A friendship struck-up decades ago has paid off in spades for the University of Newcastle.
The uni will be given around $26-million to fund a scholarship program through the Jack Ma Foundaton.
Jack Ma is a Chinese internet business magnate and founder of the Alibaba Group. When he was a teenager he struck up a lasting friendship with Novocastrian Ken Morley and his family as they toured China. They remained friends until Mr Morely’s death in 2004
“I am very thankful for Australia and the time I spent there in my youth. The culture, the landscape and most
importantly its people had a profound positive impact on my view of the world at that time,” said Mr Ma.
“To honour the experience and the special relationship I formed with the Morley family, the
Jack Ma Foundation is delighted to announce The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program that will
inspire, educate and cultivate tomorrow’s leaders. Alibaba was built by young people and we
are committed to lifting up and empowering students so they can reach their dreams and ambitions,” he said.
The Ma and Morley Scholarship program will support 90 students a year. Students will be selected on a range of criteria including interest in cross cultural understanding, cooperation and peace, and social justice.
Scholarships will be available from 2018.
