ALIBABA
Narrative and launch
Known more for its e-commerce platform than anything else, Alibaba needed a larger narrative for Western audiences in the wake of its U.S. IPO, the world’s largest at the time. The goal was to take the mystery and uncertainty out of China’s economy and redefine the phrase “Made in China” as “Made for the World,” to inform key investor and policymaking audiences that modern China is richly connected to the global economy.
Originally written as a 1,600-word op-ed style narrative, this story took on multiple forms and activations to clarify the company’s business intent, operating model, products and services, societal role, and strategic priorities. A campaign extended the core narrative to an interactive experience/website, TV and beyond.