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Jack Ma points at a reporter for a question after a speech in Hong Kong on February 2, 2015. Photo: AP

Video | Alibaba will let West ‘better understand its business’ through US class action suit: Jack Ma

Jack Ma speaks about the latest fake merchandise controversy facing Alibaba's Taobao unit, and his opinions on Hong Kong's young people and their politics.

Jack Ma
Jack Ma, the outspoken chairman of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, spoke to a crowd of almost 7,000 people in Hong Kong on Monday night. Below are some selected questions and answers during Ma's speech and a following media session, in which he spoke about the latest fake merchandise controversy facing Alibaba's Taobao unit, and his opinions on Hong Kong's young people and their politics. 
 
ON FAKE GOODS ON TAOBAO
Q: Today it was found that so-called “Suwen University of Hong Kong”, a fake university, sells diplomas over taobao.com. Do you have a monitoring system on Taobao?
 
Ma: We do have a monitoring system but it is complaint-based. We have 1.2 billion items on the platform for sale. If you complain, we will definitely find out the [fakes]. But if you don’t, it’s hard to detect… Taobao has 2,000 staff who do the monitoring. Last year we sent 400 people to jail [for selling fakes]. The work is not easy, and you offend a lot of people. We will deal with your complaint [on Suwen University] immediately.
 
Q: How are you dealing with the possible class-action suit in the US against Alibaba?
 
Ma: There are law firms preparing for the suit ... We have the courage that we should have. We will actively and transparently handle this matter … I will take this opportunity to let Western countries understand better of Alibaba’s business and also China, which is a good thing. My legal team will handle that. 
 
Watch: Alibaba's Jack Ma happy to deal with regulators
 
ON HONG KONG'S YOUTH AND OCCUPY CENTRAL
Q: Will your HK$1 billion foundation accept applications from young people who have taken part in Occupy Central?
 
Ma: Why not? It is for Hong Kong’s young people. Why not?
 
Q: You want to help young people but the government will revoke the return-home permits of those who are disobedient…
 
Ma: My father cancelled many of my activities when I was young. He did not let me go out with friends, and he did not give me pocket money. Some discipline is needed, I’m sorry. You have to keep a certain attitude. Believe in yourself, believe in your country and believe in your father. 
 
If those people succeed in getting our fund, they will walk a new path. I think we should open up our hearts. look at the world with fresh eyes, and know yourself again. All young people make mistakes. I have experienced what you are thinking. Who has not been young? Who has not been impulsive in their life? So I believe young people will come back. Indeed they are coming back slowly, which is good.
 
ON POLITICAL REFORM
Q: What do you think about Hong Kong’s political reform?
 
Ma: I have enough troubles every day. I don’t have time to concern myself with this matter.
 
ON GUANXI
Q: People say you have to rely on guanxi (connections) in doing business in China. How should Hongkongers deal with guanxi?
 
Ma: It is not so complicated as you think. In Alibaba, I fiercely object to making all sorts of complicated, curious guanxi.
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