Recent days have witnessed continuous controversy surrounding Chen Xingjia's high compensation, with various parties offering their own responses. The latest reaction comes from Yu Minhong. On January 20, New Oriental's founder Yu Minhong posted an announcement on his personal Douyin account under the name of New Oriental Education & Technology Group: "New Oriental Education & Technology Group has appointed Teacher Chen Xingjia as Chief Consultant for New Oriental Education, Dongfang Zhenxuan, and New Oriental Cultural Tourism, with an annual salary of 1.5 million RMB." This public announcement signifies that the appointment has gained Chen Xingjia's acceptance.
Previously, the 2024 annual report published on the official website of Shenzhen Heng Hui Foundation revealed that Chen Xingjia held the internal position of Vice Chairman, receiving a pre-tax total income of approximately 730,100 RMB from the foundation that year. Meanwhile, the 2023 work report indicated that Chen Xingjia received compensation of 902,700 RMB from the foundation that year. Following the disclosure of Chen Xingjia's salary, questions emerged regarding the appropriateness of such high compensation for his role in a public welfare organization.
On the evening of January 18, Chen Xingjia publicly released a video announcing his intention to pass the baton to younger generations, stating that he would cease drawing a salary from Heng Hui Foundation after completing an orderly transition period. Within two days, Yu Minhong announced an offer exceeding double Chen Xingjia's previous compensation. This undoubtedly represents Yu Minhong's "understanding" and "action" regarding the controversy over Chen Xingjia's high salary.
Following widespread media coverage of this news, public opinion will inevitably generate subsequent reactions. Some netizens will applaud Yu Minhong's "action," viewing it as recognition of Chen Xingjia's "value." From Yu Minhong's perspective, if public sentiment deems Chen Xingjia's high compensation from a public welfare foundation inappropriate, then corporate entity New Oriental is willing to pay for the "value" of Chen Xingjia's services as Chief Consultant.
Conversely, other netizens may interpret this as representing certain entrepreneurs' "dismissiveness" and "disregard" toward public opinion. If critics consider 730,000 RMB annual salary from a foundation excessive, New Oriental coincidentally offers 1.5 million RMB - precisely more than double the previous amount.
Regardless, as Yu Minhong's announcement gains widespread circulation, discussions surrounding both Chen Xingjia and Yu Minhong himself will inevitably reignite. Undoubtedly, Yu Minhong's high-salary recruitment of Chen Xingjia constitutes a "double-edged sword" - potentially offering warmth to Chen Xingjia during chilly times, while simultaneously risking further damage to his public image.
The impacts on Chen Xingjia's reputation, Yu Minhong's personal image, and corporate operations remain to be observed.