Apple CEO Pledges 3.5 Billion Yuan for China Education, Emphasizes Tech's Role

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc., recently addressed the China Development Forum 2025 Annual Meeting, where he underscored the critical role of education and pledged Apple's ongoing support for educational endeavors in China. Cook expressed his excitement about Apple's vision for contributing to China's educational landscape, emphasizing the company's dedication to making a meaningful impact.

During the forum, Apple announced an additional donation to the China Development Research Foundation. This contribution aims to expand the rural teacher training program, which has been a significant focus for Apple since 2020. The company has already donated a total of 3.5 billion yuan to various public welfare projects in China, demonstrating its commitment to improving educational opportunities.

Cook highlighted the transformative potential of technology in education, asserting that the integration of advanced technology with skilled teaching can significantly enhance student engagement and accelerate the learning process. He stressed the importance of equitable access to education, particularly in rural areas, and noted that further donations would enable more students to benefit from these initiatives.

Cook believes that technology is not just a tool but a bridge connecting knowledge and practice. He aims to provide equal opportunities for everyone through advanced technology. Cook advocates for universal programming education, not to create more programmers, but to foster problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity, even in the era of generative AI.

Apple has set an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2030. Cook views environmental protection as a corporate responsibility rather than a business strategy. He acknowledged China's crucial role in carbon reduction efforts, noting that two-thirds of Apple's suppliers in China are already powered by renewable energy. The company also places significant emphasis on the recycling of components, stressing that environmental protection requires a hands-on, diligent approach with no shortcuts.