
One of China’s most recognizable business leaders, Ma largely dropped out of public view after he criticized Chinese regulators in 2020 and Ant Group, an Alibaba affiliate he also co-founded, had to pull its planned initial public offering. The billionaire resurfaced in Hangzhou, China, in March, a rare appearance on the mainland.