Alibaba Group was established in 1999 by 18 people led by Jack Ma, a former English teacher from Hangzhou, China. From the outset, the company’s founders shared a belief that the Internet would level the playing field by enabling small enterprises to leverage innovation and technology to grow and compete more effectively in the domestic and global economies. Since launching its first website helping small Chinese exporters, manufacturers and entrepreneurs to sell internationally, Alibaba Group has grown into a global leader in online and mobile commerce. Today the company and its related companies operate leading wholesale and retail online marketplaces as well as businesses in cloud computing, digital media and entertainment, innovation initiatives and others.

January
The International Olympic Committee and Alibaba Group jointly announce a long-term partnership through 2028.

Alibaba Group becomes a worldwide partner of the Olympic Games

March
Alibaba Group announces plans to establish the first overseas e-hub under the Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) initiative together with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

Announcement of the e-hub in Malaysia

April
The Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund launches JUMPSTARTER 2017, Hong Kong’s largest start-up competition, together with Cyberport and HKSTP.

Launch of JUMPSTARTER 2017

June
Alibaba Group officially launches Tmall World, an initiative to serve the 100 million-strong overseas Chinese market worldwide.

June
Alibaba Group holds the inaugural Gateway conference in the U.S.

The inaugural Gateway conference

June
Alibaba Group increases its stake in Lazada Group from 51% to approximately 83%.

July
Alibaba Group unveils the Hema supermarket, an example of the “New Retail” model which it has successfully incubated for the past two years.

Jack Ma tours a Hema supermarket in Shanghai

August
Alibaba Group upgrades its loyalty program for Taobao and Tmall members and establishes a joint venture with Marriott International to redefine the travel experience for Chinese consumers.

Announcement of the Alibaba-Marriott joint venture

September
Alibaba Group increases its ownership of Cainiao Network to a majority stake of 51%.

October
Alibaba Group launches an innovative global research program, Alibaba DAMO Academy.

Launch of the Alibaba DAMO Academy

October
Aibaba Cloud opens a data center in Malaysia.

November
Alibaba Group’s first overseas eWTP hub goes live in Malaysia.

The Malaysia e-hub goes live

December
Alibaba Group announces a RMB10 billion Alibaba Poverty Relief Fund.

Launch of the Alibaba Poverty Relief Fund