Early Life and Career
James Si-Cheng Chao was born on December 29, 1927, in a small farming village in China. His parents, Yi-Ren and Yu-Chin Hsu Chao, instilled in him the value of education. Chao excelled in school, studying navigation at Wusong Merchant Marine College and later earning an MBA from St. John's University in 1964. He began his career as a sea captain, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of the youngest sea captains at age 29.
Rise to Success
In 1964, after earning his MBA, Chao founded Foremost Group, a shipping, trading, and finance conglomerate. Later, he moved into the chemicals and building products industries. In 1986, Chao and his family founded Westlake Chemical Corporation in Houston, Texas, and has been credited with helping launch the company. Over the years, he has served as Chairman of the Board, and is now the Senior Chairman.
Key Business Strategies
Chao's success stems from his strategic vision and focus on core values such as honor, integrity, and performance. He is known for his long-term perspective and has guided Westlake's expansion through innovation and acquisitions, making the company a global leader in the chemicals and building products industries. The Chao family has consistently emphasized employee retention and the incorporation of eco-friendly designs and technologies within their business ventures.
Philanthropy
James Chao and his family are known for their significant philanthropic efforts. Through the Shanghai Mulan Education Foundation, they have awarded scholarships to students in the U.S. and China. In 2012, the family donated $40 million to Harvard Business School for the construction of the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center and the establishment of a fellowship fund, honoring his late wife's legacy of faith, family, and philanthropy.
