T ang Aoqi was not a businessman in the traditional sense, but a towering figure in Chinese science and education whose legacy created lasting value. Revered as the "father of quantum chemistry" in China, Tang was a brilliant scientist who made profound contributions to theoretical chemistry. After receiving his PhD from Columbia University in 1949 under future Nobel laureates, he made the pivotal decision to return to China in 1950, dedicating his life to building the country's scientific capabilities from the ground up during a period of immense challenge and isolation.

His most enduring impact was made at Jilin University, where he served as president for many years. He established one of China's premier chemistry departments and mentored generations of scientists, many of whom went on to become leaders in their fields. His theoretical work, particularly the ligand field theory, earned him international recognition and the highest scientific honors in China, including the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award in 2000. While he did not accumulate wealth through commercial enterprise, his intellectual property, influence, and the prestigious positions he held created a significant legacy that has benefited his family. His inclusion among the wealthy is a testament to the immense value placed on his foundational contributions to China's scientific and educational landscape.

Quick Reads:

• A renowned Chinese scientist known as the "father of quantum chemistry" in China.
• Earned his PhD in Chemistry from Columbia University in 1949.
• Served as the long-time president of Jilin University, building it into a scientific powerhouse.
• His research focused on quantum chemistry and ligand field theory.
• Received China's highest scientific honor, the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award.