China’s ‘Glass King’ Leaves a Legacy in Education
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Cao Dewang. Photo: Bloomberg
When “Glass King” Cao Dewang retired this month, he left behind more than just an auto glass empire — the 79-year-old tycoon has crafted a legacy in education and philanthropy.
After nearly four decades at the helm of Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., Cao stepped down as chairman last week, passing the reins to his son. It was time to “let the new generation take over,” Cao said in an interview.
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- Cao Dewang, founder of Fuyao Glass, retired as chairman and handed leadership to his son while shifting focus to philanthropy and education.
- He founded Fuyao University of Science and Technology in 2021 with a 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) donation to bridge China’s talent gap in advanced manufacturing.
- Cao’s charitable contributions exceed 11 billion yuan, including establishing the Heren Foundation and nonprofit high schools, emphasizing service to society.
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Who’s Who
- Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd.
- Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd. is an auto glass empire founded by Cao Dewang. He recently retired as chairman, passing the role to his son. The company is a global leader in auto glass, holding nearly 34% market share, with factories in 12 countries. It was officially established in 1995.
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What Happened When
- 1946：
- Cao Dewang was born in Shanghai.
- 1960：
- Cao Dewang left school at age 14.
- 1983：
- Cao Dewang took over a struggling glass factory.
- 1986：
- Cao pivoted the company to the auto glass market.
- 1995：
- Cao Dewang officially established Fuyao Glass.
- 2001：
- China entered the World Trade Organization; Fuyao Glass expanded globally.
- 2011：
- Cao Dewang established the Heren Charitable Foundation by donating 300 million company shares.
- By 2019：
- Cao Dewang's personal donations surpassed 11 billion yuan.
- 2021：
- Cao Dewang founded Fuyao University of Science and Technology (FYUST) with a 10 billion yuan donation.
- February 2025：
- Fuyao University of Science and Technology (FYUST) received approval from the Ministry of Education.
- Fall 2025：
- FYUST welcomed its first 50 undergraduates.
- October 2025：
- Cao Dewang retired as chairman of Fuyao Glass and handed company leadership to his son.
- October 2025：
- Cao Dewang handed over daily management of FYUST to President Wang Shuguo.
- October 2025：
- Fuzhou's education bureau approved the Fuyao Future School project.
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