Shi Wen-long or Hsu Wen-lung[1] (Chinese: 許文龍; pinyin: Xǔ Wénlóng; Wade–Giles: Hsü Wen-lung; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Khó͘ bûn-liông; 25 February 1928 – 18 November 2023) was a Taiwanese businessman and the founder of Chi Mei Corporation, the largest maker of ABS resin in the world. He was ranked among Forbes' world's richest people.[2] He was the chairman of Chi Mei until his resignation in 2004, although he still held significant stakes in the company and sat on its board.
Shi Wen-long | |
|---|---|
許文龍 | |
 Wen-long in 2012 | |
| Born | 25 February 1928 |
| Died | 18 November 2023 (aged 95) Tainan, Taiwan |
| Nationality | Empire of Japan (1928–1945) Republic of China (1945–2023) |
| Occupation | Businessperson |
Shi was a senior advisor to Chen Shui-bian during his presidency and was known to support pro-Taiwan independence causes, a stance which made him unpopular with mainland China.[3] He claimed that Taiwanese women who acted as comfort women during Japanese rule were not forced to do so, which created much controversy.[4] Reportedly, Chi Mei Group faced pressure from the Chinese government, and after the Anti-Secession Law passed in 2005, Shi renounced Taiwan independence.[5]
In 1992, Shi founded the Chimei Museum, which collects valuable string instruments made by Antonio Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, and other famous artisans. The museum holds the world's largest collection of violins.[6] Shi was an amateur performing concert violinist.[7]
Shi Wen-long died on 18 November 2023, at the age of 95.[5][8]