Famous Chinese Entrepreneurs

Jack Ma is a prominent Chinese business magnate, investor, and philanthropist known for co-founding Alibaba Group and Yunfeng Capital. With a background in English studies, he transitioned into internet entrepreneurship in the 1990s, establishing his first business in 1994. He later founded Alibaba Group in 1999, which initially focused on B2B e-commerce and expanded into various industry domains. Ma's leadership and influence in the Chinese business community led to his recognition as a global ambassador and philanthropist supporting underprivileged communities worldwide.

Ma Huateng is a prominent Chinese business magnate, investor, and philanthropist known for co-founding and leading Tencent, a major internet and technology company. He has been recognized globally for his influence and power, making various prestigious lists such as Time magazine's most influential people and Forbes' most powerful people. Ma is praised for his low-key personality and compared to Warren Buffett for his investment strategies. With a significant net worth, he is among the wealthiest individuals in the world and plays a key role in China's business landscape.

Ren Zhengfei is a Chinese entrepreneur and engineer known for founding and leading Huawei Technologies, a major player in the telecommunications industry. As the CEO, Ren has overseen Huawei's growth to become the world's largest manufacturer of telecommunications equipment and second largest manufacturer of smartphones. Ren is dedicated to communist ideology and has integrated CCP principles into Huawei's management and corporate culture. He prioritizes serving the people and all human beings, expressing a commitment to upholding these values even in the face of potential conflicts.

Vincent Tan Chee Yioun is a prominent Malaysian Chinese businessman and investor known for founding Berjaya Corporation Berhad, a diversified conglomerate listed on the Malaysian stock exchange. His professional endeavors extend to various industries including internet-related businesses, water utilities, media, retail, and telecommunications. Tan's success in the business sector is underscored by his strategic partnerships and connections with influential Malay political figures. Over the years, he has garnered significant wealth, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $695 million as of May 2023, ranking him among the top wealthiest individuals in Malaysia.

Wang Jianlin is a prominent Chinese business figure known for his leadership in the Dalian Wanda Group, a major conglomerate in China. He is recognized for his role as chairman, founder, and majority shareholder of the company, which is renowned for its real estate development and movie theater operations. Wang has also been involved in sports ownership, including a stake in Spanish football club Atlético Madrid. He has made significant contributions to the economic and construction sectors in various regions of China, earning accolades for his impactful work. Wang's success has positioned him as one of the wealthiest individuals in China.

Ken Xie is an American billionaire businessman known for founding Systems Integration Solutions (SIS), NetScreen, and Fortinet. As the CEO of Fortinet, a cybersecurity firm in Silicon Valley, he has solidified his position in the industry. Xie's noteworthy achievements include being the former CEO of NetScreen, leading its acquisition by Juniper Networks for $4 billion in 2004. Additionally, he is recognized for developing the first ASIC-based firewall/VPN appliance in 1996, showcasing his innovation and expertise in the field of cybersecurity.

Lim Goh Tong was a prominent Malaysian Chinese businessman and entrepreneur known for his successful transformation of Genting Highlands into a world-renowned casino resort. He achieved great wealth and success through his business ventures, becoming the richest man in Malaysia at one point. With a net worth of US$4.2 billion, Lim's professional life was characterized by his vision, innovation, and dedication to creating a thriving business empire in the hospitality and entertainment industry.

Robin Li Yanhong is a Chinese software engineer and billionaire internet entrepreneur known for co-founding and leading Baidu, a prominent Chinese multinational technology company. With a background in information management and computer science, he established RankDex in 1996 before founding Baidu in 2000 alongside Eric Xu. Serving as the CEO since 2004, Li has overseen Baidu's growth and listing on NASDAQ in 2005. Despite success, his tenure has faced criticism for various controversies, including issues related to healthcare advertising and ad fraud.

Gu Kailai is a former lawyer and businesswoman from China. She gained prominence as the second wife of former Politburo member Bo Xilai, a highly influential politician in China. Gu's career took a dramatic turn when she was convicted of murdering British businessman Neil Heywood. Initially sentenced to death, her punishment was later commuted to life imprisonment. This high-profile case tarnished her professional reputation and overshadowed her previous legal and business activities.

An Wang was a Chinese-American computer engineer and inventor known for co-founding Wang Laboratories, a company famous for its word processing machines. He made significant contributions to the development of magnetic-core memory technology. Wang's expertise in computer engineering and dedication to innovation propelled him to the forefront of the industry. His work at Wang Laboratories helped shape the landscape of computing technology, establishing him as a key figure in the advancement of computer systems and memory storage solutions.

Vivien Yeo is a Malaysian Chinese actress and businesswoman known for her roles in popular television series such as Ghost of Relativity and The Learning Curve of a Warlord. She started her acting career in 2004 with the youth drama series Sunshine Heartbeat. In addition to her successful acting career, Yeo is also the founder of Vivien Yeo's Beauty Store, a cosmetics store chain with locations in Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Peng Lei, also known as Lucy Peng, is a Chinese billionaire businesswoman renowned for her role as one of the founders of the e-commerce giant Alibaba Group. She has played a pivotal role in the company's growth and success, contributing to its emergence as a global powerhouse in the industry. With her strategic vision and entrepreneurial acumen, Peng has solidified her position as a prominent figure in the business world, earning recognition as one of the self-made women billionaires in China.

Tung Chee-hwa is a prominent Hong Kong businessman and retired politician. He served as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 1997 to 2005. Tung took over his family's shipping business, Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), after his father's death. He played a key role in saving OOCL from bankruptcy with the help of the People's Republic of China government. Tung was appointed to various political positions, including as an unofficial member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong and later as vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. He founded the China-United States Exchange Foundation and Our Hong Kong Foundation, showcasing his continued influence in Hong Kong politics.

Lü Buwei was a prominent Chinese merchant and politician from the Qin state during the Warring States period. He rose to power through his friendship with King Zhuangxiang of Qin, ultimately becoming the king's chancellor and regent to his son, Ying Zheng. Lü Buwei's influence was crucial in securing the Qin throne for King Zhuangxiang and shaping the political landscape of the time. Despite his achievements, Lü Buwei's career ended in scandal and exile, leading to his tragic demise.

Zhang Xin is a prominent Chinese billionaire businesswoman known for her success in the real estate industry. She co-founded and was the former CEO of SOHO China, a major Chinese office building developer. Zhang transitioned from building and selling properties to buying and leasing them, also acquiring stakes in iconic properties like New York City's Park Avenue Plaza and General Motors Building. She is recognized as one of the world's top businesswomen and has a significant online following. Zhang is also involved in philanthropy through the SOHO China Foundation, supporting education initiatives and providing scholarships to Chinese undergraduate students at top international universities.

Li Ning is a Chinese retired gymnast of Zhuang ethnicity who founded the sportswear company Li-Ning. He is also a billionaire entrepreneur known for his successful business ventures. Li Ning's professional life is marked by his achievements in the sportswear industry, where he has built a successful brand recognized globally. He has played a significant role in promoting sports and fitness through his company's products and sponsorships. Li Ning's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his brand have made him a respected figure in the business world.

Nina Wang was a prominent figure in the business world, known for being Asia's richest woman with a substantial net worth. She was the widow of Teddy Wang, a successful Hong Kong chemical magnate. Following her husband's disappearance, Nina took charge of their business empire and successfully navigated the challenges that came her way. With her strategic acumen and leadership skills, she continued to grow the family fortune and solidify her own reputation as a savvy businesswoman in the competitive industry landscape.

Daniel Zhang Yong is a prominent Chinese business executive known for his leadership roles at Alibaba Group, including as CEO of Taobao and president of Tmall. He is credited with creating the Singles' Day shopping holiday, a highly successful annual sales event in China. Zhang has a background in finance and has worked for notable firms such as Barings Bank, Arthur Andersen, and PwC. He joined Taobao in 2007, eventually rising to become CEO of Alibaba Group in 2015 and later serving as executive chairman. Zhang's influence in the business world was recognized when he was included in Time's list of 100 most influential people in 2020.

Xu Ming was a prominent Chinese entrepreneur and billionaire known for founding the conglomerate Dalian Shide Group and serving as the chairman of Dalian Shide F.C., a top football club in China during the 2000s. He achieved significant wealth, being ranked among the richest individuals in China by Forbes. Xu's professional success was marked by his close ties to high-ranking government officials, notably Bo Xilai. However, his career took a turn when he was implicated in a political scandal following Bo's downfall, leading to his imprisonment and subsequent passing in 2015.

Li Ruigang is a prominent Chinese businessman and media mogul known for his significant contributions to the media industry. With a background in business, he has played a key role in the development and growth of various media companies. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Li has successfully expanded his influence in the industry, leading to the establishment of a successful media empire. His leadership and vision have solidified his reputation as a key player in shaping the media landscape in China and beyond.

Jimmy Lai, also known as Lai Chee-ying, is a prominent Hong Kong businessman and politician known for founding Giordano, a popular Asian clothing retailer, and Next Digital (formerly Next Media), a Hong Kong-listed media company. He also established the widely-read newspaper Apple Daily. Lai is a key figure in the pro-democracy camp, particularly supporting the Democratic Party. He has been a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party, leading to his arrest on multiple occasions. Despite facing legal challenges, Lai continues to advocate for press freedom and democratic values.

Li Yonghong is a Chinese businessman known for his investments and stock market transactions in mainland China. He gained public attention in 2016 when he acquired ownership of the Italian football club A.C. Milan from Silvio Berlusconi. Prior to this, he had been involved in various business ventures and had a citizenship in Hong Kong, which was seen as a foreign investment in mainland China. Li's professional life showcases his success as an investor and entrepreneur in both China and international markets.

Bo Guagua has pursued a career in law and international relations. He has studied at prestigious universities in both China and the United States. Bo Guagua has also gained experience working at various organizations, including internships at the Ministry of Commerce in China and the Chinese Embassy in the United States. Additionally, he has been involved in academic and research projects related to his fields of study. Bo Guagua's professional endeavors reflect his interest in diplomacy and global affairs.

Sir Run Run Shaw was a prominent Hong Kong businessman, filmmaker, and philanthropist. He was a key figure in the East Asian and Hong Kong entertainment industry, known for founding the Shaw Brothers Studio and TVB. With a strong commitment to education, Shaw donated generously to educational institutions in Hong Kong and mainland China, leading to numerous buildings being named after him on Chinese college campuses. He also established the Shaw Prize, recognizing achievements in Astronomy, Life Science & Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences.

Pocket Sun is a Chinese-born entrepreneur, investor, and keynote speaker based in Singapore. She is the co-founder of SoGal Ventures, the world's largest female-led millennial venture capital firm. Pocket has been recognized for her achievements, including being featured on the cover of 'Forbes' magazine and named among the youngest 'LinkedIn Top Voices in VC and Entrepreneurship'. She is also the founder of She Power Organization and SheVC, operating across Asia. Pocket is known for her blog 'SoGal AdVentures' and has spoken at prestigious events worldwide, promoting diversity and balance in her investments.

Gerald L. Chan is an American billionaire known for his successful career in business. He, along with his brother Ronnie Chan, is involved in running the Hang Lung Group. Through his professional endeavors, Gerald has made significant contributions to the business world and has achieved notable success in various ventures. His leadership and strategic decision-making have played a key role in the growth and success of the Hang Lung Group, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the business community.

Dr. H. H. Kung, a Chinese banker and politician, played a significant role in shaping the economic policies of the Kuomintang-led Nationalist government of the Republic of China during the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his influence alongside his brother-in-law, Soong Tse-ven, in the government's decision-making processes. Through his expertise in banking and politics, Dr. Kung made substantial contributions to the economic development and governance of China during a critical period in its history.

Lawrence Kadoorie, Baron Kadoorie, was a prominent figure in Hong Kong known for his contributions as an industrialist, hotelier, photographer, and philanthropist. He played a key role in various industries, notably in the development of the Kadoorie family businesses. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen led to the success of several ventures, including significant contributions to the hospitality sector. Additionally, Kadoorie's philanthropic endeavors reflected his commitment to giving back to society and supporting various charitable causes.

George Zhu, also known as Zhu Zhaojiang, is a prominent Chinese businessman and the President of Transsion Holdings. He founded Tecno Telecommunications Limited, which later evolved into Transsion Holdings, a Hong Kong-based company known for manufacturing mobile phones and electronic appliances. Under Zhu's leadership, the company has achieved significant success in the technology industry. Zhu's strategic vision and business acumen have played a crucial role in driving Transsion Holdings' growth and establishing its position as a key player in the global market.

Wang Laichun is a prominent figure in the Chinese electronics industry, known for co-founding Luxshare Precision Industry Co., Ltd, a company specializing in computer cables and serving as a key assembler of Apple's AirPods. With a background at Foxconn, Wang's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Luxshare in 2004, where she currently serves as the chairperson. Her success has been recognized globally, with accolades such as being one of the world's youngest self-made women billionaires and ranking as one of China's wealthiest women.

Ng Lap Seng is a prominent Chinese billionaire real estate businessman based in Macau. He serves as the chairman of the Sun Kian Ip Group, a well-known company in the real estate industry. Ng Lap Seng is highly respected for his successful career and business acumen. In addition to his business ventures, he is also recognized for his involvement in national politics as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Joyce Chen was a Chinese-American chef, restaurateur, author, television personality, and entrepreneur. She popularized northern-style Chinese cuisine in the US and coined the name "Peking Raviolis" for potstickers. Chen also invented a flat bottom wok with handle, holding a design patent for it, and developed the first line of bottled Chinese stir fry sauces for the US market. Operating popular Chinese restaurants in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she made significant contributions to American cuisine before her passing in 1994.

Zhang Jian, also known by his courtesy and art names, was a prominent Chinese entrepreneur, politician, and educator. He was recognized as a "new gentry" figure, blending roles as an official and entrepreneur. Zhang Jian's professional life was characterized by his significant contributions to business, politics, and education in China. Through his entrepreneurial endeavors and political engagements, he played a key role in shaping various sectors of society and leaving a lasting impact on the country's economic and educational landscape.

Z.Y. Fu, a Chinese-Japanese entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded the Sansaio Trading Corporation of Japan. He made a significant impact through his entrepreneurial endeavors and philanthropic contributions. His legacy is honored by the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University in New York City, which was named after him in recognition of his generous donation. Fu's professional life exemplified a commitment to business success and giving back to society through education and innovation.

Yang Bin is a Chinese-Dutch businessman who made his mark in the horticulture and real estate industries. He held stakes in companies like Euro-Asia Agricultural Holdings and Holland Village, China. Yang's entrepreneurial journey led him to establish his orchid business in Shenyang, integrating modern horticultural techniques. In a surprising turn, he was appointed to govern the Sinŭiju Special Administrative Region by North Korea in 2002 but faced legal troubles soon after. Despite his setbacks, Yang Bin was released from prison in 2016 after serving time for tax evasion.

Vivian Shun-wen Wu was a prominent Taiwanese businesswoman known for her leadership in the automotive and textile industries. She served as the chairwoman of Yulon Motor, a Taiwan-based automaker specializing in Nissan-brand automobiles, as well as Tai Yuen Textile and China Motor. Wu's professional journey showcased her expertise in business management and strategic decision-making. With a background in academia and a strong business acumen, she played a pivotal role in the success and growth of these companies, leaving a lasting impact on the business world.

Robert Charles Chien is a Japanese-Chinese entrepreneur with a successful career in the media industry. He is the president of Ambient Media, a prominent company offering diverse media services to the Philippine film sector. Chien owns a multimedia company and has established himself as a respected businessman. Despite his preference for a low-key profile, he is known for his expertise and contributions to the industry. Chien's professional life is marked by his dedication to excellence and innovation in the media landscape.