Early Life
Tsai Eng-meng was born in 1957 in Datong District, Taipei, Taiwan. He came from a wealthy family, the Tsai He-yuan family, known for generations of successful businessmen. His father, Tsai A-Shi, founded a canned fish business in 1962, which laid the foundation for the family's business empire. Despite his privileged upbringing, Tsai showed an independent spirit and a mind of his own from a young age. He attended Banqiao Senior High School.
Rise to Success
Tsai Eng-meng took over his father's food business at the age of 19. In 1983, he launched "Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers," marking the beginning of significant profits. He became the Chairman of Want Want in 1987, and has since led the company to become a major player in the food industry. He expanded Want Want's operations, transforming it into a leading manufacturer of Chinese-style snacks. In 1992, he invested in Mainland China, and by 1993, the Want Want Group held a leading position among rice cracker companies in the mainland China market. In 2008, Want Want China Holdings Ltd. was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Key Business Strategies
Tsai's key business strategies include a focus on innovation, product quality, and strategic partnerships. He also emphasized vertical supply chains, producing raw materials and packaging in addition to finished goods, supporting a vast distribution network across Asia and other areas. Tsai expanded Want Want’s reach by acquiring media assets, including the China Times newspaper and China Television.
Philanthropy
Tsai Eng-meng is involved in philanthropic activities through various foundations, including the Shi Chao Foundation and the Tsai Eng-meng Charity Foundation. These foundations support various public welfare initiatives. Tsai's charity has donated to causes such as providing materials to the elderly, distributing red envelopes to the homeless, providing scholarships to disadvantaged students, and supporting nature restoration.