The Entrepreneur’s Dream: From School Dropout to Multimillionaire!
Cho Tak Wong is the founder of Fuyao Group, a company that is now one of the giants in the production of automotive and industrial safety glass. With a fortune valued at $4 billion, according to Forbes, Wong has managed to position himself among the richest in China. But what really stands out about his story is not just the size of his wealth, but how he built it from scratch, defying the expectations imposed by his environment.
Unlike others, Wong does not come from a wealthy family or have access to advanced formal education. In fact, his journey to success began in quite modest circumstances.
### Childhood and early years of struggle
Born in a rural area of China, Cho Tak Wong was expelled from school at the young age of 8. Far from giving up, this setback led him to develop a remarkable self-taught ability. While working in the fields and taking care of livestock, he began reading dictionaries and books on his own, demonstrating an uncommon thirst for knowledge.
At the age of 16, Wong began working to support his family. Alongside his father, he sold cigarettes on the street, taking advantage of the Chinese government’s ban on selling these products in stores. This was his first contact with the business world, although he was still far from his future multinational company.
### The path to Fuyao Group
Over time, Wong explored different jobs, such as reselling agricultural products from a state farm and construction in local government companies. However, his entrepreneurial vision did not materialize until he was 41 years old, when he acquired his first car. Realizing that Chinese companies depended on foreign suppliers for vehicle glass, he saw an opportunity. The high costs associated with importing glass were a problem for local automotive companies, and Wong decided to solve it.
In 1987, he founded Fuyao Group, a company dedicated to the production of automotive glass. Success came quickly. Just two years after its founding, Fuyao secured its first contract with Peugeot, a sign that they were on the right track. By the mid-1990s, Fuyao had captured 20% of the global automotive glass market. Although most of their production was destined for vehicles made in China, Wong managed to expand his business internationally.
The success of Fuyao was not limited to China. Today, the company has over 10,000 employees spread across its production plants in various cities like Fuqing, Changchun, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing. In addition, Wong has established a strong presence in international markets, with offices in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Russia, and Germany.
The growth of Fuyao was unstoppable, and its ability to adapt to the needs of a constantly evolving automotive market has been key to its success. Thanks to his visionary leadership, the company continues to be a benchmark in the production of high-quality glass.
### A billionaire fortune
Today, Cho Tak Wong is recognized not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as one of the richest people in China. According to Forbes magazine, his fortune is valued at $4 billion, an impressive figure that reflects the global impact of his company. However, beyond the numbers, Wong’s story is a reminder that with determination and a clear vision, it is possible to overcome any obstacle and achieve success, regardless of the initial circumstances.
