The combined number of billionaires in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, and Taiwan has overtaken the US according to Rupert Hoogewerf, founder of Hurun China Rich List. However, the number of the super rich engaging in charity work is distinctly lacking, reports ECNS.
Speaking at the 2013 China Philanthropy Forum in Beijing on Monday, Hoogewerf said: "What matters is they do engage in charity, not how much they donate." He also pointed out that 80 percent India's richest people engage in charity programs, while Chinese billionaires tend to avoid philanthropy or keep a low-profile regarding their charitable giving.
One of the few Chinese billionaires who does make a point of engaging in philanthropy is Chen Guangbiao, who was last seen handing out cash to earthquake survivors in Leshan, Sichuan province. Chen has been criticised for courting publicity with extravagant stunts, like a Chinese Richard Branson, rather than focusing on effective charitable giving.
The number of billionaires in Chinese mainland rose to 263 in 2013 according to Hoogewerf (other analysts have put the figure closer to 157), added to Taiwan and Hong Kong's billionaires, the number of ludicrously rich people in China tops the US.
[Image: Rupert Hoogewerf. Via: Sina]
0 User Comments