Alibaba founder and philanthropist Jack Ma, who received an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University in 2018, will serve as a visiting professor, the university announced on Monday.
Ma is expected contribute to the university's research efforts on sustainable agriculture and food.
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Jack Ma, founder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba in Johannesburg, South Africa
(Photo: AFP/Archives)
“We are honored and delighted to welcome Mr. Jack Ma to Tel Aviv University,” said Professor Ariel Porat, president of the university.
"His appointment is a testament to the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, and we look forward to learning from his insights and experience," Porat added.
One of China's richest businesspeople, Ma has been regularly visiting Israel since his first trip five years ago.
"Arriving here was nothing like I expected,” said Ma at the honorary doctorate ceremony of Tel Aviv University in May 2018. “I was told it wasn’t safe here, that there were bombs and guns everywhere. But when I arrived I saw this place was so peaceful, and the economy is booming. I think you shouldn’t read about Israel, you should come here, feel Israel, touch Israel.”