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Billionaire Profile
Michael Minhong Yu
Global Rank
#2252

Image: Peter | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Minhong Yu

CEO, Education
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.859B
Estimated based on Education stock value as of April 21, 2026
-0.79% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Education
Industry
Service
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Michael Minhong Yu, born in 1962, is the founder and chairman of New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc., a leading private educational services provider in China. He is celebrated as the “richest teacher in China.” Yu's career began as an English instructor at Peking University before he founded New Oriental in 1993. His wealth stems from his success in the education sector. He is married with two children. His company went public on the NYSE in 2006, marking a pivotal moment in his career, and has since pivoted into the e-commerce space. Yu's impact extends beyond business; he has been recognized for his contributions to education and entrepreneurship.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Michael Minhong Yu was born in Xianggang Subdistrict, Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China, on September 4, 1962. He came from a rural family, and his mother encouraged his education. Despite facing early academic challenges, including failing the university entrance exam twice, he was eventually admitted to Peking University.

Rise to Success

After graduating from Peking University with a degree in English, Yu became an English instructor at the university. Recognizing the need to help students prepare for English language tests, he founded New Oriental School in 1993. The company initially focused on preparing students for TOEFL and GRE exams. New Oriental expanded rapidly, becoming China's largest private education company. The company's IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in 2006 was a significant milestone. In 2021, Yu pivoted the company into livestream e-commerce, after regulations impacted the tutoring sector.

Key Business Strategies

Yu's strategies included focusing on test preparation for overseas study, and developing engaging teaching methods. New Oriental's success was fueled by the increasing demand for overseas education among Chinese students. Yu expanded New Oriental's offerings to include a broad range of educational services.

Philanthropy

Yu has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors through New Oriental and has taken steps to support the development of youth in China.

Career Milestones

1985

English Instructor at Peking University

Began teaching English at Peking University after graduating with a degree in English.

1993

Founded New Oriental School

Established New Oriental School, a private educational institution, which later evolved into New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc.

2001

CEO of New Oriental

Became the CEO of New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc.

2006

New Oriental IPO

New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the first Chinese educational institution to do so.

2016

Stepped Down as CEO

Stepped down as CEO of New Oriental but remained Chairman of the Board.

2021

Pivot to Livestream E-Commerce

Pivoted into livestream e-commerce to generate income following regulatory changes in the tutoring sector.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Hew a stone of hope out of a mountain of despair and you can make your life a splendid one."

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Sexist Remarks

Made controversial comments suggesting that Chinese women were responsible for the country's 'moral degradation,' leading to widespread criticism and an apology.

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