The CEO of a leading Chinese civil service exam preparation company, FENBI, has issued a public apology to students and faculty at Renmin University following an incident during a campus lecture.
In a formal apology letter released today, CEO Zhang Xiaolong addressed the university community. The letter stated: "I am Zhang Xiaolong. During the lecture event at the School of Philosophy of Renmin University yesterday, due to my inappropriate personal words and actions, I left the venue midway and made improper remarks, which caused distress to the teachers and students present and disrupted the normal atmosphere of exchange. For this, I sincerely apologize to all the teachers and students."
Zhang took full responsibility for the incident in the letter, stating he sincerely accepts criticism and is engaging in deep reflection. He expressed profound regret for the negative impact on Renmin University and its School of Philosophy and stated his willingness to bear the corresponding responsibility. The letter concluded with another apology to all affected individuals.
Background of the Incident
According to previously circulated reports, including alleged on-site recordings and accounts from multiple students present, the incident occurred on June 3rd. Zhang Xiaolong, who was invited to give a lecture at the Renmin University School of Philosophy, reportedly changed the topic at the last minute to "AI Stock Trading" and personal wealth sharing.
Witnesses claimed that when the student audience reacted with indifference, Zhang suddenly lost his temper. He is alleged to have hurled insults at the students for several minutes, publicly stating that "those taking civil service exams are just idling away their lives," before storming out of the venue.
Public and Market Reaction
The event quickly gained traction on social media, sparking widespread public anger. As the founder of a listed education company whose revenue is highly dependent on the civil service exam preparation demographic, Zhang's public outburst and disparagement of his own core customer base drew sharp criticism from public opinion. Many netizens and current students of FENBI have taken to social networks to call for a boycott of the company and to demand refunds for their courses.
Company and Executive Profile
According to corporate records, Beijing Fenbi Lantian Technology Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Yuanfudao, focusing on online vocational education. The company's business model is based on its question bank, with online live tutoring as its primary revenue stream. Its main areas of operation are in exam preparation for civil service, judicial qualifications, postgraduate entrance exams, and other fields related to university student employment and further education.
Zhang Xiaolong is the legal representative and CEO of Beijing Fenbi Lantian Technology Co., Ltd., and the CEO of Fenbi.com. He holds a bachelor's degree from Guizhou University and a postgraduate degree from Sun Yat-sen University. He began his career in 2006 as a part-time lecturer at a civil service exam training institution. In 2013, he joined Yuanfudao to manage its civil service exam project and later became the CEO of Fenbi.com. He founded Beijing Fenbi Lantian Technology Co., Ltd. in 2015, assuming the role of legal representative.
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