New Oriental Education & Technology (EDU) founder Yu Minhong addressed the recent controversy surrounding his Antarctic trip. On November 20, Yu stated via Weibo that he appreciates the public's concern and emphasized that allowing employees to voice criticisms has long been a company tradition which he actively encourages. "When staff express dissatisfaction, it indicates issues with me or the company that need prompt correction," he noted, while also warning about imposters posing as New Oriental employees online.
"Antarctica is pristine territory worth visiting if given the chance," Yu revealed. "Next winter, we plan to select about 10 outstanding grassroots employees from New Oriental and EAST BUY (01797), along with 10 top EAST BUY members, for a company-sponsored Antarctic expedition." He clarified misinformation about "1.48 million yuan cruise tickets," explaining that Antarctic tour prices range from 50,000 to 300,000 yuan depending on vessels and cabins. The Le Commandant Charcot icebreaker he boarded with photographer Xi Zhinong costs 200,000-250,000 yuan for 12 days across different cabin classes—far below the rumored 1.48 million yuan.
The remarks follow Yu's polar-themed anniversary letter to staff during New Oriental's 32nd-anniversary celebrations, using penguin survival strategies as metaphors for enduring industry challenges. However, employees criticized the timing as "ironic," struggling to empathize with their vacationing CEO. Online backlash included comments like "You admire icebergs while I stare at spreadsheets in my rental," with netizens tallying 17 "I"s and 5 "Antarctica"s in the letter while noting absent mentions of workplace pressures.
Travel agencies previously reported Yu's 20-day Paris-departing cruise occurs biennially, with the next available slot in 2027. Luxury suites on the 29-day "Hobart-Antarctica-Kerguelen-Cape Town" route remain bookable at approximately 1.48 million yuan per person according to travel platforms.
On November 18, Yu explained in a video that his trip—initiated by Xi—focused on researching youth nature education programs. New Oriental plans to establish a youth exploration center promoting scientific environmental engagement, with teen-oriented Antarctic expeditions launching next winter.
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