On November 16, marking the 32nd anniversary of New Oriental Education & Technology (NYSE: EDU), founder Yu Minhong penned an internal letter from Antarctica. The letter repeatedly referenced Antarctic scenery, using penguins supporting each other through winter as a metaphor for the company's three major business goals, while emphasizing hope and corporate conscience.

However, the letter triggered widespread criticism among New Oriental employees, trending on Weibo. Employees mocked the letter on social media, pointing out that while their boss enjoyed "poetry and distant horizons," they were working late nights under intense performance pressure. Notably, Yu mentioned himself 17 times in the letter but failed to address staff concerns. Employees expressed that instead of motivational rhetoric, they needed tangible benefits and job security.

The incident resonated deeply with workers nationwide, highlighting a collective frustration over corporate leadership's disconnect from employee welfare.