Zhao's executive decision may win him comic relief

The country's comic laureate, Zhao Benshan (pictured), quietly enrolled at Hong Kong's Cheung Kong Graduate School on Monday in order to become a qualified CEO. It's no joke. The "King of Sitcom" is paying up to HK$550,000 ($71,000) for an 18-day course that will also have classes in leafy Lausanne, London and New York.

Zhao can afford it, according to daqi.com, which lists him as China's richest comedian. Among his many earners are TV and film appearances, numerous product endorsements and a company with a stable of well-known comedians.

"I feel great," the website quotes him as saying. "I'm not well educated and I hope to learn how to manage an enterprise in a scientific way." "Insiders" say Zhao intends to make errenzhuan (singing and dancing with red hankies, followed by earthy skits) a global phenomenon. Good luck, he'll need it.