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Billionaire Profile
Michael Minhong Yu
Global Rank
#2262

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

Michael Minhong Yu

CEO, Education
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.752B
Estimated based on Education stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.11% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Education
Industry
Service
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Michael Minhong Yu, born September 4, 1962, is a prominent Chinese businessman and educator, best known as the founder and chairman of New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc.. He is widely regarded as "the richest teacher in China." Yu's journey began with humble beginnings in rural Jiangsu, overcoming early academic challenges to eventually graduate from Peking University with a degree in English. He started New Oriental in 1993, which grew into a leading private education company in China. Yu's entrepreneurial spirit and focus on team spirit were instrumental in his success. In addition to his business ventures, Yu is known for his philanthropic efforts, donating millions of dollars to support education and other charitable causes.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Michael Minhong Yu was born on September 4, 1962, in the rural Xiagang Subdistrict of Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China. He faced early academic challenges, failing the university entrance exam twice before being admitted to Beijing University. Despite these setbacks, Yu persevered, eventually graduating with a degree in English in 1985.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Yu began teaching English at Beijing University. Recognizing the growing demand for English language skills, Yu founded New Oriental School in 1993. Initially, he was the only English teacher. Through hard work and dedication, Yu transformed the school into the New Oriental Education & Technology Group, China's largest private educational enterprise. New Oriental went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2006, becoming the first Chinese private education company to do so.

Key Business Strategies

Yu's key business strategies included providing test preparation courses and English language training, catering to the increasing demand for overseas study. He expanded the company's offerings to include primary and secondary school education, educational content, and online education.

Philanthropy

Yu is known for his philanthropic efforts, donating millions of dollars to support education and other charitable causes.

Career Milestones

1993

Founded New Oriental School

Established the school with himself as the only English teacher.

2001

Became CEO and Chairman of New Oriental Education & Technology Group

Took on the roles of CEO and Chairman to lead the company's growth.

2006

New Oriental IPO

Took New Oriental public on the New York Stock Exchange, making it the first Chinese private education company to do so.

2013

President of the council of Gengdan Institute of Beijing University of Technology

Took over Gengdan Institute.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Charity Trust

$0.5M+

Established a charity trust in Hong Kong and has supported around 500 students to help pay their tuition fees.

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.""

Leadership Principles

Team Spirit

Emphasizes the importance of teamwork in achieving goals and avoiding individualistic heroism.

Determination and Perseverance

Key qualities that were instrumental in his success. Despite failures, he persevered.

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Sexist Remarks

Caused public resentment when suggesting Chinese women were responsible for the decline of the country.

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