Shu Ping: From Haidilao Co-Founder to Singapore’s Richest Woman

Shu Ping, co-founder of the globally recognized hot pot chain Haidilao International Holding, has risen to become Singapore’s wealthiest woman, with a net worth of US$2.4 billion as of February 2026. Her success story exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and strategic business acumen.

The Genesis of Haidilao

In 1994, Shu Ping, alongside her husband Zhang Yong and two colleagues, established Haidilao with a modest initial capital of 8,000 yuan (approximately US$1,130 at current exchange rates). Zhang Yong initially ran the operations, whereas Shu Ping provided crucial support and co-founded the company. Shu Ping was directly involved in the birth of Haidilao International Holding.

Starting as a minor four-table hot pot restaurant in Sichuan, China, Haidilao quickly gained popularity for its spicy Sichuan-style broth and exceptional customer service. Today, Haidilao boasts nearly 1,400 restaurants across China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and international locations, including 12 outlets in Indonesia.

Beyond Hot Pot: Strategic Leadership and Expansion

Haidilao’s success is attributed not only to its culinary offerings but also to its innovative customer service, which includes complimentary manicures, massages, and even teddy bears for solo diners. This commitment to customer experience, rooted in Zhang Yong’s own early experiences as a customer, has been a key differentiator.

In 2020, Haidilao restructured its business, forming Super Hi to manage its international operations. This move culminated in Super Hi’s successful listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Shu Ping was subsequently appointed as Chairman of Super Hi and continues to lead the company’s international strategy.

Beyond Super Hi, Shu Ping also holds board positions at Sichuan Haidilao Catering Co Ltd, the operational core of Haidilao in China, and Yihai International Holding Ltd, which produces and distributes spices and sauces for the chain. These roles demonstrate her comprehensive involvement in all facets of the Haidilao empire.

Education and Financial Management

Shu Ping’s commitment to professional development is evident in her advanced education. She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and MBA in Finance from the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in 2015, followed by an Executive MBA from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Nanyang Technological University in 2016. In 2022, she completed a Ph.D. In Applied Finance with a specialization in wealth management from the University of Geneva.

In 2020, Shu Ping established Sunrise Capital Management Ltd, a family office in Singapore, to manage her wealth. She is the sole shareholder and director of this firm, reflecting a proactive approach to financial planning and asset management.

Citizenship and Net Worth

Shu Ping and her husband became Singaporean citizens in 2018. As of 2024, Forbes estimates her net worth at US$2.4 billion, making her the richest woman in Singapore, while her husband, Zhang Yong, is ranked 6th with a net worth of US$6.2 billion. Zhang Yong & Shu Ping are listed as #10 on Forbes’ 2025 Singapore’s 50 Richest list.

Key Takeaways

• Shu Ping co-founded Haidilao International Holding, a global hot pot chain, with her husband and two colleagues.
• Her strategic leadership has been instrumental in Haidilao’s expansion, and success.
• She holds key leadership positions within the Haidilao group, including Chairman of Super Hi.
• Shu Ping is a highly educated businesswoman with advanced degrees in business and finance.
• She is currently the wealthiest woman in Singapore, with a net worth of US$2.4 billion.