Chen Yidan (陈一丹, born 1971), also known as Charles Chen, is a Chinese internet entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is a co-founder of Tencent, founder of the Chen Yidan Charity Foundation, and founder of the Yidan Prize Foundation.
Chen Yidan 陈一丹 | |
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Born | 1971 (age 52–53) Huizhou, Guangdong, China |
Nationality | Chinese |
Alma mater | Shenzhen University Nanjing University Singapore Management University |
Occupation(s) | Co-founder and former CAO of Tencent Founder of Wuhan College Founder of the Chen Yidan Charity Foundation Founder of the Yidan Prize Foundation |
Chen Yidan was born in Huizhou, Guangdong, and grew up in Shenzhen, Guangdong. He obtained a bachelor's degree in applied chemistry from Shenzhen University and a master's degree in economic law from Nanjing University.[1][2] He subsequently earned a Doctor of Business Administration from Singapore Management University.[3]
In 1998, Chen Yidan co-founded the internet holding company Tencent alongside Ma Huateng,[4] Zhang Zhidong,[5] Xu Chenye, and Zeng Liqing.[2][6] He served as the company's chief administrative officer (CAO).[7] Yidan also led the company's Tencent Charity Foundation.[8][9][7]
In March 2013, Yidan stepped down as Tencent's CAO.[10] He continued to be involved with the company as an advisor, sponsor, and honorary chairman of the Tencent Charity Foundation.[11][12][10]
In March 2013, Chen Yidan founded the Chen Yidan Charity Foundation after stepping down from his role as CAO of Tencent.[13][6]
In 2009, Yidan cofounded Wuhan College and became a school initiator.[14][15] In 2015, Yidan donated RMB20 million to support the college's library construction and reading material purchases.[2][16]
In May 2016, Chen founded the Yidan Prize, funded by an independent trust of HK $2.5 billion (US$320 million). The award was established to recognize innovators and those who had made contributions to education.[17][18][6][19] The Prize included two annual awards, the Yidan Prize for Education Development and the Yidan Prize for Education Research.[17] Each prize included a cash award of HK $15 million as well as a project fund of HK $15 million.[17][2]
In 2015 Yidan was named to the China Philanthropy Institute's list of top Chinese philanthropists.[20] In 2016, he appeared on the China Charity Ranking List as well.[21] In June 2017, he was named one of China's top philanthropists by Forbes.[22]