Vivian Kao: The Visionary CEO Behind Tamarind Global and a Powerhouse in Finance

Vivian Kao is a prominent business executive, investor, and philanthropist known for her leadership as CEO of Tamarind Global, an investment management firm. With a strong academic background from Wellesley College and Harvard Business School, Kao has made her mark in finance, technology, and governance. She serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited and sits on the Board of Trustees at Wellesley. Married to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, she gracefully balances her high-powered career with family life in Singapore, making her a globally recognized figure. Her work across sectors has positioned her as a trailblazer in the evolving world of business leadership.

Introduction: Who Is Vivian Kao?

Vivian Kao has emerged as one of the most quietly influential women in the business world today. While her name gained international spotlight due to her marriage to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, Vivian Kao has long stood on her own impressive merits. From her academic achievements to her boardroom leadership, her career has been marked by sharp intellect, strategic vision, and a commitment to global development.

In an era where women are redefining leadership across industries, Vivian Kao stands as a prime example of modern success—educated, ambitious, and engaged in both corporate and social spheres.

Early Life and Education

Vivian Kao was born in the early 1980s, though her exact birthdate is not publicly confirmed. However, based on her graduation year from Wellesley College (2004), it is estimated that Vivian Kao’s age is around 42 years old as of 2025.

She spent her formative years with a strong emphasis on academics and personal development. Her dedication to education led her to Wellesley College, one of the most prestigious liberal arts institutions in the United States, where she graduated with a degree in Economics and Chinese Studies. Her thirst for knowledge and ambition for leadership did not stop there—she went on to earn an MBA from Harvard Business School, class of 2010. There, she not only refined her business acumen but also met her future husband, Shou Zi Chew.

Vivian Kao’s Professional Journey

Vivian Kao began her career at Goldman Sachs, where she worked as an Associate from 2004 to 2008. This experience gave her a robust foundation in finance, risk analysis, and global markets. Her time on Wall Street helped her understand the nuances of international capital flows and corporate strategy.

After her stint in investment banking, she transitioned to tech and innovation-based ventures. Kao held senior positions at Chope, a Singapore-based restaurant booking platform, and later joined WeLab Holdings, a Hong Kong-based fintech company. At WeLab, she served in a high-growth executive role, contributing to the company’s regional expansion and fundraising efforts.

Today, she is the CEO of Tamarind Global, a Singapore-based family investment office. Tamarind Global manages diversified assets and engages in philanthropy, venture capital, and long-term financial planning. Under her guidance, the firm has built a strong reputation for ethical investing and cross-border collaborations.

Vivian Kao and Tamarind Global

Tamarind Global is often mistaken for an India-based travel and wedding planning company of the same name, but Vivian Kao’s Tamarind Global is an entirely separate entity—focusing on investment management and private equity strategies.

As CEO, Kao oversees wealth management, portfolio diversification, ESG investments, and philanthropy. Tamarind Global reflects her personal values—integrity, sustainability, and long-term impact. This leadership role gives her a powerful seat at the table of global business discussions, despite keeping a relatively low media profile.

Board Roles and Influence

Vivian Kao was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited in May 2021. This Hong Kong-based company is a powerhouse in alternative investment and asset management. Her role involves shaping the company’s risk management and strategic direction.

Additionally, Kao serves on the Board of Trustees of Wellesley College, her alma mater. Her return to the institution in a leadership capacity speaks volumes about her commitment to education and empowerment, especially for young women entering the fields of finance and leadership.

Vivian Kao’s Family Life

Vivian Kao’s family life is a perfect blend of personal warmth and professional excellence. She is married to Shou Zi Chew, the current CEO of TikTok, one of the world’s most influential social media platforms. The couple met at Harvard Business School and married after graduation. They have three children and currently reside in Singapore, where they balance their demanding careers with parenting.

While Shou Zi Chew often appears in public—especially amid global scrutiny of TikTok—Vivian Kao prefers to keep a low profile. Nevertheless, she has accompanied him to public events like the Met Gala, drawing attention for her elegance and grace.

Vivian Kao Net Worth

Although Vivian Kao’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, estimates place it in the multi-million dollar range, thanks to her leadership at Tamarind Global, her prior executive roles, and family investments. Combined with Shou Zi Chew’s net worth—estimated at $200 million+—the couple represents one of Asia’s most financially powerful and influential families.

Her personal wealth is not just a result of marriage but of her decades-long commitment to corporate strategy, investment, and governance.

Vivian Kao Wikipedia Status

As of now, Vivian Kao does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page, despite her high-profile roles and public significance. However, she is frequently mentioned in articles, alumni publications, and business directories in connection with Sun Hung Kai & Co., Tamarind Global, and Harvard Business School.

The absence of a Wikipedia profile is surprising, given her stature. Still, it aligns with her preference for privacy and staying out of the media limelight.

Public Appearances and Style

Vivian Kao rarely seeks the spotlight, but when she does appear publicly, she does so with style and purpose. At the Met Gala, she appeared alongside her husband in high fashion, garnering praise from global fashion outlets. Her ability to blend corporate professionalism with cultural elegance reflects her multifaceted identity.

Her presence at such events also showcases her support for her husband’s global role while continuing to lead her own impactful career.

Leadership Philosophy and Values

Kao’s leadership is rooted in strategic vision, ethical investing, and education advocacy. She believes in empowering communities through investment, enabling long-term growth that benefits all stakeholders—not just shareholders.

Her role at Wellesley College shows her commitment to mentorship and education, especially for young women entering male-dominated industries like finance and tech.

She also places a strong emphasis on family values, demonstrating that it’s possible to lead major organizations without sacrificing personal connection.

The Vivian Kao Legacy: A Quiet Powerhouse

Vivian Kao may not be a household name like her husband, but she is undeniably one of the most influential businesswomen in Asia. Her career represents everything that today’s global economy demands—cross-disciplinary expertise, ethical governance, and multicultural agility.

By building Tamarind Global, guiding major investment firms, and supporting educational institutions, Vivian Kao is crafting a legacy that will outlast media cycles. Her life is proof that quiet leadership can have massive impact, and that you don’t have to dominate headlines to shape the world.

Conclusion

Vivian Kao’s journey from Wellesley to Wall Street, and then to the helm of a powerful family investment office, is both inspirational and instructive. She is a reminder that excellence doesn’t need a spotlight—it just needs purpose, commitment, and vision.

Whether in the boardroom or at home with her children, Kao continues to influence and inspire. In a world obsessed with loud personalities, Vivian Kao is a refreshing force of quiet leadership and undeniable impact.