Shou Zi Chew, a Singaporean businessman and entrepreneur, has achieved a net worth of $200 million through his illustrious career in the tech industry. As the CEO of TikTok, he stands at the forefront of one of the world’s most influential social media platforms. Before leading TikTok, he held key executive roles at Xiaomi, a prominent Chinese electronics company. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming the head of a global digital giant is a testament to his strategic acumen and adaptability.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 1, 1983, in Singapore, Chew was raised in a hardworking family, with a father in construction and a mother working as a bookkeeper. He attended the prestigious Hwa Chong Institution before serving in Singapore’s National Service as a commissioned officer in the Singapore Armed Forces. His academic journey took him to University College London (UCL), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Economics in 2006. His desire to enhance his business skills led him to Harvard Business School, where he earned an MBA in 2010. While at Harvard, Chew interned at Facebook, gaining firsthand insight into the startup world.
Early Career Steps
After completing his studies at UCL, Chew began his career as an investment banker with Goldman Sachs in London, where he worked for two years. He then joined DST Global, a venture capital firm led by Yuri Milner, where he played a pivotal role in investments in tech giants like Alibaba, JD.com, Xiaomi, and ByteDance.
Xiaomi Journey
In 2015, Chew joined Xiaomi as its Chief Financial Officer, guiding the Chinese tech company through rapid growth. Xiaomi went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2018, a significant achievement for the firm. A year later, Chew became Xiaomi’s international business president, expanding its reach to global markets.
Leadership at TikTok and ByteDance
In March 2021, Chew transitioned to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, initially as its CFO. He soon became TikTok’s CEO, assuming leadership amid global scrutiny. The app faced growing concerns about security, surveillance, and censorship, leading to investigations by various governments. In response to these challenges, Chew testified before the U.S. Congress on multiple occasions to address legislative measures targeting TikTok over data privacy, censorship, and child internet safety.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Chew met his wife, Vivian Kao, while they were both students at Harvard Business School. The couple married and have two children. They frequently give back to their alma mater through donations and volunteer work. Today, the family lives in Singapore.
Shou Zi Chew exemplifies modern leadership in the digital age, demonstrating resilience and strategic thinking. His ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and steer TikTok through global challenges makes him a prominent figure in the business world.
