Childhood and Education Journey of Jack Ma in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Jack Ma, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Jack Ma Yun is a prominent Chinese businessman and philanthropist known for co-founding Alibaba Group, Yunfeng Capital, and the Jack Ma Foundation. With an estimated net worth of US$27.2 billion as of May 2025, he is a significant figure in the technology and e-commerce industries. His entrepreneurial endeavors have had a profound impact on the global market, particularly in China, and he is recognized for his philanthropic efforts through his foundation.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

September 1964: Jack Ma's Birth

In September 1964, Jack Ma Yun was born in China. He is a Chinese businessman and philanthropist, and founder of the Jack Ma Foundation.

Others born on this day/year

1980: Meeting Ken Morley

In 1980, Jack Ma met Ken Morley, who was traveling with his family. Ma became pen pals with Ken's son, David, and years later, the Morleys hosted Ma in Australia, which significantly impacted his life.

1982: Failed College Entrance Exam and Job Rejection

In 1982, at the age of 18, Jack Ma failed the Chinese college entrance exam on his first attempt and was rejected for a waiter position due to his physical appearance.

1983: Failed College Entrance Exam (Second Attempt)

In 1983, Jack Ma failed his college entrance exam for the second time, although his math score improved to 19 points.

1984: Took College Entrance Exam (Third Attempt)

In 1984, Jack Ma took the college entrance exam for the third time, scoring 89 points on the math section, but still falling short of the minimum benchmark for university acceptance.

1988: Graduation and Lecturing at Hangzhou Dianzi University

In 1988, Jack Ma earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Hangzhou Normal University. After graduating, he became a lecturer in English and international trade at Hangzhou Dianzi University.

1988: Job Rejections After Graduation

In 1988, after graduating from Hangzhou Normal University, Jack Ma applied for 31 different odd entry-level jobs and was rejected for every single one, including a job at KFC.

1994: Founded Hangzhou Hope Translation Agency

In 1994, Jack Ma founded his first business, Hangzhou Hope Translation Agency.

1994: Heard about the Internet and Started Hangzhou Haibo Translation Agency

In 1994, Jack Ma heard about the Internet and started his first company, Hangzhou Haibo Translation Agency, an online Chinese translation agency.

1994: Can You Feel The Love Tonight by Elton John

In September 2017, to celebrate Alibaba's 18th year of its establishment, Ma performed a partial rendition of Elton John's 1994 hit single Can You Feel The Love Tonight

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April 1995: Opened China Pages office

In April 1995, Jack Ma and his business partner opened the first office for China Pages and started their second company.

May 1995: Registered chinapages.com

On May 10, 1995, Jack Ma and his business partner registered the domain chinapages.com in the United States.

1996: Acquisition by China Telecommunications Corporation

In 1996, Ma’s company, Hangzhou Hope Computer Services Co., Ltd, was acquired by China Telecommunications Corporation after operating an online yellow pages service.

2009: Jack Ma performed at Alibaba birthday event

In 2009, Jack Ma performed at Alibaba birthday event dressed up as a lead heavy metal singer at a 2009 Alibaba birthday event.

May 2010: Alibaba to earmark revenue for environmental protection

At the annual general meeting of shareholders for Alibaba.com in May 2010, Jack Ma announced Alibaba Group would begin in 2010 to earmark 0.3% of annual revenue to environmental protection, particularly on water- and air-quality improvement projects.

2010: Ma reveals lack of technical expertise

At a press conference in 2010, Jack Ma revealed that he had never written a line of computer code, nor had ever made one sale to a customer, and that he only acquired a personal computer to do business with for the first time at the age of 33.

2015: Launch of Alibaba Hong Kong Young Entrepreneurs Foundation

In 2015, Alibaba launched a nonprofit organization, the Alibaba Hong Kong Young Entrepreneurs Foundation, to support Hong Kong entrepreneurs. In the same year, the company funded the rebuilding of 1,000 houses damaged by an earthquake in Nepal and raised money for another 9,000. He also founded the Hupan School, a business school.

2015: Founded Hupan University

In May 2021, Jack Ma resigned from the presidency of Hupan University, which he had founded in 2015.

2016: Owner of Château de Sours, Chateau Guerry and Château Perenne

As of 2016, Jack Ma is the owner of Château de Sours in Bordeaux, Chateau Guerry in Côtes de Bourg and Château Perenne in Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux.

January 2017: Met with Donald Trump

On 9 January 2017, Jack Ma met with United States president-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower, to discuss the potential of 1 million job openings in the following five years through the expansion of Alibaba's business interests in the United States.

September 2017: Alibaba's 18th anniversary performance

On 8 September 2017, Jack Ma appeared on stage to celebrate Alibaba's 18th year of its establishment with a Michael Jackson-inspired performance.

2017: Acting Debut and Participation in Singing Festival

In 2017, Jack Ma made his acting debut with the kung fu short film "Gong Shou Dao" and participated in a singing festival during Alibaba's 18th-anniversary party.

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November 2018: Identification as Member of Chinese Communist Party

In November 2018, the People's Daily identified Jack Ma as a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), surprising many observers.

January 2021: Public Appearance via Video Link

On 20 January 2021, Jack Ma made a public appearance again, speaking via video link to a group of rural teachers at the annual Rural Teacher Initiative.

May 2021: Resignation from Hupan University Presidency

In May 2021, Jack Ma resigned from the presidency of Hupan University, which he had founded in 2015.

2022: Move to Tokyo, Japan

In 2022, Jack Ma moved to Tokyo, Japan, largely retreating from public life.

March 2023: Public Appearance in Hangzhou, China

In March 2023, Jack Ma made a public appearance touring the Yungu school in Hangzhou, China, marking his first public appearance in several months.

May 1, 2023: Invited Professor at Tokyo College

From May 1, 2023 to October 31, 2024, Jack Ma had been an invited professor at Tokyo College, a research institute at the University of Tokyo. His research focus was on sustainable agriculture and food production.

October 31, 2024: Invited Professor at Tokyo College

February 2025: Attended Symposium Hosted by Xi Jinping

On 17 February 2025, Jack Ma attended a symposium with Chinese industry leaders, hosted by Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, although his name was omitted in certain state media reports.