January The International Olympic Committee and Alibaba Group jointly announce a long-term partnership through 2028.
Alibaba Group becomes a worldwide partner of the Olympic Games
March Alibaba Group announces plans to establish the first overseas e-hub under the Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) initiative together with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Announcement of the e-hub in Malaysia
April The Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund launches JUMPSTARTER 2017, Hong Kong’s largest start-up competition, together with Cyberport and HKSTP.
Launch of JUMPSTARTER 2017
June Alibaba Group officially launches Tmall World, an initiative to serve the 100 million-strong overseas Chinese market worldwide.
June Alibaba Group holds the inaugural Gateway conference in the U.S.
The inaugural Gateway conference
June Alibaba Group increases its stake in Lazada Group from 51% to approximately 83%.
July Alibaba Group unveils the Hema supermarket, an example of the “New Retail” model which it has successfully incubated for the past two years.
Jack Ma tours a Hema supermarket in Shanghai
August Alibaba Group upgrades its loyalty program for Taobao and Tmall members and establishes a joint venture with Marriott International to redefine the travel experience for Chinese consumers.
Announcement of the Alibaba-Marriott joint venture
September Alibaba Group increases its ownership of Cainiao Network to a majority stake of 51%.
October Alibaba Group launches an innovative global research program, Alibaba DAMO Academy.
Launch of the Alibaba DAMO Academy
October Aibaba Cloud opens a data center in Malaysia.
November Alibaba Group’s first overseas eWTP hub goes live in Malaysia.
The Malaysia e-hub goes live
December Alibaba Group announces a RMB10 billion Alibaba Poverty Relief Fund.
