Vivian Kao is a Taiwanese-American business executive, entrepreneur, and a leading woman in global finance, best known to the public as the wife of Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok. Despite being married to one of the most influential tech leaders of the decade, Vivian Kao has built her own distinguished career in finance, growth strategy, and executive leadership. Her story is one of cultural heritage, academic excellence, global business insight, and personal integrity.
From her Taiwanese roots to her high-profile leadership roles in companies across Asia and the United States, Vivian Kao is a testament to women succeeding in corporate leadership on their own terms. As she continues to shape the financial landscape, her narrative interlaces personal achievement with steadfast support to her high-profile husband, creating a power couple dynamic often discussed in both business and media circles.
Vivian Kao Nationality and Cultural Roots
Vivian Kao holds Taiwanese-American nationality. Born in 1984 in Virginia, United States, she is part of a Taiwanese immigrant family that valued education and ambition. Her bicultural identity played a significant role in shaping her worldview and contributed to her ability to seamlessly bridge Eastern and Western business cultures.
Her upbringing in an immigrant household instilled in her both resilience and a drive for success. While details about her parents remain largely private, they are known to have been supportive of her academic pursuits and personal goals, laying the foundation for a future marked by excellence and global achievement.
Vivian Kao Age and Early Life
As of 2025, Vivian Kao is 41 years old. She was born in the U.S. in 1984 and grew up in a supportive, education-focused household. From a young age, she was described as intelligent, diligent, and curious about international affairs, economics, and business structures.
Vivian’s early years shaped her later accomplishments. Being raised in the U.S. while deeply connected to her Taiwanese roots gave her a unique perspective—making her both culturally agile and globally aware. These traits would later serve her well during her international career stints.
Vivian Kao Education
Vivian Kao is a shining example of academic excellence:
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Bachelor’s Degree: She graduated from Wellesley College in 2004 with a BA in Economics and Chinese Studies. Wellesley is known for producing outstanding women leaders, and Vivian fits that mold precisely.
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MBA from Harvard Business School: She further enhanced her credentials by earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School, graduating in 2010. This is where she would meet her future husband, Shou Zi Chew.
Her educational background reflects her broad interests in economic systems, international finance, and cross-border management.
Vivian Kao Career Overview
Vivian Kao’s career spans continents and industries. She has held several high-impact roles across finance, tech, and executive leadership. Her ability to lead organizations, expand markets, and drive sustainable growth sets her apart as a businesswoman of notable influence.
Career Milestones:
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Goldman Sachs (2004–2008)
Vivian started her professional journey at Goldman Sachs in New York as an associate. Working in one of the world’s top financial institutions gave her critical experience in corporate finance and investment banking. -
Better Place (2009)
During her time at Harvard, Vivian interned at Better Place, an electric vehicle infrastructure startup in California. She worked under the Chief Financial Officer, further honing her finance acumen in a tech-forward environment. -
Chope (2011–2012)
Vivian served as General Manager of Chope, a restaurant reservation platform, where she oversaw operations in both Singapore and Hong Kong. -
WeLab (2013–2016)
At WeLab, a fintech startup based in Hong Kong, she took on the role of Chief Growth Officer, focusing on strategic expansion and user acquisition across Asia. -
Tamarind Global (2019–Present)
Vivian became the CEO of Tamarind Global, a private consulting firm that offers business development and growth strategy advisory. The company focuses on cross-border trade and digital economy sectors, with a presence in Singapore. -
Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited (2021–Present)
Vivian was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director for Sun Hung Kai, a major investment firm in Hong Kong. -
Wellesley College Board of Trustees (2022–Present)
Her alma mater recognized her contributions to business and education by appointing her to its Board of Trustees, an honor reserved for distinguished alumni.
Vivian Kao’s career is marked by versatility, cross-industry leadership, and a strategic mind attuned to the nuances of Asian and Western business frameworks.
Shou Chew and Vivian Kao: A Harvard Love Story
Vivian Kao met Shou Zi Chew—now TikTok CEO—while both were pursuing their MBAs at Harvard Business School in 2008. During their summer internships (Vivian at Better Place, Shou at Facebook), the two began dating. Their relationship blossomed during their academic and early career stages, setting the foundation for a strong personal and professional partnership.
The couple married in a private ceremony and are now based in Singapore, where they live with their three children. Despite Shou Chew’s increasingly public profile due to TikTok’s global spotlight, Vivian Kao remains grounded and maintains a relatively low-key presence, offering unwavering support behind the scenes.
Vivian is often seen at high-profile events such as the Met Gala and global business forums, yet she avoids the limelight, reflecting her professional-first, publicity-second mindset.
Vivian Kao Parents and Family Background
While detailed information about Vivian Kao’s parents is sparse, sources confirm that they are Taiwanese immigrants to the United States. The Kao family emphasized education, diligence, and discipline—values that clearly guided Vivian’s rise in both academia and the business world.
Her close-knit relationship with her family is evident in her personal narratives, where she often attributes her early success to their encouragement and cultural grounding.
Vivian Kao Net Worth
Vivian Kao’s individual net worth is not publicly disclosed, but given her prestigious career in finance, executive roles, and board memberships, estimates place her net worth in the multi-million dollar range. She has held leadership positions in both private companies and publicly listed firms, indicating considerable income and equity holdings.
As of 2025, her husband, Shou Zi Chew, has an estimated net worth of $200 million. As a power couple, their combined assets and investments position them among the wealthiest executive duos in Asia.
Vivian Kao’s Influence and Legacy
Vivian Kao is more than just “Shou Chew’s wife.” She’s an accomplished leader, advisor, and changemaker in her own right. Her trajectory reflects how talent, education, and dedication can converge to build a truly global career. She stands as a role model for women in finance, especially those navigating traditionally male-dominated industries in Asia and beyond.
From Wall Street to fintech startups, from Silicon Valley to Singapore, Vivian Kao has carved a unique space for herself—away from social media noise and with a quiet, steadfast resolve.
Conclusion
Vivian Kao’s life story is not merely one of association with power, but of her own power forged through education, hard work, and relentless ambition. A Taiwanese-American who rose to become a global executive, she reflects the highest standards of leadership and adaptability in our ever-evolving business landscape.
Her marriage to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew only complements—not overshadows—her accomplishments. Together, they form a partnership rooted in mutual respect, education, and vision. As she continues to influence boardrooms and business strategy globally, Vivian Kao is a figure whose story deserves more recognition and admiration.
This article was published by Mating Press to spotlight global leaders shaping today’s digital economy.
