Chinese tycoons have a duty to follow Jack Ma into philanthropy

Tech leaders' skills and capital can drive solutions to country's social problems

20200106 Jack Ma Foundation.jpg

Jack Ma attends a 2018 award ceremony for rural teachers in Sanya, China organised by his personal foundation. © Reuters

China's wealthy now outnumber their American counterparts, according to research by bank Credit Suisse. But all too few of China's nouveaux riches have seen fit so far to follow Jack Ma's example in committing to put their wealth to use in helping their society.

"When you donate money, you yourself change," said Ma, who again topped Hurun Research Institute's list of China's wealthiest last year, in a 2018 speech on public service. "Only because you change might the world change."

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.