Is Jack Ma back? Inside the rise, fall and return of China’s tech mogul

Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma is widely regarded as one of China’s most prominent business figures, but his journey hasn’t been without setbacks.

Jack Ma is regarded as one of China’s most prominent business figures.

His rise from a modest background to co-founding one of China’s earliest e-commerce companies brought both Alibaba and Ma global recognition.

The journey has not been without setbacks, however. Ma’s sudden retreat from public view in 2020 sparked speculation about whether he had stepped away from the spotlight for good.

Yet, in 2025, a public appearance alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled a possible return to the tech industry.

Watch “Built for Billions” with Arjun Kharpal to learn more about the rise, fall and return of Jack Ma.

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