The Alibaba News Roundup is a weekly digest of events and happenings across the company. This week looks at an annual Alibaba event that champions philanthropic causes. Also covered is Ant Group’s upcoming fintech conference and upgrades to Lazada’s virtual mall in Southeast Asia.
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Alibaba Group Kicks Off Annual Philanthropy Event
Alibaba Group kicked off its fourth annual Philanthropy Week on Tuesday with a series of initiatives designed to make giving easier and more transparent. The event, which runs until Sept. 10, features close to 100 online and offline philanthropic activities, from ensuring nutritious meals reach impoverished children in China to promoting environmental awareness through recycling programs. Those who wish to support such causes can do so easily through Alibaba’s many platforms and business units, including Taobao, Alipay, Alibaba Health, Ele.me, Cainiao Guoguo, Idle Fish and Amap. To increase transparency and encourage donors to give confidently, all contributions are fully trackable with Alibaba’s “Charities on the Chain” solution, which was developed with Ant Group’s blockchain team so that users can see exactly where their donations are going and how they are being used.
Ant Group to Host Fintech Conference in Late September
Ant Group’s inaugural INCLUSION Fintech Conference is set to take place in Shanghai on Sept. 24-26, the company said on Wednesday. Organized together with Alipay, the three-day event, which was originally scheduled for April, will feature online and offline discussions on topics such as the global digital economy, digital finance, innovative technology and sustainability. “Covid-19 has upended the way people live, work, and interact with one another. Now more than ever, we recognize the pivotal role digital technology can play in bringing the world equal opportunities and envisioning a more inclusive future for all,” said Ant Group CEO Simon Hu, adding that the conference aims to fuel thoughtful dialogue around the role of technology in building a better society for people and communities all across the globe.
LazMall Rolls Out New Look and Features for Shoppers in Southeast Asia
Lazada, Alibaba’s e-commerce service in Southeast Asia, unveiled a series of upgrades to celebrate the second anniversary of its LazMall platform. Along with a new look and improved functions, the virtual shopping mall has added features such as daily sales campaigns and an ambitious compensation policy designed to enhance the retail experience for brands, retailers and consumers alike. Click here to read more.
Winners Announced for GET Global Challenge
Alibaba Business School on Monday announced the results for its first GET Global Challenge. The competition invited university students from across the globe to innovate digital solutions that could create positive social change amid the pandemic. HiPajak from Indonesia came first and also took home the “viewers’ choice” honor for its tax-assistance app, winning the top cash prize for its venture as well as a fully sponsored learning excursion to Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangzhou. HiPajak and the top five runners-up – including groups from the Philippines, Rwanda, Tanzania and also international students studying in China – were also welcomed into the Global E-Commerce Talent Bank, a network that allows them to connect with mentors, investors and business opportunities.
