# Ma Huateng (Pony Ma)

> Ma Huateng, known as Pony Ma, is Tencent’s co-founder, chairman and CEO. A Shenzhen University computer science graduate and former paging-systems developer, he helped build the company behind QQ, Weixin and WeChat, while supporting scientific research and philanthropy.

- **Role:** Co-founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at Tencent
- **Organizations:** Tencent, Tencent Foundation, Ma Huateng Global Foundation, Xplorer Prize
- **From:** Shantou, China
- **Nationality:** Chinese
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Shenzhen University
- **Known for:** Co-founded Tencent and led its strategic development from 1998 onward., Led Tencent through its 2004 Hong Kong listing., Backed the internal development that produced WeChat alongside the established QQ business.

## Career timeline

- **1993** — Graduated from Shenzhen University; subsequently worked on internet paging systems at China Motion Telecom Development.
- **1998** — Co-founded Tencent in Shenzhen with Zhang Zhidong, Xu Chenye, Chen Yidan and Zeng Liqing.
- **1999** — Tencent launched OICQ, subsequently known as QQ.
- **2004** — Tencent listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
- **2007** — Helped establish Tencent Foundation.
- **2011** — Weixin launched in January; its international brand is WeChat.
- **2016** — Announced plans to donate 100 million Tencent shares to a charity fund.
- **2018** — Jointly initiated the Xplorer Prize with 14 scientists.
- **2021** — Announced a Tencent collaboration with the National Astronomical Observatories to apply AI to pulsar searches.
- **2026** — Outlined Tencent’s investment and product priorities for its AI transition.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Tencent and led its strategic development from 1998 onward.
- Led Tencent through its 2004 Hong Kong listing.
- Backed the internal development that produced WeChat alongside the established QQ business.
- Named to TIME’s lists of influential people in 2007, 2014 and 2018.
- Initiated the Xplorer Prize with scientists to support fundamental research and frontier technology.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — In Tencent’s second-quarter announcement, Ma outlined progress across AI models, applications and infrastructure, including WorkBuddy and CodeBuddy; Tencent reported RMB52.8 billion in quarterly capital expenditure.
- **2026-06** — At quarter end, Tencent reported 1.439 billion combined monthly active Weixin and WeChat accounts and 520 million mobile monthly active QQ accounts.
- **2026-01** — At Tencent’s annual company meeting, Ma acknowledged slow progress in parts of its AI development and discussed investment priorities.

## Links

- Website: https://www.tencent.com/team/ma-huateng-pony-ma/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/pony-ma
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22