Michael Minhong Yu

$1.82 B

Ranked #2218 in World

About Michael Minhong Yu

Yu Minhong, celebrated as China's "richest teacher" and the pioneering founder of New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc., has significantly shaped English language education in China, earning him a net worth of $1.7 billion by the Forbes China Rich List 2018. From humble beginnings in Jiangsu to listing his enterprise on the New York Stock Exchange in 2006, Minhong's journey is marked by perseverance and innovation. Over 70% of Chinese students in North American universities have benefited from his courses, underlining New Oriental's dominant footprint in the private education sector. Beyond education, Minhong's ventures into private higher education and angel investment, alongside his cultural contributions through films, showcase a multifaceted influence that echoes his commitment to success through determination and collaboration.

Born

January 01, 1962 in Xianggang Subdistrict, Jiangyin, Jiangsu, China

Age

64 years

Source Of Wealth

Education

Industries

Service

Citizenship

China

Residence

Beijing

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Peking University

Children

Yu Minhong was born on September 4, 1962, in a rural family in Xiagang Subdistrict of Jiangyin, Jiangsu. He faced challenges in his early education, failing the university qualification exam twice and losing a year due to illness. Despite these setbacks, he persevered and was eventually admitted to Beijing University, albeit in a class for sub-standard students due to language difficulties. He graduated in 1985 and began teaching English at Beijing University while applying for US universities.

Michael Minhong Yu: Family

Yu Minhong is married with a son and a daughter. His wife and daughter immigrated to Canada in 1995.

Michael Minhong Yu: Career Highlights

Yu Minhong is best known as the founder and president of New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc., a leading private education company in China. He established New Oriental School on November 16, 1993, as the only English teacher initially. Over the years, he transformed the business into the New Oriental Education and Technology Group, which became the largest private educational enterprise in China with over 10 million enrollments, 465 learning centers, and 29 bookstores by 2010. New Oriental was also the first Chinese private education company to list shares on the New York Stock Exchange, doing so on September 7, 2006.

In addition to his work with New Oriental, Yu Minhong has also been involved in private higher education and angel investment. He took over Gengdan Institute of Beijing University of Technology and became its president of the council in 2013. He also co-founded Hong Tai Fund (Angel Plus) with Sheng Xitai in 2014, focusing on angel and early-stage projects in various industries.

Michael Minhong Yu: Companies

New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc.
Gengdan Institute of Beijing University of Technology
Hong Tai Fund (Angel Plus)

Michael Minhong Yu: Major Achievements

Established New Oriental School, which grew into the largest private educational enterprise in China.

Took New Oriental public on the New York Stock Exchange, making it the first Chinese private education company to do so.
Became a prominent figure in China's education industry, known as the "richest teacher in China" and "Godfather of English Training."

Michael Minhong Yu: Awards & Achievements

Named one of the "Top 10 Economic Figures of the Year" by China Central Television (CCTV) in 2003.
Received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the China Education Development Foundation in 2018.
Recognized as one of the "50 Most Influential People in China" by Fortune China in 2019.

Michael Minhong Yu: Personal Life & Legacy

Yu Minhong is known for his determination, collaboration, and clear mission in achieving success. He has emphasized the importance of these qualities in his speeches and writings. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, donating millions of dollars to support education and other charitable causes.

Michael Minhong Yu: Trivia

Yu Minhong's self-development and entrepreneurial experiences are said to have inspired the Chinese film "American Dreams in China" (2013).
He made a guest appearance in the documentary film "Mr. Deng Goes to Washington" (2015), which chronicled Deng Xiaoping's historic visit to the United States in 1979.

Wealth History

Timeline

September 4, 1962

Yu Minhong was born in a rural family in Xiagang Subdistrict of Jiangyin, Jiangsu.

1985

Yu Minhong graduated from Beijing University and began teaching English at the same university while applying for US universities.

November 16, 1993

Yu Minhong established New Oriental School as the only English teacher initially.

2006

New Oriental was listed on the New York Stock Exchange on September 7.

2010

New Oriental became the largest private educational enterprise in China with over 10 million enrollments, 465 learning centers, and 29 bookstores.

2013

Yu Minhong took over Gengdan Institute of Beijing University of Technology and became its president of the council.

2014

Yu Minhong co-founded Hong Tai Fund (Angel Plus) with Sheng Xitai, focusing on angel and early-stage projects in various industries.

2015

Yu Minhong appeared as a guest performer in the documentary film 'Mr. Deng Goes to Washington' about Deng Xiaoping's historic visit to the United States in 1979.

Michael Minhong Yu : FAQs

What is Michael Minhong Yu's current net worth?

Michael Minhong Yu's current net worth is $1.82 billion.

What is Michael Minhong Yu's current global rank among billionaires?

Michael Minhong Yu holds the 2218th position globally among billionaires.

What is Michael Minhong Yu's current ranking within the China?

Michael Minhong Yu holds the 294th position in China.

What was the change in Michael Minhong Yu's net worth compared to the previous year?

Michael Minhong Yu's net worth increased by 30.4 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.79 billion dollars.

What are Michael Minhong Yu's main sources of wealth?

Michael Minhong Yu's main source of income comes from Education.

In which industry does Michael Minhong Yu primarily operate?

Michael Minhong Yu is primarily involved in the Service industry.

What is Michael Minhong Yu educational background?

Michael Minhong Yu holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Peking University.

How old is Michael Minhong Yu?

Michael Minhong Yu is 64 years old.

How many children does Michael Minhong Yu have?

Michael Minhong Yu has 2 children.

Who is Yu Minhong and what is he known for?

Yu Minhong is the founder and president of New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc., known as the 'richest teacher in China' and the 'Godfather of English Training'. His estimated net worth was $1.7 billion according to the Forbes China Rich List 2018.

How did Yu Minhong contribute to Chinese students studying abroad?

Approximately 70% of Chinese students studying in the United States and Canada have taken English classes from New Oriental, demonstrating Yu Minhong's significant impact on their education.

What is the significance of New Oriental in the field of private education in China?

New Oriental was the first Chinese private education company to list shares on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming the largest private educational enterprise in China with over 10 million enrollments.

What other career achievements does Yu Minhong have outside of New Oriental?

Aside from founding New Oriental, Yu Minhong took over Gengdan Institute of Beijing University of Technology in 2013 and co-founded Hong Tai Fund in 2014, focusing on angel and early-stage projects.

Can you describe Yu Minhong's early life challenges and how they shaped his career?

Born in a rural family and twice failing university exams, Yu Minhong faced significant challenges including language difficulties at Beijing University. These experiences fueled his determination and ultimately led to his immense success in education.