The leader of TikTok once trained inside Facebook’s walls. During his MBA years, Shou Zi Chew interned at the Menlo Park company, a detail that adds a fresh thread to the story of a social media executive now at the center of a policy fight in Washington.
The connection ties Chew, a Singaporean executive who became TikTok’s chief executive in 2021, to the firm that dominates U.S. social media. It also offers a look at how the tech industry’s leaders often share early career roots, even when their companies later compete fiercely.
Shou Zi Chew interned at Facebook during his time at Harvard Business School.
From Harvard to the highest stakes in social media
Chew studied at University College London before earning his MBA from Harvard Business School. He worked at Goldman Sachs and later at venture firm DST Global, which invested in Facebook before its public listing. He went on to serve as chief financial officer at Xiaomi, joined ByteDance as CFO, and then moved into the top job at TikTok.
That path matters now. TikTok faces intense scrutiny in the United States over data security and national security concerns. Lawmakers have weighed measures that could force a sale of the app by its Chinese parent ByteDance or limit its operation in the country. Chew has appeared on Capitol Hill multiple times to answer questions on data handling, content policies, and ties to ByteDance.
Why an old internship is back in the news
Facebook, now part of Meta, competes directly with TikTok through Instagram Reels and other features. Chew’s brief time at Facebook does not change that rivalry. But it adds context to his understanding of how U.S. platforms grow, moderate content, and handle user data.
For policymakers and users, the detail highlights the industry’s tight professional circles. Executives often work across companies that later compete. That experience can shape how they manage product strategy, privacy, and trust.
- Chew’s early view of Facebook’s model may inform how he frames TikTok’s data practices.
- It may also help him speak the language of Silicon Valley during U.S. policy talks.
The policy backdrop: hearings, pressure, and public trust
Congress has pressed TikTok on whether Americans’ data can be shielded from foreign access. The company has proposed technical and governance changes meant to wall off U.S. data and increase oversight. Chew has argued that TikTok’s U.S. operations run with separate controls and that the app provides value to small businesses and creators.
Critics remain skeptical. They point to ownership structure and technical risk as reasons for stronger limits or a sale. Supporters counter that strong audits, data localization, and independent monitoring can reduce risk while preserving consumer choice.
The debate is not only about one app. It touches on competition with Meta and YouTube, the future of creator income, and the rules that govern how social platforms protect teens and manage sensitive data.
Industry impact and what a cross-company past can mean
Leaders who have seen multiple playbooks may be better prepared for regulatory change. They also tend to anticipate how rivals respond to new features and policies. Chew’s background in finance and operations, combined with a brief Facebook stint, suggests fluency across growth, monetization, and compliance.
For TikTok’s millions of U.S. users, the question is practical. Will the app face a forced divestment, tougher data rules, or a ban if solutions fail? For creators and advertisers, the stakes include audience reach, ad pricing, and platform stability during any transition.
What to watch next
Expect more legal and policy moves as courts and regulators test proposed remedies. Watch for changes to data storage, code review, and oversight structures that aim to answer national security concerns. Also follow how Meta and YouTube adjust short-video offerings if TikTok’s position shifts.
For now, the small note about Chew’s time at Facebook offers a lens, not a verdict. It shows the tech industry’s shared training ground, even among rivals. It also hints at how leaders draw on broad experience as they navigate scrutiny, protect users, and compete for attention.
The next steps will likely hinge on concrete safeguards and transparent audits. The outcome will shape how Americans use short video, how creators earn a living, and how global platforms prove they can keep data safe.
