The founder gave a rare speech during Alipay and Ant Group’s anniversary celebration, urging staff to embrace AI’s transformative potential.

On December 8, Alipay and Ant Group commemorated their 20th anniversary with vibrant celebrations at their Hangzhou headquarters. Employees from around the world joined in the festivities, which included a carnival, a relay race, and various public service activities. A notable moment was founder Jack Ma’s rare public appearance, where he shared his reflections and thoughts on the future.

In his remarks, Ma reflected on the team’s contributions over the years, citing key developments such as the creation of Alipay, Yu’E Bao, and Ant Forest, and their impact on society.

However, Ma also steered the focus beyond past accomplishments. “We were lucky to capture the opportunities of the internet 20 years ago,” he said. “In the future 20 years, AI will bring changes far beyond the imagination, AI will bring on an even greater era.”

Reiterating Ant’s commitment to innovation, Ma emphasized the importance of using technology to improve people’s lives. He stressed the need for ethical considerations to guide advancements in artificial intelligence, creating a balance between human values and technological progress.

The event further underscored Ant’s long-term ambition of becoming a company that lasts over a century. During his speech, Ma described the 20-year milestone as just the beginning and acknowledged the contributions of employees, supporters, and critics in shaping the company’s trajectory. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to continue adapting and innovating in a rapidly changing environment.

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