Alibaba chair stresses trust, localization as group's core values

In a fireside chat with Beyond Expo Co-Founder Jason Ho, Alibaba Group Chairperson Joe Tsai shared insights on Chinese companies expanding globally, the current business climate, and the role of sports in global entertainment.

He emphasized that trust is a key part of any company’s mission and must be built over time through shared goals and collaboration.

“Trust is built up over time. It’s very difficult to establish trust overnight,” he said.

Tsai noted the advantages of being a Chinese tech company, especially in fields like AI and cloud computing.

However, he stressed that localization and cultural understanding are crucial for global success. “China is definitely a heavyweight player in the global market,” he added.

Held at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo, the 5th Beyond Expo took place from May 24–May 27, 2025, attracting over 800 companies, 800 investors, and 25,000 visitors.

Discussions spanned AI, health tech, clean energy, robotics, and sports technology.

🔗 Source: Beyond Expo

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Tech expos as catalysts for innovation with significant economic impact

BEYOND Expo’s success reflects a historical pattern of world fairs driving technological innovation and economic development since The Great Exhibition of 1851.

The Shanghai World Expo in 2010 demonstrated the immense potential of these events, attracting a record-breaking 73 million visitors and 246 participating countries, highlighting their role as platforms for global engagement 1.

However, such events involve substantial financial commitments. Shanghai’s Expo reportedly cost $4.2 billion officially, but estimates suggest actual costs exceeded $50 billion, illustrating both the investment and risks involved 2.

Successful expos can transform host cities through urban redevelopment and enhanced international profiles, as noted by Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, secretary general of the Bureau of International Expositions 1.

The growth of BEYOND Expo to include 800 companies and 25,000 visitors positions Macau as an emerging tech hub, following the pattern of how expos can elevate a city’s global standing in technology and innovation.