When delivering sultry glamour on the red carpet, expect nothing less from the Kardashians and Jenners.
At the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on Saturday, Kim Kardashian and her momager, Kris Jenner, led the fashion pack in stunning black and white outfits that epitomized Yin and Yang.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are yin and yang in black and white gowns at the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on April 13, 2024 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
The Oscars of Science: The Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
Leading figures in Hollywood, technology, and business came together at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles for the event hosted by James Corden and organized by Breakthrough Prize Foundation founder, entrepreneur, physicist, and investor Yuri Milner.
Dubbed the “Oscars of Science,” the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony highlights the noteworthy achievements and discoveries made by scientists in mathematics, fundamental physics,...
At the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on Saturday, Kim Kardashian and her momager, Kris Jenner, led the fashion pack in stunning black and white outfits that epitomized Yin and Yang.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are yin and yang in black and white gowns at the 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on April 13, 2024 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
The Oscars of Science: The Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
Leading figures in Hollywood, technology, and business came together at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles for the event hosted by James Corden and organized by Breakthrough Prize Foundation founder, entrepreneur, physicist, and investor Yuri Milner.
Dubbed the “Oscars of Science,” the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony highlights the noteworthy achievements and discoveries made by scientists in mathematics, fundamental physics,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Anne De Guia
- Your Next Shoes
Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning anime The Boy and the Heron floated to an easy second-weekend win at China’s theatrical box office, earning $12.8 million from Friday to Sunday, according to data from Artisan Gateway. The Studio Ghibli blockbuster has now earned $93.8 million in China, with local ticketing app Maoyan projecting that it will soon sail past the $100 million mark.
Miyazaki has previously suggested that The Boy and the Heron will be his last feature — but the 82-year-old anime legend has publicly retired twice before, only to eventually return to his drawing table. In any case, Studio Ghibli will continue to be a presence at China’s multiplexes. The fabled company has been steadily rereleasing Miyazaki’s back catalog over recent years. Next up is Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), scheduled for wide release in the country on April 30. Jack Ma’s Alibaba Pictures is also at work on creating an immersive Studio Ghibli exhibition in Shanghai.
Miyazaki has previously suggested that The Boy and the Heron will be his last feature — but the 82-year-old anime legend has publicly retired twice before, only to eventually return to his drawing table. In any case, Studio Ghibli will continue to be a presence at China’s multiplexes. The fabled company has been steadily rereleasing Miyazaki’s back catalog over recent years. Next up is Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), scheduled for wide release in the country on April 30. Jack Ma’s Alibaba Pictures is also at work on creating an immersive Studio Ghibli exhibition in Shanghai.
- 4/15/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Beijing, Aug 21 (Ians) Billionaire and Alibaba founder Jack Ma has hailed teachers for their contribution to developing education in rural areas in China, as he focuses on agriculture technology post-retirement.
An at event by the Jack Ma Foundation in the city of Hangzhou on Sunday, Ma said he can see that rural education and rural teachers are a huge force that can truly change the entire poor areas of China, reports the South China Morning Post.
“The sustainable development of our country is only possible through education reform,” he told teachers.
He listened to about 20 rural teachers describe how they plan to use funds from the Jack Ma foundation to improve rural education.
“I found that a place that does well in agriculture is not necessarily a place with good resources, but a place with unique thinking, and people with imagination,” said Ma, who invested in a fishery and agriculture...
An at event by the Jack Ma Foundation in the city of Hangzhou on Sunday, Ma said he can see that rural education and rural teachers are a huge force that can truly change the entire poor areas of China, reports the South China Morning Post.
“The sustainable development of our country is only possible through education reform,” he told teachers.
He listened to about 20 rural teachers describe how they plan to use funds from the Jack Ma foundation to improve rural education.
“I found that a place that does well in agriculture is not necessarily a place with good resources, but a place with unique thinking, and people with imagination,” said Ma, who invested in a fishery and agriculture...
- 8/21/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Hong Kong, Aug 1 (Ians) Chinese billionaire and Alibaba founder Jack Ma has invested in a fishery and agriculture startup in China, the media reported on Tuesday.
The startup, called “1.8 Meters Marine Technology (Zhejiang) Co” has been incorporated in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, with a registered capital of 110 million yuan ($15 million), reports South China Morning Post, citing corporate registry data provider Tianyancha.
The startup caters to processing, wholesale and retail sales of agriculture products as well as development of offshore wind power systems.
Simon Hu, former chief executive of Ant Group, also owns a 5.5 per cent stake in the startup, according to the report. The startup’s controlling shareholder is Hong Kong-based 1.8 Meters Technology Holding Ltd, which holds 80 per cent stake.
The new venture, which also covers processing, wholesale and retail sales of agriculture products as well as development of offshore wind power systems, fits Ma’s keen interest in...
The startup, called “1.8 Meters Marine Technology (Zhejiang) Co” has been incorporated in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, with a registered capital of 110 million yuan ($15 million), reports South China Morning Post, citing corporate registry data provider Tianyancha.
The startup caters to processing, wholesale and retail sales of agriculture products as well as development of offshore wind power systems.
Simon Hu, former chief executive of Ant Group, also owns a 5.5 per cent stake in the startup, according to the report. The startup’s controlling shareholder is Hong Kong-based 1.8 Meters Technology Holding Ltd, which holds 80 per cent stake.
The new venture, which also covers processing, wholesale and retail sales of agriculture products as well as development of offshore wind power systems, fits Ma’s keen interest in...
- 8/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Hong Kong, July 8 (Ians) China has slapped hefty penalties on the country’s two digital payments giants, Tencent and Alibaba, as part of its regulatory crackdown that began a couple of years ago.
Tencent, along with its payments subsidiary Tenpay, has been fined approximately 2.99 billion yuan ($410 million) by the People’s Bank of China.
Tencent said it has received a notice from the People’s Bank of China regarding its decision to impose a fine in the amount of approximately 2.99 billion yuan “on Tenpay for its past regulatory breaches in relation to the provision of payment services in the mainland of China”.
“The company believes the financial regulators will focus on normalised regulation going forward, implementing financial policies and measures to promote the healthy development of the platform economy, and supporting and encouraging platform companies to continue their efforts in financial inclusion,” it said in a statement.
Tencent said that...
Tencent, along with its payments subsidiary Tenpay, has been fined approximately 2.99 billion yuan ($410 million) by the People’s Bank of China.
Tencent said it has received a notice from the People’s Bank of China regarding its decision to impose a fine in the amount of approximately 2.99 billion yuan “on Tenpay for its past regulatory breaches in relation to the provision of payment services in the mainland of China”.
“The company believes the financial regulators will focus on normalised regulation going forward, implementing financial policies and measures to promote the healthy development of the platform economy, and supporting and encouraging platform companies to continue their efforts in financial inclusion,” it said in a statement.
Tencent said that...
- 7/8/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Alibaba Group has announced that co-founder Joe Tsai is taking over as chairman, while Eddie Wu, currently chairman of ecommerce businesses Taobao and Tmall Group, has been appointed CEO.
Current Alibaba Group chairman and CEO Daniel Zhang will focus on the tech giant’s cloud business as chairman and CEO of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, which is gearing up for an initial public offering. All changes will take effect on September 10.
Zhang took over as CEO in 2015 and chairman in 2019, steering Alibaba through a transition period after founder Jack Ma stepped down in 2019. Tsai, who is also owner of the Brooklyn Nets basketball franchise, is currently Alibaba’s executive vice chairman.
“This is the right time for me to make a transition, given the importance of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group as it progresses towards a full spin-off,” Zhang said in a company statement.
“From a corporate governance perspective, we also...
Current Alibaba Group chairman and CEO Daniel Zhang will focus on the tech giant’s cloud business as chairman and CEO of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, which is gearing up for an initial public offering. All changes will take effect on September 10.
Zhang took over as CEO in 2015 and chairman in 2019, steering Alibaba through a transition period after founder Jack Ma stepped down in 2019. Tsai, who is also owner of the Brooklyn Nets basketball franchise, is currently Alibaba’s executive vice chairman.
“This is the right time for me to make a transition, given the importance of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group as it progresses towards a full spin-off,” Zhang said in a company statement.
“From a corporate governance perspective, we also...
- 6/20/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Hong Kong, June 19 (Ians) Billionaire and former Alibaba founder Jack Ma made a rare public appearance in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, discussing the “understanding of mathematics” with finalists of the 2023 Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition.
According to a statement from the e-commerce giant’s Damo Academy, Ma said that next year’s competition will continue to “innovate and bring more fun to people who love mathematics,” reports South China Morning Post.
Ma also spoke with some of the 685 finalists from 19 countries over video conference.
In March, the 58-year-old entrepreneur appeared in Hangzhou in a local school that is jointly funded by partners of Alibaba.
At the VivaTech conference in Paris last week, Alibaba president Michael Evans said Ma was “alive” and “happy”.
The whereabouts of Ma, who has resigned from all his corporate roles, remain closely watched since he started keeping a low profile in 2021.
The University of Tokyo in...
According to a statement from the e-commerce giant’s Damo Academy, Ma said that next year’s competition will continue to “innovate and bring more fun to people who love mathematics,” reports South China Morning Post.
Ma also spoke with some of the 685 finalists from 19 countries over video conference.
In March, the 58-year-old entrepreneur appeared in Hangzhou in a local school that is jointly funded by partners of Alibaba.
At the VivaTech conference in Paris last week, Alibaba president Michael Evans said Ma was “alive” and “happy”.
The whereabouts of Ma, who has resigned from all his corporate roles, remain closely watched since he started keeping a low profile in 2021.
The University of Tokyo in...
- 6/19/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Tokyo, May 1 (Ians) The University of Tokyo announced on Monday that Alibaba Group Founder Jack Ma will teach as a visiting professor, giving lectures on management and sustainable agriculture.
Ma accepted an invitation from Tokyo College, a new institution run by the University of Tokyo. His tenure will begin from May 1 till October 31, and his contract may be renewed annually.
His research area will be sustainable agriculture and food production.
Ma founded Alibaba Group in 1999 and served as its executive chairman from 1999 to September 2019. He previously served as Alibaba Group’s chief executive officer from 1999 to May 2013.
“He founded the Jack Ma Foundation in 2014, and its efforts are focused on supporting education, entrepreneurship and environmental protection, among other areas. Ma is a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Emeritus Advocate and serves as a global board member of The Nature Conservancy and is co-chair of the Paradise Foundation,” according to Tokyo College.
Ma accepted an invitation from Tokyo College, a new institution run by the University of Tokyo. His tenure will begin from May 1 till October 31, and his contract may be renewed annually.
His research area will be sustainable agriculture and food production.
Ma founded Alibaba Group in 1999 and served as its executive chairman from 1999 to September 2019. He previously served as Alibaba Group’s chief executive officer from 1999 to May 2013.
“He founded the Jack Ma Foundation in 2014, and its efforts are focused on supporting education, entrepreneurship and environmental protection, among other areas. Ma is a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Emeritus Advocate and serves as a global board member of The Nature Conservancy and is co-chair of the Paradise Foundation,” according to Tokyo College.
- 5/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Chinese billionaire Jack Ma’s technology conglomerate Alibaba Group Holding is splitting into six groups, including an entertainment business, with each of them set to be “independently managed by its own chief executive officer and board of directors,” the company said on Tuesday.
Daniel Zhang will serve as CEO and chairman of the holding company, which reminded some observers of Google’s creation of Alphabet as the umbrella company for its various businesses.
Alibaba’s restructuring news came a day after the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation, that Ma had returned to mainland China after spending about a year abroad. His return comes at a time when Beijing is looking to boost business confidence after years of Covid-19 restrictions and regulatory crackdowns. In 2021, reports said that China’s government had asked Alibaba to sell off its collection of media assets.
Film studio Alibaba Pictures, video...
Daniel Zhang will serve as CEO and chairman of the holding company, which reminded some observers of Google’s creation of Alphabet as the umbrella company for its various businesses.
Alibaba’s restructuring news came a day after the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation, that Ma had returned to mainland China after spending about a year abroad. His return comes at a time when Beijing is looking to boost business confidence after years of Covid-19 restrictions and regulatory crackdowns. In 2021, reports said that China’s government had asked Alibaba to sell off its collection of media assets.
Film studio Alibaba Pictures, video...
- 3/28/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former China high-flyer Jack Ma’s influence is being further cut, as the Ant Group company he cofounded said he is reducing his voting rights at the financial technology firm as it restructures in line with a regulatory crackdown.
An Ant Group statement indicated that Ma’s previous control over more than 50 of voting rights would be reduced to 6.2.
Ant, founded by Ma in 2014, operates Alipay, the world’s largest digital payments platform. The platform is used by hundreds of millions of people every month in China and elsewhere.
It is also involved in consumer lending and insurance products distribution.
The Ant Group is an affiliate company of the multinational technology company Alibaba Group, also founded by Ma, which operates the popular shopping platforms Taobao and Tmall.
Ma cofounded Alibaba in 1999, and advanced its reach with the founding of subsidiary the Ant Group in 2014. He built the e-commerce company into a 454B empire,...
An Ant Group statement indicated that Ma’s previous control over more than 50 of voting rights would be reduced to 6.2.
Ant, founded by Ma in 2014, operates Alipay, the world’s largest digital payments platform. The platform is used by hundreds of millions of people every month in China and elsewhere.
It is also involved in consumer lending and insurance products distribution.
The Ant Group is an affiliate company of the multinational technology company Alibaba Group, also founded by Ma, which operates the popular shopping platforms Taobao and Tmall.
Ma cofounded Alibaba in 1999, and advanced its reach with the founding of subsidiary the Ant Group in 2014. He built the e-commerce company into a 454B empire,...
- 1/7/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Beijing, Jan 7 (Ians) Billionaire Jack Ma has relinquished control of Ant Group in a bid to restructure China’s largest fintech company and put it back on path for an initial public offering (IPO), the media reported on Saturday.
According to the South China Morning Post, Ma will end an “acting-in-concert pact” with Ant’s chairman Eric Jing, former chief executive Simon Hu and Alibaba Group Holding veteran Jiang Fang.
The pact had given Ma 53.46 per cent of the voting power in the fintech company, according to a company statement.
The overhauling of Ant Group’s shareholding structure dilutes the voting power of its founder Ma to make China’s largest fintech company more “transparent and diversified”.
In November 2020, the Chinese regulators forced Ant Group to axe its world record-setting 39.7 billion IPO in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Ma and other top executives were summoned to meet regulators.
The company said that after the restructuring,...
According to the South China Morning Post, Ma will end an “acting-in-concert pact” with Ant’s chairman Eric Jing, former chief executive Simon Hu and Alibaba Group Holding veteran Jiang Fang.
The pact had given Ma 53.46 per cent of the voting power in the fintech company, according to a company statement.
The overhauling of Ant Group’s shareholding structure dilutes the voting power of its founder Ma to make China’s largest fintech company more “transparent and diversified”.
In November 2020, the Chinese regulators forced Ant Group to axe its world record-setting 39.7 billion IPO in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Ma and other top executives were summoned to meet regulators.
The company said that after the restructuring,...
- 1/7/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Hong Kong, Jan 1 (Ians) Alibaba Group Founder Jack Ma, who has gone into hiding after regulatory crackdown in China amid the massive Covid surge in the country, resurfaced in a short video on the New Year, citing ‘difficult’ and ‘extraordinary’ year to the rural teachers in the country.
The billionaire was last spotted in Tokyo, living a quiet and peaceful life amid the big tech crackdown in his home country.
“Teachers have had a difficult year. You had to teach while protecting children,” he told about 100 teachers from China’s rural areas in an annual live video speech under his ‘Rural Teachers Initiative’, reports South China Morning Post.
“I hope to see you all offline as soon as possible,” he added.
The video address did not reveal his actual location as Ma was seen sitting behind a round table in front of a black wall adorned with artwork.
Dressed in a white shirt,...
The billionaire was last spotted in Tokyo, living a quiet and peaceful life amid the big tech crackdown in his home country.
“Teachers have had a difficult year. You had to teach while protecting children,” he told about 100 teachers from China’s rural areas in an annual live video speech under his ‘Rural Teachers Initiative’, reports South China Morning Post.
“I hope to see you all offline as soon as possible,” he added.
The video address did not reveal his actual location as Ma was seen sitting behind a round table in front of a black wall adorned with artwork.
Dressed in a white shirt,...
- 1/1/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Amid a minor media war caused by the curious timing yesterday of the release of the first trailer for Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales sought to soldier on today through their Stateside tour.
A principal purpose of the trip is to promote William’s Earthshot Prize, which will award about 1.2 million to each of five winners who will be announced at tonight’s gala. The five prize categories are nature conservation and protection, air quality, ocean revival, waste-free living and climate action.
In cerebration, Catherine took the theme of the event to heart, quite literally going green in an off-the-shoulder gown. In keeping with the theme of sustainability, her gown, by Solace London, was rented from Hurr, reported People. The U.K. platform facilitates the reuse of designer dresses. She accessorized with an emerald and diamond choker that belonged to Princess Diana.
Catherine was...
A principal purpose of the trip is to promote William’s Earthshot Prize, which will award about 1.2 million to each of five winners who will be announced at tonight’s gala. The five prize categories are nature conservation and protection, air quality, ocean revival, waste-free living and climate action.
In cerebration, Catherine took the theme of the event to heart, quite literally going green in an off-the-shoulder gown. In keeping with the theme of sustainability, her gown, by Solace London, was rented from Hurr, reported People. The U.K. platform facilitates the reuse of designer dresses. She accessorized with an emerald and diamond choker that belonged to Princess Diana.
Catherine was...
- 12/2/2022
- by Robert Lang and Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
French production and distribution firm Oble is to handle international licensing of Canadian hit drama series “Aller Simple” or “No Return.”
Produced by French-Canadian firm Sphere Media, the six-episode psychological thriller premiered on prime-time earlier this year in Canada and has been a hit with critics and audiences. It plays on Noovo, where it has been the most watched drama in the channel’s history, and is available before linear broadcast via subscription on Crave TV.
Written by Annie Pierard, Bernard Dansereau and Etienne Pierard-Dansereau, who all previously worked on Sphere’s “Epidemie” (aka “The Outbreak”), the show sees six complete strangers; a former policeman, an art-dealer, a retired teacher, a marketing director, a criminal lawyer and a businesswoman, en-route to a reclusive billionaire’s home when their helicopter makes an emergency landing deep in the forest. Having survived intact, they stumble across a fishing camp. But disturbing incidents suggest...
Produced by French-Canadian firm Sphere Media, the six-episode psychological thriller premiered on prime-time earlier this year in Canada and has been a hit with critics and audiences. It plays on Noovo, where it has been the most watched drama in the channel’s history, and is available before linear broadcast via subscription on Crave TV.
Written by Annie Pierard, Bernard Dansereau and Etienne Pierard-Dansereau, who all previously worked on Sphere’s “Epidemie” (aka “The Outbreak”), the show sees six complete strangers; a former policeman, an art-dealer, a retired teacher, a marketing director, a criminal lawyer and a businesswoman, en-route to a reclusive billionaire’s home when their helicopter makes an emergency landing deep in the forest. Having survived intact, they stumble across a fishing camp. But disturbing incidents suggest...
- 8/31/2022
- by Patrick Frater and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Washington, July 28 (Ians) Chinese billionaire Jack Ma is planning to give up total control of Ant Group amid pressure from the government regulators, media reports said on Thursday. According to a report in Wall Street Journal, the move is aimed at part of the fintech giant’s effort to move away from affiliate Alibaba Group […]...
- 7/28/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
“Jack Magic,” a biographical series about Jack Ma, the colorful co-founder of Chinese tech giant Alibaba, is in development at French production house Oble. The series is adapted from Duncan Clark’s best-selling book “Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built.”
Details of the series such as start date, director and eventual distributor, broadcaster or streamer have not been revealed. But Oble said that it will work closely with Clark, who is providing on-going advice and insights.
Published in 2016, “The House That Jack Ma Built” charts Ma’s epic rise from modest English teacher to wildly successful corporate titan, who personified China’s booming economy and Internet market. Ma and his team in 2014 oversaw the largest global flotation in history) on the New York Stock Exchange.
However, in 2020 he riled the political establishment with comments about regulation of the finance-technology sector. Within days, another groundbreaking IPO, of Ma’s spinoff Ant Group,...
Details of the series such as start date, director and eventual distributor, broadcaster or streamer have not been revealed. But Oble said that it will work closely with Clark, who is providing on-going advice and insights.
Published in 2016, “The House That Jack Ma Built” charts Ma’s epic rise from modest English teacher to wildly successful corporate titan, who personified China’s booming economy and Internet market. Ma and his team in 2014 oversaw the largest global flotation in history) on the New York Stock Exchange.
However, in 2020 he riled the political establishment with comments about regulation of the finance-technology sector. Within days, another groundbreaking IPO, of Ma’s spinoff Ant Group,...
- 5/19/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Beijing, May 4 (Ians) The arrest of an individual with the last name ‘Ma’ in China left people in utter shock who dumped shares in Alibaba that eroded a massive 27 billion in its share value, as investors thought the person arrested was the billionaire Jack Ma. China’s state broadcaster CCTV first reported that police […]...
- 5/4/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Two years after Hong Kong cracked down on pro-Democracy demonstrators, the local legislature passed a new film censorship law, according to multiple reports. As part of the measure, Hong Kong’s powerful Chief Secretary can now revoke a film’s license if it conflicts with China’s national security interests.
The Hong Kong stricture is an outgrowth of a 2020 China-imposed national security law that “effectively outlawed dissent,” according to the BBC.
The national security law bans anything authorities deem to be secessionist, subversive or a result of collusion with foreign entities. Commerce Secretary Edward Yau said all distribution, both physical and online, was covered by the new national security law, according to Afp.
Kiwi Chow, whose documentary about the 2019 protests, Revolution of Our Times, was shown at Cannes this year, told Reuters the Hong Kong law would “worsen self-censorship and fuel fear among filmmakers.”
The moves are part of a...
The Hong Kong stricture is an outgrowth of a 2020 China-imposed national security law that “effectively outlawed dissent,” according to the BBC.
The national security law bans anything authorities deem to be secessionist, subversive or a result of collusion with foreign entities. Commerce Secretary Edward Yau said all distribution, both physical and online, was covered by the new national security law, according to Afp.
Kiwi Chow, whose documentary about the 2019 protests, Revolution of Our Times, was shown at Cannes this year, told Reuters the Hong Kong law would “worsen self-censorship and fuel fear among filmmakers.”
The moves are part of a...
- 10/28/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
The Chinese government’s crackdown on the tech and entertainment sectors has now turned to “sissy idols,” “effeminate men” and all things “overly entertaining.”
The measures were sketched out in an eight-point plan on Thursday by the National Radio and Television Administration. It called for “further regulation of arts and entertainment shows and related personnel.”
Announcing the measures, the Communist Party of China’s propaganda department accused some in the entertainment industry of bad influence on the young and of “severely polluting the social atmosphere.”
One of the eight sections to one one “boycotting being overly entertaining” explained a need to put more emphasis on “traditional Chinese culture, revolution culture and socialist culture.” It said that authorities will establish a “correct beauty standard,” and boycott vulgar internet celebrities.
It also called for Chinese media to spread more positive values, and for trade associations in the television and internet entertainment sectors...
The measures were sketched out in an eight-point plan on Thursday by the National Radio and Television Administration. It called for “further regulation of arts and entertainment shows and related personnel.”
Announcing the measures, the Communist Party of China’s propaganda department accused some in the entertainment industry of bad influence on the young and of “severely polluting the social atmosphere.”
One of the eight sections to one one “boycotting being overly entertaining” explained a need to put more emphasis on “traditional Chinese culture, revolution culture and socialist culture.” It said that authorities will establish a “correct beauty standard,” and boycott vulgar internet celebrities.
It also called for Chinese media to spread more positive values, and for trade associations in the television and internet entertainment sectors...
- 9/3/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Moves come after actors including Vicki Zhao Wei, Kris Wu and Zhang Zhehan have been removed from the internet.
Two Chinese government bodies announced plans to crack down on the country’s online celebrity fan culture over the weekend, describing the situation as “chaotic” and a negative influence on Chinese youth.
The notices come just a few days after all mention of Chinese star Vicki Zhao Wei was scrubbed from the internet and follows a controversy over Chinese-Canadian singer-actor Kris Wu, who has been accused of rape.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (Cac) said it would take action against the...
Two Chinese government bodies announced plans to crack down on the country’s online celebrity fan culture over the weekend, describing the situation as “chaotic” and a negative influence on Chinese youth.
The notices come just a few days after all mention of Chinese star Vicki Zhao Wei was scrubbed from the internet and follows a controversy over Chinese-Canadian singer-actor Kris Wu, who has been accused of rape.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (Cac) said it would take action against the...
- 8/30/2021
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
Longstanding Alibaba executive and pop culture icon Gao Xiaosong has left his role as director of Alibaba Music, according to company data publicly available via the Chinese company information site Tianyancha.
He exited Tuesday, the same day that the Wall Street Journal reported that the Chinese government has asked Alibaba Group to sell off or reel in its sprawling assortment of media assets. Authorities were reportedly concerned over the scale of the tech giant’s media holdings and its ability to influence public opinion.
Gao is one of the most popular entertainment figures and culture-focused public intellectuals in China, having been a successful singer-songwriter, music producer, talk show host and director, among other things. He is also a longtime friend of Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma. He joined Alibaba Music as chairman in 2015 when it was launched.
Alibaba consolidated its entertainment and digital media sector in June 2016, pulling together Alibaba Music,...
He exited Tuesday, the same day that the Wall Street Journal reported that the Chinese government has asked Alibaba Group to sell off or reel in its sprawling assortment of media assets. Authorities were reportedly concerned over the scale of the tech giant’s media holdings and its ability to influence public opinion.
Gao is one of the most popular entertainment figures and culture-focused public intellectuals in China, having been a successful singer-songwriter, music producer, talk show host and director, among other things. He is also a longtime friend of Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma. He joined Alibaba Music as chairman in 2015 when it was launched.
Alibaba consolidated its entertainment and digital media sector in June 2016, pulling together Alibaba Music,...
- 3/20/2021
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The trouble is far from over for Jack Ma’s embattled Alibaba Group Holdings. China’s government has asked the company to sell off its vast collection of media assets, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
The request represents yet another escalation of the regulatory pressure that has been heaped upon Ma’s e-commerce, entertainment and fintech empire following the spectacular failure of Ant Financial to go public last November.
The crackdown on Alibaba’s media holdings began earlier this year after Chinese officials took a full accounting of the tech conglomerate’s collection of assets. According to the ...
The request represents yet another escalation of the regulatory pressure that has been heaped upon Ma’s e-commerce, entertainment and fintech empire following the spectacular failure of Ant Financial to go public last November.
The crackdown on Alibaba’s media holdings began earlier this year after Chinese officials took a full accounting of the tech conglomerate’s collection of assets. According to the ...
- 3/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The trouble is far from over for Jack Ma’s embattled Alibaba Group Holdings. China’s government has asked the company to sell off its vast collection of media assets, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
The request represents yet another escalation of the regulatory pressure that has been heaped upon Ma’s e-commerce, entertainment and fintech empire following the spectacular failure of Ant Financial to go public last November.
The crackdown on Alibaba’s media holdings began earlier this year after Chinese officials took a full accounting of the tech conglomerate’s collection of assets. According to the ...
The request represents yet another escalation of the regulatory pressure that has been heaped upon Ma’s e-commerce, entertainment and fintech empire following the spectacular failure of Ant Financial to go public last November.
The crackdown on Alibaba’s media holdings began earlier this year after Chinese officials took a full accounting of the tech conglomerate’s collection of assets. According to the ...
- 3/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Beijing, Jan 20 (Ians) Ending speculation about his whereabouts, Alibaba Co-founder Jack Ma reappeared in public view after at least three months amid increased scrutiny of his companies by Chinese regulators. The news took the shares of the company up more than 8 per cent in Hong Kong.
The news of his reappearance came after a video of his on Chinese social media appeared.
In the video, Ma can be seen addressing rural teachers as part of one his charity foundation's initiatives, CNBC reported on Tuesday.
The annual event is hosted to recognise the achievements of rural educators.
"Jack Ma participated in the online ceremony of the annual Rural Teacher Initiative event on January 20," a spokesperson for the Jack Ma Foundation was quoted as saying.
The reports of his going out of public view emerged soon after the billionaire made some comments that sounded critical of China's financial regulator, triggering speculation of him going "missing.
The news of his reappearance came after a video of his on Chinese social media appeared.
In the video, Ma can be seen addressing rural teachers as part of one his charity foundation's initiatives, CNBC reported on Tuesday.
The annual event is hosted to recognise the achievements of rural educators.
"Jack Ma participated in the online ceremony of the annual Rural Teacher Initiative event on January 20," a spokesperson for the Jack Ma Foundation was quoted as saying.
The reports of his going out of public view emerged soon after the billionaire made some comments that sounded critical of China's financial regulator, triggering speculation of him going "missing.
- 1/20/2021
- by IANS
- GlamSham
Beijing, Jan 20 (Ians) Ending speculation about his whereabouts, Alibaba Co-founder Jack Ma has reappeared in public view after months amid increased scrutiny of his companies by Chinese regulators.
The news of his reappearance came after a video of his on Chinese social media appeared.
In the video, Ma can be seen addressing rural teachers as part of one his charity foundation's initiatives, CNBC reported on Tuesday.
The annual event is hosted to recognise the achievements of rural educators.
"Jack Ma participated in the online ceremony of the annual Rural Teacher Initiative event on January 20," a spokesperson for the Jack Ma Foundation was quoted as saying.
The reports of his going out of public view emerged soon after the billionaire made some comments that sounded critical of China's financial regulator, triggering speculation of him going "missing."
Weeks after Ma made the critical comments, the flotation of his financial services firm Ant...
The news of his reappearance came after a video of his on Chinese social media appeared.
In the video, Ma can be seen addressing rural teachers as part of one his charity foundation's initiatives, CNBC reported on Tuesday.
The annual event is hosted to recognise the achievements of rural educators.
"Jack Ma participated in the online ceremony of the annual Rural Teacher Initiative event on January 20," a spokesperson for the Jack Ma Foundation was quoted as saying.
The reports of his going out of public view emerged soon after the billionaire made some comments that sounded critical of China's financial regulator, triggering speculation of him going "missing."
Weeks after Ma made the critical comments, the flotation of his financial services firm Ant...
- 1/20/2021
- by IANS
- GlamSham
Alibaba founder Jack Ma has made his first public appearance since October after questions swirled about his whereabouts.
According to Chinese state media, the tech billionaire appeared via video link at the Jack Ma Rural Teachers Award ceremony on Wednesday, meeting with teachers from across the Middle Kingdom.
Questions about his whereabouts sprung from his no-show as a judge on his own entrepreneurial talent TV series, Africa’s Business Heroes, in November, just weeks after he was quoted in a press release as saying that he was looking forward to meeting the candidates.
His disappearance was linked to a frank speech he made last October at the Bund Summit in Shanghai, in which he was critical of regulators for stifling innovation and said Middle Kingdom banks have a “pawnshop mentality.” His address reportedly upset Chinese officials.
Global Times carried this video of Ma’s public appearance:
Jack Ma Yun, the...
According to Chinese state media, the tech billionaire appeared via video link at the Jack Ma Rural Teachers Award ceremony on Wednesday, meeting with teachers from across the Middle Kingdom.
Questions about his whereabouts sprung from his no-show as a judge on his own entrepreneurial talent TV series, Africa’s Business Heroes, in November, just weeks after he was quoted in a press release as saying that he was looking forward to meeting the candidates.
His disappearance was linked to a frank speech he made last October at the Bund Summit in Shanghai, in which he was critical of regulators for stifling innovation and said Middle Kingdom banks have a “pawnshop mentality.” His address reportedly upset Chinese officials.
Global Times carried this video of Ma’s public appearance:
Jack Ma Yun, the...
- 1/20/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Beleaguered Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, whose recent absence from the spotlight had sparked fervent speculation about his whereabouts, made his first public appearance in nearly three months on Wednesday.
The celebrity tech tycoon gave a live video address to a group of Chinese teachers who were receiving accolades during an educational event supported by his philanthropic group, the Jack Ma Foundation, Chinese state media reported.
Alibaba’s Hong Kong-listed stock jumped 8.5 percent in response to the news. The e-commerce giant’s New York-listed shares also climbed 3.5 percent in after-hours trading. Even the Hong Kong shares of Alibaba Picture ...
The celebrity tech tycoon gave a live video address to a group of Chinese teachers who were receiving accolades during an educational event supported by his philanthropic group, the Jack Ma Foundation, Chinese state media reported.
Alibaba’s Hong Kong-listed stock jumped 8.5 percent in response to the news. The e-commerce giant’s New York-listed shares also climbed 3.5 percent in after-hours trading. Even the Hong Kong shares of Alibaba Picture ...
- 1/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Beleaguered Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, whose recent absence from the spotlight had sparked fervent speculation about his whereabouts, made his first public appearance in nearly three months on Wednesday.
The celebrity tech tycoon gave a live video address to a group of Chinese teachers who were receiving accolades during an educational event supported by his philanthropic group, the Jack Ma Foundation, Chinese state media reported.
Alibaba’s Hong Kong-listed stock jumped 8.5 percent in response to the news. The e-commerce giant’s New York-listed shares also climbed 3.5 percent in after-hours trading. Even the Hong Kong shares of Alibaba Picture ...
The celebrity tech tycoon gave a live video address to a group of Chinese teachers who were receiving accolades during an educational event supported by his philanthropic group, the Jack Ma Foundation, Chinese state media reported.
Alibaba’s Hong Kong-listed stock jumped 8.5 percent in response to the news. The e-commerce giant’s New York-listed shares also climbed 3.5 percent in after-hours trading. Even the Hong Kong shares of Alibaba Picture ...
- 1/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Chinese streaming giant iQIYI reports that it has started production on “Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain,” a film adapted from the classic novel of the same name by Louis Cha (aka Jin Yong), a renowned Hong Kong novelist who was one of the most read Chinese-language authors of the 20th century.
Cha, who also co-founded the Ming Pao newspaper, and directed two films, is best known for his wuxia (chivalric martial arts) novels that with one exception stretch in time from the 11th to the 18th century. He died in October 2018 and received a celebrity memorial with Alibaba founder Jack Ma in attendance.
An estimated 90 films and TV series have been made as adaptations of Cha’s 15 wuxia novels, though iQIYI says that “Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain” is not one of them. Its “Fox Volant” film is pitched as a fantasy adventure that tells a tale of...
Cha, who also co-founded the Ming Pao newspaper, and directed two films, is best known for his wuxia (chivalric martial arts) novels that with one exception stretch in time from the 11th to the 18th century. He died in October 2018 and received a celebrity memorial with Alibaba founder Jack Ma in attendance.
An estimated 90 films and TV series have been made as adaptations of Cha’s 15 wuxia novels, though iQIYI says that “Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain” is not one of them. Its “Fox Volant” film is pitched as a fantasy adventure that tells a tale of...
- 1/13/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Beijing, Jan 5 (Ians) Alibaba Group on Tuesday announced that it will close down its streaming platform Xiami music on February 5.
Xiami was once one of China's most popular and taste-making music streamers, but it has fallen to the wayside since it was acquired by Alibaba in 2013, reports Variety.
Alibaba acquired the music service to compete in China's online music market, which is dominated by Tencent Holdings.
However, it now holds a market share of only about 1.8 per cent, with around 11.9 million average monthly active users between May 2019 and April 2020.
Xiami's closure also comes after Chinese regulators announced that they had launched an antitrust investigation into Alibaba and at a time when the conglomerate's co-founder Jack Ma is rumored to be missing.
While users will lose access to the app and all their data, Xiami is not totally dead. Its copyrights-focused segment Yin Luo (Conch Music) will continue to operate.
--Ians...
Xiami was once one of China's most popular and taste-making music streamers, but it has fallen to the wayside since it was acquired by Alibaba in 2013, reports Variety.
Alibaba acquired the music service to compete in China's online music market, which is dominated by Tencent Holdings.
However, it now holds a market share of only about 1.8 per cent, with around 11.9 million average monthly active users between May 2019 and April 2020.
Xiami's closure also comes after Chinese regulators announced that they had launched an antitrust investigation into Alibaba and at a time when the conglomerate's co-founder Jack Ma is rumored to be missing.
While users will lose access to the app and all their data, Xiami is not totally dead. Its copyrights-focused segment Yin Luo (Conch Music) will continue to operate.
--Ians...
- 1/5/2021
- by IANS
- GlamSham
New Delhi, Jan 4 (Ians) Chinese tech billionaire and Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, who is rumoured to have gone missing, has been a huge source of financial backing for Hollywood films over the past half a decade.
Alibaba Pictures, which was set up by Ma's e-commerce giant Alibaba, has given a marketing push to Chinese films as well as invested money in films of that country. Importantly, Ma also ventured into Hollywood beginning in 2015, and one of the most successful films Alibaba Pictures has backed lately is the 2019 release "1917", the Sam Mendes triple-Oscar winner that also has Reliance Entertainment and Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks Pictures as producers.
Among the biggest films in which Alibaba Pictures invested is also the 2015 Tom Cruise-starrer "Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation". The film had cost around $170 million and earned a worldwide gross of almost $682.7 million.
"'Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation' is our first step toward internationalisation,...
Alibaba Pictures, which was set up by Ma's e-commerce giant Alibaba, has given a marketing push to Chinese films as well as invested money in films of that country. Importantly, Ma also ventured into Hollywood beginning in 2015, and one of the most successful films Alibaba Pictures has backed lately is the 2019 release "1917", the Sam Mendes triple-Oscar winner that also has Reliance Entertainment and Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks Pictures as producers.
Among the biggest films in which Alibaba Pictures invested is also the 2015 Tom Cruise-starrer "Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation". The film had cost around $170 million and earned a worldwide gross of almost $682.7 million.
"'Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation' is our first step toward internationalisation,...
- 1/4/2021
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Questions are growing about the whereabouts of Jack Ma, the billionaire founder of Chinese tech giant Alibaba, after he failed to appear on the finale of an African business TV show he created.
Ma was a no-show as a judge on the entrepreneurial talent series, Africa’s Business Heroes, in November, just weeks after he was quoted in a press release as saying that he was looking forward to meeting the candidates during the competition’s finale.
The tech titan has not appeared on other public platforms for weeks, including Twitter. His last tweet was posted on October 10 to mark his involvement in Prince William’s Earthshot Prize environmental initiative — though it must be said that Ma is not a prolific tweeter.
The Financial Times first spotted his absence from Africa’s Business Heroes. The British newspaper quoted an Alibaba spokesperson as saying: “Due to a schedule conflict Mr Ma...
Ma was a no-show as a judge on the entrepreneurial talent series, Africa’s Business Heroes, in November, just weeks after he was quoted in a press release as saying that he was looking forward to meeting the candidates during the competition’s finale.
The tech titan has not appeared on other public platforms for weeks, including Twitter. His last tweet was posted on October 10 to mark his involvement in Prince William’s Earthshot Prize environmental initiative — though it must be said that Ma is not a prolific tweeter.
The Financial Times first spotted his absence from Africa’s Business Heroes. The British newspaper quoted an Alibaba spokesperson as saying: “Due to a schedule conflict Mr Ma...
- 1/4/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Beijing/New Delhi, Jan 4 (Ians) Tech billionaire and Alibaba founder Jack Ma has "disappeared" from public life and has not been spotted for at least two months amid the conflict with the Chinese regulators.
The Financial Times reported that Ma was recently replaced as a judge in the final of TV show 'Africa's Business Heroes'.
"His photograph was removed from the judging webpage, and he was conspicuously left out of a promotional video," the report claimed.
The final took place in November, shortly after Ma "made a candid speech criticising China's regulators and its state-owned banks".
"Ma was dressed down by officials in Beijing and the $37 billion initial public offering of his company Ant Group was suspended. He has not been seen in public since," the report further said.
A spokesperson for Alibaba was quoted as saying that "due to a schedule conflict Mr Ma could no longer be part...
The Financial Times reported that Ma was recently replaced as a judge in the final of TV show 'Africa's Business Heroes'.
"His photograph was removed from the judging webpage, and he was conspicuously left out of a promotional video," the report claimed.
The final took place in November, shortly after Ma "made a candid speech criticising China's regulators and its state-owned banks".
"Ma was dressed down by officials in Beijing and the $37 billion initial public offering of his company Ant Group was suspended. He has not been seen in public since," the report further said.
A spokesperson for Alibaba was quoted as saying that "due to a schedule conflict Mr Ma could no longer be part...
- 1/4/2021
- by IANS
- GlamSham
Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, famous for his love of the spotlight, hasn’t been seen in public in over two months following Beijing’s aggressive crackdown on his Alibaba business empire.
The celebrated entrepreneur was slated to appear as a star judge on the season finale of Africa’s Business Heroes, a reality TV show created by his own philanthropic organization. But Ma dropped out of the appearance and the show’s broadcast was postponed, the Financial Times was the first to report. Ma’s image and name, previously the program’s biggest selling point, have since been removed from promotional materials related to ...
The celebrated entrepreneur was slated to appear as a star judge on the season finale of Africa’s Business Heroes, a reality TV show created by his own philanthropic organization. But Ma dropped out of the appearance and the show’s broadcast was postponed, the Financial Times was the first to report. Ma’s image and name, previously the program’s biggest selling point, have since been removed from promotional materials related to ...
Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, famous for his love of the spotlight, hasn’t been seen in public in over two months following Beijing’s aggressive crackdown on his Alibaba business empire.
The celebrated entrepreneur was slated to appear as a star judge on the season finale of Africa’s Business Heroes, a reality TV show created by his own philanthropic organization. But Ma dropped out of the appearance and the show’s broadcast was postponed, the Financial Times was the first to report. Ma’s image and name, previously the program’s biggest selling point, have since been removed from promotional materials related to ...
The celebrated entrepreneur was slated to appear as a star judge on the season finale of Africa’s Business Heroes, a reality TV show created by his own philanthropic organization. But Ma dropped out of the appearance and the show’s broadcast was postponed, the Financial Times was the first to report. Ma’s image and name, previously the program’s biggest selling point, have since been removed from promotional materials related to ...
China Film Group, the country’s state-owned distributor, is getting together plans to revitalize movie theaters as they start reopening in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. All theaters in China shut down in late January to help stop the spread of the virus, but now some locations are starting to reopen as the country’s amount of new coronavirus cases decreases. Per Variety, the China Film Group is planning to re-release blockbuster titles to encourage moviegoers to come back to the theaters. The distributor’s plan includes four Chinese blockbusters: “American Dreams in China,” “Wolf Totem,” “Wolf Warrior 2,” and “The Wandering Earth.” The latter two titles are a pair of the highest-grossing movies in China film history.
The one title that will probably shock U.S. moviegoers but makes perfect sense in China is Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book.” The 2018 biographical drama is best known in the States...
The one title that will probably shock U.S. moviegoers but makes perfect sense in China is Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book.” The 2018 biographical drama is best known in the States...
- 3/19/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Chinese billionaire Jack Ma has pledged to donate 500,000 coronavirus test kits and 1 million face masks to the United States in the face of the global pandemic.
As the United States lags behind its fellow nations in providing test kits to those potentially impacted by Covid-19, the Jack Ma Foundation announced Thursday that their donation is “sourced and readied for shipment” to Americans.
“Drawing from my own country’s experience, speedy and accurate testing and adequate personal protective equipment for medical professionals are the most effective in preventing the spread of the virus,...
As the United States lags behind its fellow nations in providing test kits to those potentially impacted by Covid-19, the Jack Ma Foundation announced Thursday that their donation is “sourced and readied for shipment” to Americans.
“Drawing from my own country’s experience, speedy and accurate testing and adequate personal protective equipment for medical professionals are the most effective in preventing the spread of the virus,...
- 3/13/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
President Trump has demonstrated on several occasions that he views the coronavirus pandemic not through the lens of keeping Americans safe, but of how it will impact his re-election chances. He all but said as much last week, telling reporters that he’d rather keep passengers on a Grand Princess cruise ship who tested positive out of America because “he likes the numbers being where they are.”
The same day, Dan Diamond of Politico reported on how Trump has “undermined his administration’s own efforts to fight the coronavirus outbreak...
The same day, Dan Diamond of Politico reported on how Trump has “undermined his administration’s own efforts to fight the coronavirus outbreak...
- 3/13/2020
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
Jack Ma has stepped down as chairman of Alibaba Group, the Chinese internet giant he co-founded 20 years ago.
Ma’s retirement is not a surprise. He announced last year that he would be standing aside to devote more time to “education, philanthropy and the environment.”
His departure coincides with his birthday and he was set to mark both occasions at a farewell party at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in China on Tuesday.
Daniel Zhang, Alibaba’s CEO since 2015, will take the reins as chairman. Ma has previously said Zhang has “the logic and critical thinking skills of a supercomputer.”
Ma founded Alibaba in 1999 and has built the e-commerce company into a $454B empire, transforming the way Chinese people shop. In the process, Ma has become one of the richest men in the world, with a net worth of nearly $42B, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.
Alibaba’s...
Ma’s retirement is not a surprise. He announced last year that he would be standing aside to devote more time to “education, philanthropy and the environment.”
His departure coincides with his birthday and he was set to mark both occasions at a farewell party at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in China on Tuesday.
Daniel Zhang, Alibaba’s CEO since 2015, will take the reins as chairman. Ma has previously said Zhang has “the logic and critical thinking skills of a supercomputer.”
Ma founded Alibaba in 1999 and has built the e-commerce company into a $454B empire, transforming the way Chinese people shop. In the process, Ma has become one of the richest men in the world, with a net worth of nearly $42B, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.
Alibaba’s...
- 9/10/2019
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma officially retired from his role as chairman Tuesday, marking the end of an era for the world’s largest e-commerce firm.
In a move first announced last year, Ma is handing over the reins to current CEO Daniel Zhang, who now faces the difficult task of steering Asia’s most valuable listed firm at a time when growth in its core e-commerce sector has slowed significantly, China’s economy is faltering and trade tensions are on the rise.
Ma, one of China’s richest and most recognizable businessmen, started the company with a group of friends out of his Hangzhou apartment back in 1999, struggling for years before eventually going on to spark the country’s e-commerce boom. It is now a $460 billion behemoth, with most of its income coming from within mainland China.
Ma is stepping down on his 55th birthday, which coincides with Alibaba’s 20th anniversary.
In a move first announced last year, Ma is handing over the reins to current CEO Daniel Zhang, who now faces the difficult task of steering Asia’s most valuable listed firm at a time when growth in its core e-commerce sector has slowed significantly, China’s economy is faltering and trade tensions are on the rise.
Ma, one of China’s richest and most recognizable businessmen, started the company with a group of friends out of his Hangzhou apartment back in 1999, struggling for years before eventually going on to spark the country’s e-commerce boom. It is now a $460 billion behemoth, with most of its income coming from within mainland China.
Ma is stepping down on his 55th birthday, which coincides with Alibaba’s 20th anniversary.
- 9/10/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
China’s Alibaba Group posted stronger earnings than expected in its first financial quarter thanks to growth in its core e-commerce and cloud computing sectors, reporting Thursday a 42% rise in quarterly revenue.
Revenue rose to RMB114.92 billion ($16.3 billion) in the quarter ending June 30, up from last year’s RMB80.92 billion ($11.5 billion). Analysts had predicted revenue of RMB111.73 billion ($15.9 billion), Reuters said.
Alibaba has expanded its user base to 674 million annual active consumers, and will “continue to expand our customer base, increase operating efficiency and deliver robust growth,” Alibaba Group CEO Daniel Zhang said. The firm has hit 755 million monthly active mobile users as of June, an increase of 34 million from the March 2019 figure.
The New York-listed conglomerate’s digital media and entertainment sector encompasses the operations of firms such as streaming platforms Youku and Tudou, film company Alibaba Pictures, Alibaba Music, and the Damai ticketing platform, among others. The sector...
Revenue rose to RMB114.92 billion ($16.3 billion) in the quarter ending June 30, up from last year’s RMB80.92 billion ($11.5 billion). Analysts had predicted revenue of RMB111.73 billion ($15.9 billion), Reuters said.
Alibaba has expanded its user base to 674 million annual active consumers, and will “continue to expand our customer base, increase operating efficiency and deliver robust growth,” Alibaba Group CEO Daniel Zhang said. The firm has hit 755 million monthly active mobile users as of June, an increase of 34 million from the March 2019 figure.
The New York-listed conglomerate’s digital media and entertainment sector encompasses the operations of firms such as streaming platforms Youku and Tudou, film company Alibaba Pictures, Alibaba Music, and the Damai ticketing platform, among others. The sector...
- 8/15/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
There are numerous cities and provinces with their own regional pavilions at FilMart, but the city that first started the trend was Hangzhou, capital of China’s eastern province of Zhejiang.
One of China’s seven ancient capitals, Hangzhou has in modern times morphed into a tech hub known as China’s Silicon Valley, home to Jack Ma and his Alibaba headquarters. The local government is also doing its best to position the city as a center for film, where it says there are already more than 700 established film companies. This year marks its eighth year participating in Filmart, with about 20 different companies in under its umbrella.
“The first few years, our booth didn’t do very well. It’s only in recent years that we’ve had a breakthrough,” secretary-general of the Hangzhou Film and TV Assn. Zhu Xu told Variety. Her organization is the executive body for the Hangzhou pavilion,...
One of China’s seven ancient capitals, Hangzhou has in modern times morphed into a tech hub known as China’s Silicon Valley, home to Jack Ma and his Alibaba headquarters. The local government is also doing its best to position the city as a center for film, where it says there are already more than 700 established film companies. This year marks its eighth year participating in Filmart, with about 20 different companies in under its umbrella.
“The first few years, our booth didn’t do very well. It’s only in recent years that we’ve had a breakthrough,” secretary-general of the Hangzhou Film and TV Assn. Zhu Xu told Variety. Her organization is the executive body for the Hangzhou pavilion,...
- 3/17/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Sunday Update, writethru…: Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World ruled the overseas roost this session, adding $52M in 58 markets to lift the international box office cume to $277.7M. That’s better than yesterday’s estimates, and puts Hidden World 12% above the previous franchise entry at the same point in release. It also fires the global total to $375.4M through Sunday.
At No. 1 domestically, overseas and worldwide this frame, the third installment in the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless saw most of its action in China where it topped the chart and grossed $33.4M to score the 2nd best animated start ever for both Universal and Dwa.
While HTTYD3 was dominating Middle Kingdom multiplexes, Best Picture Oscar winner Green Book also logged an impressive China opening. With a $17.1M launch, the Peter Farrelly-directed film has already become the market’s 2nd highest-grossing Best Picture winner,...
At No. 1 domestically, overseas and worldwide this frame, the third installment in the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless saw most of its action in China where it topped the chart and grossed $33.4M to score the 2nd best animated start ever for both Universal and Dwa.
While HTTYD3 was dominating Middle Kingdom multiplexes, Best Picture Oscar winner Green Book also logged an impressive China opening. With a $17.1M launch, the Peter Farrelly-directed film has already become the market’s 2nd highest-grossing Best Picture winner,...
- 3/3/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Chinese viewers tuned in to watch the Oscars live beginning at 7:30 Am Monday local time, following along as Green Book took Best Picture honors. The win has made national headlines in the Middle Kingdom and could have significant resonance in the country, where the film releases Friday and has the muscle of Alibaba Pictures behind it via its investment in Amblin Partners. While Alibaba has, understandably, touted the Oscar victories ahead of Friday — even getting e-commerce tycoon Jack Ma to turn up at a screening Monday night — state media is taking things a bit further.
A Xinhua commentary piece titled “Oscar Recognition Shows China’s Growing Presence in Global Entertainment Industry” has played up what it calls “a palpable undercurrent” to the Academy Awards, which “can be viewed as the starting point for a new period of growing influence for China in the international film industry.”
It’s not...
A Xinhua commentary piece titled “Oscar Recognition Shows China’s Growing Presence in Global Entertainment Industry” has played up what it calls “a palpable undercurrent” to the Academy Awards, which “can be viewed as the starting point for a new period of growing influence for China in the international film industry.”
It’s not...
- 2/26/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Serving as the CEO of powerhouse Chinese film studio Huanxi Media is Steven Xiang’s second high-flying career. Before jumping into the movie business, Xiang, 56, was a managing partner at the prestigious U.S. law firm Weil Gotshal & Manges, where he took the lead on some of the most notable U.S.-China deals of the past two decades. But it was Chinese billionaire Jack Ma’s decision to buy a movie studio that ultimately lured Xiang away from the law and into show business itself.
Xiang represented the Hong Kong film studio ChinaVision Media when it was ...
Xiang represented the Hong Kong film studio ChinaVision Media when it was ...
- 2/10/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Serving as the CEO of powerhouse Chinese film studio Huanxi Media is Steven Xiang’s second high-flying career. Before jumping into the movie business, Xiang, 56, was a managing partner at the prestigious U.S. law firm Weil Gotshal & Manges, where he took the lead on some of the most notable U.S.-China deals of the past two decades. But it was Chinese billionaire Jack Ma’s decision to buy a movie studio that ultimately lured Xiang away from the law and into show business itself.
Xiang represented the Hong Kong film studio ChinaVision Media when it was ...
Xiang represented the Hong Kong film studio ChinaVision Media when it was ...
- 2/10/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Alibaba Pictures Group, the film business arm of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has struck a strategic cooperation deal with leading film studio Huayi Bros. The deal includes a $103 million (RMB700 million) loan to Huayi.
Alibaba Pictures said the agreement was part of its recently announced strategy to be involved in major movies aimed for release during China’s four yearly holiday periods: Chinese New Year (around January-February), the summer, National Day celebrations in October, and end of the year. The strategy, dubbed the Jin Cheng Co-Production Project, runs for five years. (“Jin Cheng” translates roughly into English as “Golden Orange.”)
The deal further expands the power and influence of deep-pocketed Internet platforms, such as Alibaba and Tencent, over the Chinese film industry. Alibaba and companies owned by founder Jack Ma have been significant minority shareholders in Huayi since 2014, and increased their positions again in 2015.
The new deal with Huayi runs...
Alibaba Pictures said the agreement was part of its recently announced strategy to be involved in major movies aimed for release during China’s four yearly holiday periods: Chinese New Year (around January-February), the summer, National Day celebrations in October, and end of the year. The strategy, dubbed the Jin Cheng Co-Production Project, runs for five years. (“Jin Cheng” translates roughly into English as “Golden Orange.”)
The deal further expands the power and influence of deep-pocketed Internet platforms, such as Alibaba and Tencent, over the Chinese film industry. Alibaba and companies owned by founder Jack Ma have been significant minority shareholders in Huayi since 2014, and increased their positions again in 2015.
The new deal with Huayi runs...
- 1/24/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Alibaba Pictures Group, the film studio subsidiary of Jack Ma's e-commerce giant Alibaba, has extended a $103 million loan to leading Chinese film studio Huayi Brothers Media.
The loan is part of a five-year cooperation partnership signed between the two Beijing-based entertainment powerhouses. Huayi Brothers says the funds will be used as working capital and to pay for operations. The deal was disclosed Wednesday to the Hong Kong stock exchange, where Alibaba Pictures is listed.
Under the terms of the agreement, Huayi Brothers pledges to produce 10 theatrical films over the next five years, giving Alibaba Pictures priority as ...
The loan is part of a five-year cooperation partnership signed between the two Beijing-based entertainment powerhouses. Huayi Brothers says the funds will be used as working capital and to pay for operations. The deal was disclosed Wednesday to the Hong Kong stock exchange, where Alibaba Pictures is listed.
Under the terms of the agreement, Huayi Brothers pledges to produce 10 theatrical films over the next five years, giving Alibaba Pictures priority as ...
- 1/24/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alibaba Pictures Group, the film studio subsidiary of Jack Ma's e-commerce giant Alibaba, has extended a $103 million loan to leading Chinese film studio Huayi Brothers Media.
The loan is part of a five-year cooperation partnership signed between the two Beijing-based entertainment powerhouses. Huayi Brothers says the funds will be used as working capital and to pay for operations. The deal was disclosed Wednesday to the Hong Kong stock exchange, where Alibaba Pictures is listed.
Under the terms of the agreement, Huayi Brothers pledges to produce 10 theatrical films over the next five years, giving Alibaba Pictures priority as ...
The loan is part of a five-year cooperation partnership signed between the two Beijing-based entertainment powerhouses. Huayi Brothers says the funds will be used as working capital and to pay for operations. The deal was disclosed Wednesday to the Hong Kong stock exchange, where Alibaba Pictures is listed.
Under the terms of the agreement, Huayi Brothers pledges to produce 10 theatrical films over the next five years, giving Alibaba Pictures priority as ...
- 1/24/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The president of Alibaba’s streaming service, Youku, has stepped down and is believed to be co-operating with Chinese officials as part of a potential corruption case.
Yang Weidong, who has worked at Youku for around five years, joined the company before it was fully acquired by Alibaba in 2015.
“(Yang) is understood to be assisting Mainland authorities with an investigation into an alleged case of seeking economic benefits,” a spokeswoman for Alibaba’s Digital Media and Entertainment business told Reuters today.
Fan Luyuan, the current CEO and chairman of film unit Alibaba Pictures, has taken over Yang’s role, the company said.
Yang’s sudden departure comes amid a wider Alibaba reshuffle after chairman Jack Ma announced he will retire next year. The company has been investing heavily in its entertainment business in the face of strong competition from the likes of Baidu and iQiyi.
Yang’s exit is the...
Yang Weidong, who has worked at Youku for around five years, joined the company before it was fully acquired by Alibaba in 2015.
“(Yang) is understood to be assisting Mainland authorities with an investigation into an alleged case of seeking economic benefits,” a spokeswoman for Alibaba’s Digital Media and Entertainment business told Reuters today.
Fan Luyuan, the current CEO and chairman of film unit Alibaba Pictures, has taken over Yang’s role, the company said.
Yang’s sudden departure comes amid a wider Alibaba reshuffle after chairman Jack Ma announced he will retire next year. The company has been investing heavily in its entertainment business in the face of strong competition from the likes of Baidu and iQiyi.
Yang’s exit is the...
- 12/4/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
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