Gates sees productive future for Jack Ma's generosity

Microsoft founder Bill Gates suggested that Jack Ma, the Chinese billionaire who is stepping down as chairman of e-commerce giant Alibaba next year, use his digital prowess to improve financial services in poor regions.

"We should all look forward to him bringing the same type of new thinking and energy to philanthropy that he brought to the success of Alibaba," Gates said during an online interview with Chinese media last week.

Ma recently announced his plan to retire on Sept 10, 2019 and hand over the leadership of the $400 billion e-commerce juggernaut to Daniel Zhang, the current CEO.