Born in Fujian province in mainland China, he went to the Philippines and started working as a trader at a shop in Dumaguete City. During World War II, he moved from Cebu to Manila and became a master cutter in a T-shirt factory, which he eventually managed.
Noong ikalawang digmaang pandaigdig, siya ay lumipat mula Cebu patungong Maynila at naging master cutter sa isang pabrika ng T-shirt, na kinalaunan ay kanyang pinamahalaan.