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 increases its stake in Lazada Group from 51% to approximately 83%.
July Alibaba Group unveils the Freshippo supermarket, an example of the “New Retail” model which it has successfully incubated for the past two years.
Jack Ma tours a Freshippo 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.
December Alibaba Group announces a RMB10 billion Alibaba Poverty Relief Fund.
