‘In hard times, your honour shines’: Jack Ma pays tribute to Tung Chee-hwa
Alibaba Group co-founder Jack Ma reflected on his long-standing ties to Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa. Their relationship included Tung’s eight years as an independent director on Alibaba’s board, starting in 2014. Tung also played an inspirational role in Ma’s youth entrepreneurship foundation. Ma’s reflections were published in a special commemorative supplement by the South China Morning Post.
Jack Ma’s tribute to Tung Chee-hwa, published in the SCMP, is a reminder of the deep political connections that underpinned Alibaba’s early growth. Tung served as chief executive of Hong Kong and then spent eight years on Alibaba’s board. This reflects a common pattern where business success in Asia often relies on strong relationships with political figures.
For Hong Kong, this story shows the enduring influence of its former leaders on major corporations. Tung’s board role at Alibaba provided a crucial bridge between a mainland tech giant and Hong Kong’s business elite. This model of cross-border influence remains relevant for companies navigating the complex regulatory environment of the Greater Bay Area.
The test for new Hong Kong startups is whether they can replicate such deep-seated relationships or if a more meritocratic, less politically connected path to growth is emerging. The shift in Beijing’s regulatory approach since 2020 suggests that the old playbook may no longer guarantee the same level of protection or advantage for tech giants.
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