Vivian Kao: Biography, Career, and Impact

Vivian Kao is a Taiwanese-American investor, board director, and philanthropist best known for her leadership in finance, technology, and education. She currently serves as the Principal and CEO of Tamarind Global, an independent Non-Executive Director at Sun Hung Kai & Co., and a Trustee at Wellesley College. Kao’s influence bridges Asia and the United States, reflecting a unique blend of global business acumen and a commitment to educational and mental health causes.

Although widely recognized as the spouse of Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, Kao’s achievements stand firmly on their own. She has carved out an impressive career that merges strategy, governance, and philanthropy — traits that make her a modern example of cross-border leadership and social responsibility.

Early Life and Education

Vivian Kao was born in Taiwan and later became a Taiwanese-American citizen. Though she keeps her personal life private, she has often been described as a global citizen with strong roots in both Asian and Western cultures. Her multicultural upbringing would later influence her ability to navigate diverse markets and industries.

She attended Wellesley College, one of the most prestigious women’s liberal arts colleges in the United States. There, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Chinese Studies, graduating in 2004. Her academic work reflected an early interest in economics, global finance, and East Asian development.

After Wellesley, Kao pursued her MBA at Harvard Business School (HBS), graduating in 2010. Her time at HBS was transformative — not only in shaping her leadership style but also because it’s where she met her future husband, Shou Zi Chew. Together, they would later form one of the most influential power couples in the technology and finance sectors.

Professional Career

Early Career: Finance and Strategy

Following her graduation from Harvard, Vivian Kao began her career in finance, working at Goldman Sachs, where she gained foundational experience in capital markets, investment strategy, and business analysis. This role allowed her to develop a deep understanding of how global finance shapes emerging industries — a skill that would prove invaluable in her later ventures.

Leadership Roles in Asian Tech Companies

After leaving Goldman Sachs, Kao shifted her focus to technology startups and growth-stage companies in Asia. She joined Chope, a Singapore-based restaurant reservation platform, as General Manager, where she helped lead regional growth and business development. Her experience in scaling consumer tech brands gave her a front-row seat to Asia’s digital transformation during the 2010s.

Kao then joined WeLab, a Hong Kong-based fintech firm known for its online lending and virtual banking services, as Chief Growth Officer. In this role, she led strategic expansion, brand development, and partnership initiatives. Her leadership contributed to WeLab’s rapid rise as one of Asia’s top fintech innovators.

Tamarind Global (2019–Present)

In 2019, Vivian Kao founded and became the Principal and CEO of Tamarind Global, a Singapore-based investment and advisory platform. Tamarind Global manages strategic investments, philanthropy, and governance initiatives, with a focus on sustainable growth and long-term value creation. Through Tamarind, Kao has been involved in guiding family offices and mission-driven ventures focused on technology, education, and sustainability.

Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited (Independent Director)

Kao was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited, a Hong Kong-listed investment and finance company, in 2021. Her appointment brought a blend of financial and operational insight to the board, particularly in the areas of digital innovation and risk management. Kao’s presence underscores the growing importance of gender diversity and cross-border expertise in Asian corporate governance.

Board Membership and Philanthropy

Wellesley College Trustee (2022–2028)

In 2022, Kao was elected to the Board of Trustees at Wellesley College for a six-year term, serving through 2028. As a trustee, she plays a key role in guiding institutional strategy, sustainability initiatives, and student welfare programs. Her service demonstrates her continued dedication to empowering women in leadership and education.

The Vivian A. Kao ’04 Health and Counseling Center

In April 2025, Wellesley College opened the Vivian A. Kao ’04 Health and Counseling Center, a 12,000-square-foot, all-electric facility designed to house both health and mental counseling services. The building, targeted for LEED Gold certification, represents Kao’s philanthropic commitment to improving student wellness and sustainable campus infrastructure.

Her donation reflects a deep understanding of the importance of mental health in higher education — especially in an era where academic pressure and social media challenges affect student wellbeing. The center stands as a tangible example of Kao’s belief that successful leadership involves not only business growth but also community care.

Personal Life

Vivian Kao and Shou Zi Chew met while pursuing their MBAs at Harvard Business School and married several years later. They currently reside in Singapore, where both have built distinguished careers in business and technology.

Despite her connection to one of the most high-profile CEOs in the tech world, Kao maintains a notably low public profile. She rarely appears in media interviews and is known for her professionalism and discretion. The couple has children, though details about their family life are intentionally kept private.

Kao’s approach to privacy mirrors her leadership philosophy — thoughtful, intentional, and grounded in substance over spectacle.

Leadership Philosophy and Style

Vivian Kao’s leadership style reflects a combination of strategic discipline, cross-cultural empathy, and long-term thinking. Her work across finance, technology, and philanthropy reveals a pattern: she prioritizes sustainability and human development as much as she values innovation and profitability.

Here are some defining elements of her professional philosophy:

1. Cross-Border Agility:
   Kao’s experience in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.S. enables her to navigate complex regulatory and cultural environments. She bridges Western strategic frameworks with Eastern relationship-based business practices.

2. Sustainable Growth Mindset:
   Through Tamarind Global, Kao focuses on investments that balance profitability with social responsibility. Her philanthropic projects, such as the Wellesley health center, emphasize long-term community impact.

3. Empowerment Through Education:
   Kao’s continued involvement with Wellesley College highlights her commitment to empowering women in leadership and promoting access to quality education.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making:
   Having trained in economics and finance, Kao relies on analytics and evidence-based strategies to make informed business decisions.

Recognition and Influence

Vivian Kao’s influence extends beyond her official titles. In the business community, she is respected for her ability to bridge the gap between capital and purpose — ensuring that financial investments lead to meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

She represents a new generation of global business leaders: educated in the West, operating across Asia, and deeply committed to ethical, inclusive progress. Her dual identity as both investor and philanthropist embodies the evolving expectations of 21st-century leadership.

Kao’s growing prominence as an Asian female executive also contributes to the representation of women in high-level financial and tech roles, a space that still faces gender disparities.

Timeline of Key Milestones

Conclusion

Vivian Kao embodies the balance between financial intelligence, strategic foresight, and human-centered leadership. From managing startups to governing international investment firms and supporting student wellbeing, her work demonstrates how business and compassion can coexist to create lasting impact.

In an era when leadership is often defined by visibility, Kao stands out for her substance, quiet influence, and principled approach. Her career continues to inspire a generation of women and global professionals who aspire to lead with both heart and excellence.

ZapCrest