SaMedia, Dec. 8—Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group Holding, made a rare public appearance at the 20th anniversary of Ant Group, the fintech affiliate he helped establish. Speaking at the event, Ma expressed confidence in the future of Ant, forecasting “more miracles” in the next two decades. Ma said the AI- era would “exceed everyone’s imagination” in the next two decades.
Despite stepping down from corporate roles and maintaining a low profile, Ma remains a symbolic leader in China’s private sector. He congratulated Ant Group on its achievements and emphasized the importance of creating valuable and unique innovations. “AI will change everything, but it doesn’t mean AI can dictate everything,” Ma noted. “While technology is important, the real truth to determine success or failure is whether we can create truly valuable and unique things in the coming era.”
This marked Ma’s first address to Ant Group since the company withdrew its massive IPO in Hong Kong and Shanghai in November 2020 amid a Chinese government crackdown. Last year, Ma distanced himself from Ant, pledging to cede control of the company. By the end of 2023, China’s central bank declared that Ant’s mobile payments platform Alipay had “no actual controller.”
Reflecting on the internet’s early days, Ma said, “Twenty years ago, the internet had just begun, and my generation was fortunate to seize the opportunities offered by the internet. From today’s perspective, the changes brought by artificial intelligence in the next 20 years will go beyond everyone’s imagination, as AI will bring a greater era.”
Ma’s appearance and optimistic outlook on AI and Ant Group’s future come at a time of significant change and scrutiny for the company, underscoring his enduring influence and vision.
