Sun

Rank #155

UNITED STATES•Technology•Computer hardware

David Sun

Net Worth

$16.434B

0% (24h)

David Sun is a Taiwanese-American billionaire businessman, best known as the co-founder and COO of Kingston Technology Corporation, the world's largest independent manufacturer of computer memory and storage products. Born in Taiwan in October 1951, Sun immigrated to the United States in 1977 and earned a Bachelor of Engineering from Tatung University. Sun's career began as an engineer before he co-founded Kingston Technology in 1987 with John Tu. Kingston's success, generating billions in annual sales, is a testament to his strategic vision and operational expertise. Despite this, Sun maintains a hands-on approach working from a cubicle on the sales floor as COO. Sun has been recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements, including being named Business Person of the Year by the Orange County Business Journal alongside Tu.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

David Sun was born in Taiwan in October 1951. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering from Tatung University. Sun immigrated to the United States in 1977, seeking greater opportunities.

Rise to Success

Sun started his career as an engineer. He co-founded Kingston Technology in 1987 with John Tu. The company was founded to address a shortage of memory chips. Kingston quickly became a world leader in memory and storage solutions. Kingston generated approximately $7 billion in annual revenue. Kingston Technology expanded into flash memory solutions, including USB flash drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and embedded storage.

Key Business Strategies

Kingston's key strategies include a focus on reliability, performance, and customer service, and a commitment to innovation. Kingston is known for high-quality and affordable memory solutions.

Philanthropy

David Sun, with his wife Diana, established the Sun Family Foundation in 1999 to support education programs for underserved youth in the U.S. and Taiwan. In 2011, they established the Guang Yuan Charitable Foundation in Taiwan, providing over 7,000 scholarships. In 2022 and January 2025, Sun and Diana donated a total of $100 million to expand Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian's campus in Irvine.

Career Timeline

2005

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

1999

Founded the Sun Family Foundation

Established the Sun Family Foundation to support educational initiatives for underserved youth.

1987

Co-founded Kingston Technology

Co-founded Kingston Technology with John Tu in Fountain Valley, California, to address the shortage of memory chips.

1977

Immigrated to the United States

Moved to the U.S. after earning a degree in engineering.

Philanthropic Impact

Education$XB

Sun Family Foundation

Focuses on providing educational opportunities for underserved youth in the U.S. and Taiwan.