The University of Newcastle (UON) is honoured to announce the establishment of a groundbreaking scholarship program, made possible by the very generous philanthropic support of Alibaba founder and executive chairman, Mr. Jack Ma, through the Jack Ma Foundation.
The Jack Ma Foundation will give US$20 million (AU$26.4 million) to fund a first of its kind scholarship program at UON.
Marking the largest philanthropic commitment in UON’s history, and the Jack Ma Foundation’s first philanthropic contribution in Australia, the new scholarship program will pay tribute to Mr Ma’s close personal connection to Newcastle.
When Mr. Ma was a teenager, he met Novocastrian Mr. Ken Morley, while Mr Morley and his family were on a tour with the Australia-China Friendship Society in Mr Ma’s hometown, Hangzhou, China.
Mr. Morley went on to become a highly influential figure in his life, instilling core values and a global perspective that positively impacted Mr. Ma’s future and contributed to his personal success. Mr. Ma and Mr. Morley remained close friends until Mr. Morley’s death in 2004.
Jack Ma, Executive Chairman and Founder, Alibaba Group, said: “I am very thankful for Australia and the time I spent there in my youth. The culture, the landscape and most importantly its people had a profound positive impact on my view of the world at that time.”
“To honour the experience and the special relationship I formed with the Morley family, the Jack Ma Foundation is delighted to announce The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program that will inspire, educate and cultivate tomorrow’s leaders. Alibaba was built by young people and we are committed to lifting up and empowering students so they can reach their dreams and ambitions.”
Today Mr. Ma was joined by the NSW Premier the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP, UON Chancellor, Mr Paul Jeans, UON Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, and Mr. Morley’s son, David Morley, to announce the scholarship program in Newcastle.
UON Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program at UON would have a transformational impact on the lives of students and shape the next generation of leaders.
ALIBABA JACK MA GIVES $26M TO UoN IN MEMORY OF MENTOR