Billionaire Profile
Wei Ying-Chiao
Global Rank
#1818

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Wei Ying-Chiao

CEO, Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corporation
TW
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.16B
As of December 2025
Age
70
Source
Food, beverages
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
TW

Biography

Wei Ying-Chiao, a prominent figure in the food and beverage industry, is a Taiwanese billionaire with an estimated net worth of $2.16 billion as of December 5, 2025. Born in 1955, Wei is primarily known for his role in the Ting Hsin International Group, a major player in the food sector. His wealth is primarily derived from food and beverage ventures, with Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corporation, a subsidiary of Ting Hsin, being a key component of his success. Wei's career has been marked by strategic decisions, including expanding Tingyi into one of China's largest instant noodle and beverage producers, most famously the Master Kong brand. Although he did not attend college, his business acumen propelled him to the upper echelons of the global billionaire rankings, with his influence extending to real estate and other ventures.

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Wei Ying-Chiao, born on March 8, 1957, in Changhua County, Taiwan, is one of the four Wei brothers. The family's journey began in 1958 with the founding of the Ting Hsin Oil Factory by their father. Wei's early life was marked by a strict upbringing within a Hakka family, instilling strong family values that would later influence his business philosophy. He graduated from Changhua Senior High School in 1975.

Rise to Success

The Wei brothers, including Wei Ying-Chiao, transformed Ting Hsin from a small oil and grease manufacturing company into a multinational conglomerate focused on food and beverages. In 1991, they started Tingyi, which became one of the largest producers of instant noodles and bottled water in China. Key to their success was the Master Kong brand, which dominated the instant noodle market in China. The Wei family also invested in the Dicos fast-food chain and real estate ventures, including a stake in Taipei 101.

Key Business Strategies

Wei Ying-Chiao's business strategies focused on market expansion and brand building. The family established a significant presence in the Chinese market by capitalizing on the growing demand for convenient foods. Key strategic moves included forming an alliance with Shanghai Disney Resort to become a main drink supplier and investing in healthier product options through Alchemy FoodTech. Moreover, Wei was responsible for the group's real estate development.

Philanthropy

Wei Ying-Chiao has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare. He has supported initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education and medical services in Taiwan. Wei also supports environmental conservation efforts.

Career Milestones

1991

Founded Tingyi

Started Tingyi, which became one of the largest producers of ready-to-drink tea and bottled water in China, also a major supplier to the country's instant-noodle market.

2014

Sold Stake in Taipei 101

Ting Hsin sold its 37.17% stake in Taipei 101 to Itochu.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education & Healthcare

Educational and Healthcare Initiatives

Undisclosed

Supported various educational and healthcare initiatives in Taiwan, aiming to improve access to quality education and medical services.

Environmental Conservation

Environmental Conservation Efforts

Undisclosed

Contributed to environmental conservation efforts.

Controversies & Challenges

2013-2014

Food Safety Scandal

Faced public scrutiny due to controversies surrounding oil products.

2017

Fraud Conviction

Convicted of fraud concerning the Wei Chuan 98-blended oil formula.