Under fire in the USA: TikTok CEO Shou Chew

Shou Zi Chew, also known as Shou Chew, became the internet's favorite CEO when he defended his company TikTok in front of the US Congress in 2023. Despite his appeal and the app's popularity, it may still get banned in the country.

In March 2024, the House passed a law prohibiting TikTok in the US. In response to the important decision, Shou Chew announced that he would "keep fighting," the BBC reports.

Read more about this enigmatic and charismatic leader of TikTok!

Born on January 1, 1983, Shou Zi Chew is a Singaporean. Growing up with humble beginnings, he studied his way up into one of Singapore’s most elite schools, Hwa Chong Institution, which set the groundwork for his future success.

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According to The Straits Times, Hwa Chong Institution alumnus Shou Zi Chew achieved such high grades that he was accepted to the esteemed University College London.

However, Shou Zi Chew had to complete his mandatory national service before enrolling in university, as all Singaporean males are required to do under Singapore law.

Image: shou.time / TikTok

After completing his mandatory military service, Shou Zi Chew obtained a bachelor's degree in economics from University College London.

The Straits Times reported that after finishing college, Shou Zi Chew spent two years working as a banker for Goldman Sachs.

Shou Zi Chew then continued his education at Harvard Business School, where he eventually earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration in 2010.

During his time at Harvard, Shou Zi Chew interned at Facebook when it was still a smaller company. He gained valuable experience in the tech industry. Of course, Shou and Mark Zuckerberg had no idea that they would end up being each other's biggest competitors later on.

Image: shou.time / TikTok

Shou Zi Chew's time at Harvard was also significant because he met his wife, Vivian Kao, there.

After leaving Facebook, Shou Zi Chew spent five years at DST, where he oversaw a team that eventually became early investors in ByteDance. This was another pivotal decision that would shape the rest of his life.

Shou Zi Chew's next big role in tech would see him playing a significant role at Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi as its chief financial officer and international business president. Did you know that he helped the company through its public listing in 2018?

After leaving Xiaomi, Shou Zi Chew went on to work for ByteDance, developer of TikTok, as their Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in March 2021.

Image: tiktok / TikTok

At ByteDance's CFO, Shou Zi Chew got an unexpected promotion. He took over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after Kevin A. Mayer decided to leave the company.

Image: tiktok / TikTok

As TikTok's CEO now, Shou Zi Chew finds himself in the ironic position of competing with Facebook, the very company where he once interned! Both platforms vie for users' attention, and Facebook has been especially eager to reach TikTok's biggest user base: young people. What a twist!

When TikTok first came out to the scene, not many knew about the man leading the company. But then he had to testify in front of the US Congress in March 2023. Shou Zi Chew's testimony and subsequent charm offensive won over many people, particularly because of the poise he displayed in the face of relentless questioning from US congressmen during the hearing.

Shou Zi Chew started to play a more active role and put himself out in public to rally support for TikTok and people could place a face on the person behind the popular app.

Image: tiktok / TikTok

While the US Congress criticized the popular social media app, Shou Zi Chew rallied people all over the world in defense of TikTok. He has played a significant role in softening the image of TikTok in the eyes of the public.

From his early beginnings in Singapore to his current position as TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew has had an inspiring journey. Now, it remains to be seen if he can match the power of the US Congress and keep American TikTokers connected to the world.

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