“No internet company can be a champion for continuous five years. It’s a tough business,” Ma said, speaking in English, during a panel at "Summer Davos".

"The good thing is we have too many smart people and the bad thing is also because we have too many smart people to compete with."

Ma didn't name any of his competitors, two of which – e-commerce firm JD.com and internet giant Tencent – have shrugged off market concerns and maintained an upward trend in share prices. Some analysts have warned that Alibaba's business model may be too complicated and lacking in focus, making it more difficult for the firm to maintain a competitive advantage in any single market.

In recent weeks, Alibaba's share price fell below its IPO price of US$68 per share. The Hangzhou-based internet firm – founded by English teacher-turned tech mogul Ma – went public on the New York exchange in September 2014, with its share price shooting to a record high of US$120 in November.

Speaking emotionally, Ma said that despite popular perception, luck was not the reason for his incredible business success.

“We have unlucky things happening everyday and I’ve got used to that,” said Ma, adding that he always tries to think positive.