In response to the ongoing coronavirus emergency, on January 31, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma pledged the equivalent of US$144 million for medical supplies for Wuhan and Hubei as well as $14 million to help develop a vaccine. Just a few months ago, the former teacher had left the reins of a company of more than 100,000 employees, valued $450 billion, stating that he wanted to devote himself to philanthropy in the field of education. The emergence of the coronavirus threat showed his commitment to supporting public-health efforts as well.

Fabrice Jaumont, Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH) – USPC et Charles Sellen, Indiana University pour The Conversation France

Le milliardaire Jack Ma, fondateur du site d’e-commerce Alibaba, a pris sa retraite des affaires. Cet ancien professeur laisse les rênes d’un groupe de 100 000 employés, valorisé plus de 450 milliards de dollars, et déclare vouloir se consacrer à la philanthropie dans le domaine de l’éducation où sa fondation innove.