At the 2026 Chongli Forum, New Oriental founder Yu Minhong discussed the integration of AI into his business operations, including education, e-commerce, and cultural tourism. He noted that he personally uses AI tools at least 50 times a day for tasks such as drafting content, answering questions, and planning work.
The implementation of AI has significantly impacted his internal team structure. Yu Minhong reported that his support team has been reduced from 20 people to approximately 5, as AI tools have replaced the functions previously performed by the other 15 employees.
Regarding the education sector, Yu Minhong highlighted that while AI can outperform teachers in delivering academic content, it cannot replace the human role in emotional support, character development, and mentorship. He emphasized that teachers must focus on fostering curiosity and resilience in students rather than just academic performance.
Yu Minhong expressed concern over the misuse of AI in education, noting that it often encourages students to bypass critical thinking by providing instant answers to homework problems. He warned that this reliance leads to a disconnect between daily performance and actual exam results, as students lack the necessary guidance during independent work.
He concluded that AI development in education should prioritize student motivation and growth rather than simply facilitating easier problem-solving. He urged educators to utilize the time saved by AI automation to provide better emotional companionship and guidance to students.
