Alibaba Partner Lin Road Yuan, who is often referred to as a "tech dad", has apologized for his recent comment that sparked controversy in the Chinese tech industry. In a post on social media, Lin Road Yuan expressed his regret for not measuring his words carefully, which led to negative feedback from the public. He further stated that he will take a three-month salary cut as a form of self-punishment and self-reflection. The incident highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and the impact of words on society.
Lin Road Yuan's comment was in response to a news article about his opinion on the Chinese tech industry, specifically the difference in strengths and weaknesses between Tencent and NetEase. He stated that Tencent and NetEase will be in a state of parity within five years, and that online game company Bilibili must strive to become the second-largest company. His comment was met with criticism from netizens who felt that his statement was not only overly boastful but also neglecting the achievements of other companies in the industry.
In a separate article, Lin Road Yuan's apology note was published, where he expressed his gratitude for the feedback and criticism he received. He acknowledged that his comment was not in line with the values of humility and modesty that Alibaba advocates for, and promised to be more mindful of his words in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and the impact of words on society. It also highlights the need for leaders and public figures to be mindful of their words and actions, and to prioritize self-reflection and accountability.