Duan Yongping Chinese entrepreneur Date of Birth: 10.03.1961 Country: China

1. Biography of Duan Yongping
2. Education and Early Career
3. Entrepreneurial Success
4. BBK Electronics and Philanthropy

Biography of Duan Yongping

Duan Yongping is a Chinese entrepreneur and inventor, philanthropist, and electronic engineer by education. He is considered one of the most influential, innovative, and inspiring figures in the business field of mainland China. Duan Yongping was born on March 10, 1961, in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province.

Education and Early Career

In 1978, Duan became a student at Zhejiang University, specializing in wireless electronics. After completing his university studies, he worked as a teacher at an adult education center at a radio tube factory in Beijing. He later pursued further education at Renmin University of China, specializing in econometrics. Additionally, Duan spent two years at China Europe International Business School in Shanghai, where he obtained a Master's degree in Business Administration.

Entrepreneurial Success

In 1989, Duan joined a company in Zhongshan and eventually became its CEO. Within six years, he built a successful business empire and created one of the most well-known brands in China, 'Subor' ('Xiao Ba Wang'). In 1995, he left 'Xiao Ba Wang' and founded 'BBK' ('Bu Bu Gao'), establishing himself as one of the youngest heroes in the Chinese business industry. Duan was one of the founders and former CEO of Subor Electronics Industry Corporation from 1989 to 1995. Starting as a small enterprise with only 20 employees, including Duan himself, the company quickly became a leading manufacturer of educational computers and gaming consoles, generating profits exceeding 200 million yuan in 1994-1995.

BBK Electronics and Philanthropy

On August 28, 1995, Duan resigned from his position at Subor Electronics Industry Corporation and founded 'BBK Electronics Industrial Group' in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. The company's main products became highly regarded DVD players, which are exported to almost every country in the world. Mobile phones, landline phones, and stereo devices under the BBK brand also gained popularity. From 2002 to 2004, Duan was the second-largest individual shareholder of the Chinese internet company 'NetEase, Inc.' after the company's founder, William Ding.

Duan Yongping has frequently appeared on lists of the richest people and most prominent philanthropists in China. In September 2006, he, along with William Ding, donated $40 million to Zhejiang University, making it the largest private contribution to higher education in mainland China in recent years. Duan also paid $620,100 at an auction to have lunch with the famous Warren Buffett. Due to his stock market successes, he earned the nickname 'Chinese Buffett'.