Early Life
Born in Taiwan in 1948, Tei-Fu Chen's early life was marked by health challenges. His grandfather's use of Chinese herbal remedies to improve his well-being sparked a lifelong passion. Chen later studied Chinese medicine and pharmacy, immigrating to the United States with his wife, Oi-Lin, with dreams of medical careers.
Rise to Success
After facing challenges, including rejection from medical schools, Chen started preparing herbal mixtures in his apartment. In 1982, he founded Sunrider International with his wife, Oi-Lin. Through multi-level marketing, Chen focused on creating supplements to keep the body healthy. This marked a turning point, leading to Sunrider's growth into a global enterprise. By 2007, Sunrider had grown to become one of the world's most profitable herbal foods and skincare products companies.
Key Business Strategies
Chen's business strategies centered on quality control, innovation, and family involvement. Sunrider’s strategy emphasized the importance of controlling the entire production process, from formulation to manufacturing. Furthermore, Chen's leadership instilled a strong emphasis on the Philosophy of Regeneration, emphasizing balanced living through proper nutrition and health supplements. Chen and his wife, along with their five children, are involved in senior positions within the company.
Philanthropy
Chen's philanthropic activities have included donations to Torrance Memorial Medical Center, UNICEF, and natural disaster relief efforts. He was recognized by Forbes Asia in 2009 as one of Asia's leading philanthropists.