A bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, earned in 1981, served as the academic foundation for Cher Wang’s subsequent rise within the technology sector. Born in 1958 in Taipei, Taiwan, she emerged as a prominent figure in computer hardware and mobile communications by leading multiple major global corporations throughout her professional career.
Founding Enterprises
Wang entered the workforce at First International Computer in 1982. She later transitioned into leadership roles by co-founding VIA Technologies in 1987 and HTC in 1997. She assumed the position of chairperson at VIA Technologies in 2007 and, by March 2015, took over the role of CEO at HTC from Peter Chou to manage daily operations directly. In 2017, she oversaw a cooperation agreement with Google valued at US$1.1 billion.
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The company faced significant legal scrutiny regarding the VT3421 chip, also identified as the TF376. Allegations arose that the component assisted in the surveillance of activists, leading to fines and extensive litigation. In a 2014 case heard before Justice Mimmie Chan in the Hong Kong High Court, Wang challenged an arbitration award. By 2015, the tribunal upheld the conviction, and in December 2020, the Taiwan High Court ruled against her and the company.
Philanthropic Initiatives
Wang’s charitable work includes establishing the Guizhou Forerunner College in southwest China in 2011 to provide education to low-income families. She has also contributed to the University of California, Berkeley, specifically funding the American Physical Society's Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Prize. Furthermore, she and her husband, Wen Chi Chen, support the Berkeley-Tsinghua Program for the Advanced Study in Psychology.
Political and Social Activity
Active in Taiwanese political life, Wang expressed support for the 1992 Consensus and the re-election of President Ma Ying-jeou. Her involvement in social policy extended to the 2019 legislative debates regarding same-sex unions. Alongside legislator Lin Tai-hua, she proposed a bill containing a clause that drew criticism from advocate Yu Mei-nu, who described the measure as discriminatory toward same-sex couples.
Fast facts
- Born: 1958, Taipei
- Education: University of California, Berkeley, 1981
- Positions: Chairperson, VIA Technologies
- Recognition: Asia's Most Influential Taiwan, 2021
- Religion: Christianity
- Affiliations: Committee of 100
- Awards: Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, 2025
Questions readers ask
What is Cher Wang's current role at HTC?
As of 2025, she serves as the CEO and chairperson of HTC Corporation.
What was the significance of the 2017 HTC and Google agreement?
It was a US$1.1 billion cooperation deal involving the transfer of HTC intellectual property and staff to Google.
Achievements
- Affiliated with First International Computer and VIA Technologies
- Educated at The College Preparatory School and University of California, Berkeley
