The news that Alibaba has launched the Dharma Institute has recently captured widespread attention across various industries. Many have questioned the purpose behind this new initiative, and Ma Yun, Alibaba's chairman, addressed these inquiries during the Yunqi Conference.
Ma Yun admitted that in the past, Alibaba was often seen as a company with weak technological capabilities. He acknowledged his own lack of technical expertise but emphasized that the company has always valued technology. Over the past 18 years, Alibaba has consistently invested in research and development, showing its long-term commitment to innovation.
He also mentioned that Wang Jian, a former Alibaba executive, once noted that the company’s commercial strength often overshadows its technological achievements. Ma Yun agreed with this sentiment, highlighting the need for greater recognition of Alibaba’s technical capabilities.
At the conference, Ma Yun shared a personal reflection: "Ten years ago, I was trying to survive. Now, it's about building the future." This quote accompanied an image that symbolized Alibaba’s evolution from a struggling startup to a global tech giant.
Ma Yun explained that Alibaba initially avoided establishing a dedicated research institute because many companies failed when they prioritized R&D too early. However, as the company matured, it became clear that investing in research was essential. He emphasized that the Dharma Institute is not just about technology—it's about solving real-world problems and contributing to society.
The Dharma Institute, announced by Alibaba's Chief Technology Officer Zhang Jianfeng, aims to invest 100 billion yuan over three years into cutting-edge technology. The institute is structured into three main components: global research labs, collaborations with universities worldwide, and innovative research programs. Currently, labs are established in Moscow and Singapore, and Alibaba has partnered with over 200 universities on more than 40 projects.
Ma Yun stressed that the starting point of Alibaba’s R&D efforts is to solve social challenges rather than simply chasing technological advancement. In the early days, he opposed setting up labs because the company needed to focus on survival. However, as Alibaba grew, it became clear that innovation was crucial for long-term success.
He also highlighted that Alibaba is no longer just an e-commerce company. It has evolved into a data-driven enterprise with a strong technological foundation. The company's ability to handle massive amounts of data and support large-scale events like Double 11 showcases its technical prowess.
Ma Yun believes that the future belongs to companies that can solve complex problems. Alibaba aims to be a leader in this regard, not just for profit, but to create value for society. He emphasized that the Dharma Institute should not be driven by profit or fun, but by the desire to address real issues.
Looking ahead, Alibaba plans to build the world’s fifth-largest economy over the next 20 years. This goal includes making the global economy more inclusive, sustainable, and healthy. The Dharma Institute will play a key role in achieving this vision by supporting technological advancements that benefit the world.
Ma Yun hopes that the Dharma Institute will outlive Alibaba itself, becoming a lasting legacy. He envisions it as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and societal impact. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that technology serves people and contributes to a better future for all.
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