Jack Ma, founder of Chinese tech heavyweight Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, said rural education should pay more attention to children's imaginations and unique thinking while sharing his experiences exploring agriculture technology.

During a video speech to a group of headmasters from rural schools posted by the Jack Ma Foundation on Wednesday, Ma said, "I have found that a place where agriculture developed well but is not necessarily a place with good resources, rather it was a place with unique thinking and people with imagination."

Ma said he has studied agriculture in different countries during the past several years and hopes that rural schools will cultivate people who are full of creativity and unique thinking, and who dare to create the future.

Ma, who officially stepped down as Alibaba chairman in 2019, has turned his focus to agriculture and education. He has made several international trips to learn about sustainable food production. Media reported that Ma spent time studying fisheries and tuna farming in Japan, and he also traveled to Thailand where he visited a sea shrimp farming factory.

fanfeifei@chinadaily.com.cn