Alibaba Group Holding founder Jack Ma on Tuesday reiterated his expectation that artificial intelligence (AI) is set to reshape the world over the next decade, a month after predicting how changes brought by the technology will surpass everyone’s imagination.
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In a video speech posted on the social-media account of his eponymous foundation to mark the 10th anniversary of a rural teachers programme, Ma – a former teacher himself – said the rise of AI and China’s demographic shifts will create new challenges to schools across the countryside.
This was the latest address made by the reclusive, 60-year-old billionaire entrepreneur to a group of Chinese rural teachers, part of an annual tradition of the Jack Ma Foundation that is held on the eighth day of the lunar year’s last month.
It echoed his speech last month at the 20th anniversary of fintech giant Ant Group, where Ma said: “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 has focused on the education and agriculture sectors in his post-retirement life. He has maintained a low profile over the past several years after stepping down from all his corporate roles in Hangzhou-based Alibaba, where he remains the single-largest shareholder.
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After long absence from China, Jack Ma makes rare appearance to visit school in Hangzhou
After long absence from China, Jack Ma makes rare appearance to visit school in Hangzhou
Still, he is considered by some as the face of China’s private economy. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.