At the 2026 Chongli Forum on November 12, New Oriental founder Yu Minhong shared his perspective on AI entrepreneurship, breaking it down into three key dimensions.

The first dimension, he explained, involves large-scale AI ventures or original innovation. "Whether you're building a large language model, developing GPUs, or creating chips, I categorize all of this as big AI entrepreneurship because it requires massive capital investment and long-term R&D. Of course, if it succeeds, the rewards are extraordinary."

The second dimension focuses on leveraging existing AI technologies and research breakthroughs to launch new businesses. "Many young entrepreneurs here are solving specific problems by combining AI with various industries. If you crack one of these challenges, you can deliver immense convenience to users."

The third dimension centers on helping traditional enterprises in China tackle their AI-related challenges. Yu noted, "Currently, New Oriental is committed to merging AI with education, but we've realized a key issue: the breakthrough point for this integration won't emerge from within New Oriental itself. It requires an external perspective to generate fresh consensus. That's why our team is now commissioning outside partners to help address the problems we need solved in the education sector."

Yu further elaborated, "Hundreds of traditional entrepreneurs around me face the same dilemma. Having them spawn cutting-edge AI innovation from within a traditional environment is, in my view, even more challenging than 'lifting yourself off the ground by your own hair.' This, however, presents a golden opportunity for young founders to step in and better serve these enterprises."