CASH WALL: Philanthropist Chen Guangbiao poses with millions in donations

Taking the lead

According to Chen, China has no shortage of billionaires, but many of them are not willing to donate to charity. According to the 2011 Forbes Billionaires List, a total of 115 Chinese are on the list of the world's richest, including nine with assets of more than $5 billion each.

"Besides the billionaires on the list, there are many secret billionaires on the Chinese mainland who do not want their identities revealed," said Chen, adding that they never donate a penny even when their compatriots were suffering from disasters.

"You can say I am promoting myself in charity. I am doing that to show those secret billionaires how to better use their money," Chen told ChinAfrica. "I earnestly hope more rich people could do as I do."

A red little star

Chen's story is one of rags to riches. "I grew up in poverty, so I can personally understand what people feel when they need help," he said.

In July 1968, Chen was born into a farming family in Tianganghu Town, Sihong County, Jiangsu Province, one of the most impoverished places in east China at that time. One of his elder brothers and an elder sister died of hunger. "I am afraid of poverty and that's why I do what I can to help people out of poverty," Chen said.

He made the decision to earn money for his own school fees as a 10-year-old after his parents could not afford to do so.

His first business venture was selling water he had drawn from a well to pedestrians. In the summer of 1978 he earned 4 yuan. His tuition fees were 1.8 yuan. After hearing that another boy in his neighborhood could also not pay for tuition Chen used his own earnings to help. It was his first act of charity.

"To be honest, I was very happy to help him with my own money," said Chen. "In this regard, I was influenced greatly by my parents." As a child, he often saw his mother breast-fed a baby of the neighboring family. "At that time, I learned that we need to help those in need."

Chen's teacher rewarded him for his kind help of his fellow pupil by giving him a red paper star. He was so delighted he informed everyone in the village.

"It was the first time that my philanthropy was recognized and rewarded. That little red star has become the source encouraging me to help those in need, no matter what other people may say about me," he stressed.

To this day he values receiving commendations for his acts of charity, which he says spurs him on in his efforts to give to others.