Chinese tycoon holds 'personal concert'

Chinese tycoon holds 'personal concert'

China's most high-profile philanthropist, Chen Guangbiao, held his first personal concert on Sunday evening and donated pigs, sheep and tractors to villagers, one of his latest charity events that have aroused much controversy.

Nearly 5,000 residents swarmed the square in front of the Bijie City government in southwest China's Guizhou Province for the amateur singer's free concert as Chen had promised to give out pigs, sheep and agricultural tools at the end of the two-hour show, The Beijing News reported.

The climax of the concert came when animals were led onto the stage and Chen announced he would give 2,000 pigs, 1,000 sheep and 113 tractors to impoverished villagers.

Chen Guangbiao (R) singing at the rehearsal before his concert

The Bijie government accepted the donation on behalf of the villagers. Chen would come back a month later to follow up, the report said.

The renowned philanthropist's act was defined as "Violent Charity" as he was accused of seeking media publicity with his unorthodox and unsubtle approach to charity.

He has made media headlines several times by posing with villagers and flaunting the money he had donated.

Compared to cash, animals and agricultural tools could better help villagers get rid of poverty and generate more fortune, Chen told Monday's Beijing Morning Post.

Although his act has sparked a debate, Chen told the newspaper he considered it good for his charity campaign as more people paid attention to it, adding that he would find more innovative ways to promote charity.

Chen, CEO of a resources recycling company in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, smashed a Mercedes-Benz car which still had three more years to run on September 16 to raise awareness about environmental protection.
Source: Shanghai Daily
Ima! ge Credi t: China Daily/ANN

Published Sept 27 2011