Cao Dewang: The Greatest Charity for Entrepreneurs is Running Their Businesses Well

Ask AI · How does his path of charity evolve from donations to education for national development?

CCTV Fuzhou, March 21 — Title: Cao Dewang: The greatest charity of an entrepreneur is to run a good business

Author: Ye Qiuyun

“An entrepreneur’s greatest charity is not how much they donate, but how well they run their business, achieving steady and sustainable growth.” On March 20, Cao Dewang, founder and lifelong honorary chairman of Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd. (referred to as “Fuyao Glass”), spoke via video at the 2026 Minshang Annual Summit. Combining his half-century of entrepreneurship and charitable practice, he shared his unique understanding of charity.

On March 20, the 2026 Minshang Annual Summit themed “New Minshang, New Value, New Responsibility” was held in Fuzhou. Photo by Lai Zhihao

He stated that contributing to society through the healthy development of the enterprise itself is the most solid form of charity, which aligns with his understanding of entrepreneurial spirit. “The country becomes stronger because of you; society progresses because of you; people become wealthier because of you.”

According to Fuyao Glass’s 2025 annual report, in 2025, Fuyao Glass achieved a consolidated revenue of 45.787 billion yuan (RMB), a year-on-year increase of 16.65%; net profit attributable to shareholders was 9.312 billion yuan, up 24.2%.

Cao Dewang expressed that, faced with uncertainties in global trade, ongoing geopolitical turmoil, and sluggish growth in the automotive industry, Fuyao Glass has maintained steady management, reaching new heights in performance. “This makes me even more convinced that running a good business as an entrepreneur is the greatest responsibility to the country and society.”

He admitted that while creating value for society, entrepreneurs must also be grateful, and gratitude and compassion are the foundations of charity.

In the video, he reflected on over forty years of involvement in charity, from initial donations to establishing the He Ren Charity Foundation, and now founding Fujian Fuyao University of Science and Technology. Throughout, he has placed great emphasis on supporting education, extending from kindergartens, primary and secondary schools to top universities in China.

Cao Dewang pointed out that enterprise is the foundation of a nation, and education is the key to a strong country. Without education, there is no future. “As an entrepreneur, I am willing to do my modest part to promote education for national development. Now, founding Fujian Fuyao University of Science and Technology is my final battle in life, to cultivate talents for society’s education, and to explore the path of university establishment.” (End)