Alibaba founder is 'Asia Game Changer of Year'

Jack Ma, whose Alibaba Group Holding Ltd set a record last week with its initial public offering, was named "Asia Game Changer of the Year" by the Asia Society for his company and philanthropic vision.

Ma and Zhang Minxuan, a professor at Shanghai Normal University, were the two Chinese honorees among 13 named last Tuesday as recipients of the organization's first Asia Game Changer Awards, which recognize those who have made a positive difference in Asia and the world.

"One individual stood out in our selection process," said Josette Sheeran, president of the New York-based society. "The truly game-changing nature of Jack Ma's company Alibaba, and his philanthropic vision for China, have made him our Asia Game Changer of the Year."