Alibaba founder Jack Ma has reportedly returned to the nation in a rare public appearance after more than a year overseas, the South China Morning Post reported on Monday.

Ma, one of the country’s most prominent entrepreneurs, left the mainland in late 2021 and had been spotted in Japan, Australia and Thailand since then.

The tycoon had largely stayed out of the media spotlight since late 2020 after criticising mainland regulators.

While mainland authorities said in recent months they are looking for ways to support the private sector, Chinese entrepreneurs said they saw Ma's decision to stay overseas as a factor hindering confidence.

The SCMP, which Ma owns, cited sources which said Ma had visited a school he founded in Hangzhou, where he discussed issues such as education and the ChatGPT AI chatbot with teachers and students.

The report also said Ma had made brief stopover in Hong Kong, where he met friends and also visited the SAR's flagship contemporary fair Art Basel.

Alibaba shares in Hong Kong rose more four percent after the SCMP report was published.

The tech giant did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The school, Yungu Education, on Monday said on its WeChat account that Ma had visited its premises and posted photographs as well as a video of the Alibaba founder at the school.

The billionaire gave up control of his financial technology business Ant Group in January, following an overhaul at the fintech giant. (Reuters)