Early Life
Yao Hsiao Tung was born in Yunnan, China, in 1940. At the age of six, his family moved to Taiwan. His childhood was marked by frequent relocations due to his father's job changes, leading to a challenging upbringing. These experiences instilled in him adaptability and resilience.
Rise to Success
Yao's entrepreneurial journey began in 1980 when he invested S$50,000 in Hi-P Tool & Die, a struggling mold maker. He took over the company in 1983 and transformed it. Over four decades, he has grown Hi-P International into a leading contract manufacturer. The company went public on the Singapore Exchange in 2003 and was delisted in 2021 to give him more control.
Key Business Strategies
Yao's leadership style emphasizes delegation with control, empowering his senior management while maintaining oversight. He focuses on securing Hi-P's future by diversifying its customer base and exploring mergers and acquisitions. He plans to relist Hi-P by 2030 to further fuel growth. In 2024, Temasek-backed 65 Equity Partners invested S$100 million ($74 million) in the company.
Philanthropy
Yao supports CSR initiatives for the communities where Hi-P operates.