After months of speculation about his whereabouts, China's richest man, Jack Ma, has resurfaced in a short online video praising China's teachers.

It's the first time the founder of Alibaba has been seen in public since October, when he blasted China's regulatory system during a speech at a Shanghai forum.

Those comments set him on a collision course of Beijing officials on led to the abrupt suspension of the AIPO of ANC group, the payments firm he controls.

The blockbuster listing had been set to be the largest ever before it was abruptly pulled in November.

Weeks later, Mass skip the filming of a TV talent show he created for African entrepreneurs.

His absence led to media reports and speculation that he was missing.

Wednesday's reappearance by Maher has driven a sharp jump in Alibaba's shares.

In the video, he praises 100 teachers and tells them we will meet again when the health crisis is over.

According to local reports, online event was the Jack Mar Rural Teachers Award ceremony.

His physical whereabouts were not disclosed.