(Yicai Global) Dec. 18 -- I'm best known as a beneficiary of reform and opening up.

The 40 years of reform and opening up actually started at the end of 1978. I was then in third grade at elementary school. Thanks to the reform and opening up, an ordinary person like myself from a small city in Shanxi province in central China was able to receive a very formal and good education, gain entry to Peking University through a fair admission system, study abroad and finally return with the knowledge and skills gained. I have got such a big market and stage on which I have gradually performed. I am very grateful for the era, I believe I was born at the right time to grasp the opportunity to do something.

Robin Li, chairman and chief executive of Chinese internet giant Baidu.

Editor: William Clegg