Jason Hsu is an American financial academic, author, and investment manager specializing in quantitative strategies, factor investing, and smart beta approaches to asset management. He is best known as the founder, chairman, and chief investment officer of Rayliant Global Advisors, a Hong Kong-based quantitative asset management firm focused on emerging markets, particularly Greater China.^[1] Additionally, Hsu serves as an adjunct professor of finance at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he has taught courses on financial policy and quantitative asset management since 2008.^[1] Hsu's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics and economics, earned summa cum laude from the California Institute of Technology, followed by a Master of Science from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in finance from UCLA Anderson School of Management in 2005.^[1] Early in his career, he co-founded Research Affiliates in 2002, a firm that became a leader in smart beta investing, where he contributed to pioneering research on fundamental indexing as an alternative to traditional market-cap-weighted strategies.^[1] His work during this period emphasized rigorous empirical analysis to improve investor outcomes through better asset allocation and risk management.^[2] Hsu has authored or co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as the Financial Analysts Journal and the Journal of Investment Management, and he co-wrote the influential book The Fundamental Index: A Better Way to Invest (2008), which challenged conventional indexing methods and influenced the evolution of passive investing.^[1] His research and insights have earned him prestigious awards, including two Graham and Dodd Scrolls of Excellence, two Bernstein Fabozzi Jacob Levy Awards, and three William F. Sharpe Indexing Awards for contributions to indexing and alternative strategies.^[1] Beyond UCLA, Hsu has served as a visiting professor at the UCI Paul Merage School of Business and as international faculty at institutions like National Chengchi University in Taiwan and Kyoto University in Japan.^[1] In 2023, he was appointed chief economist at East West Bank, further extending his influence in global economic analysis and investment advisory.^[3] In October 2025, he assumed the role of chief investment strategist at Sowell Management as part of a partnership with Rayliant.^[4]

Early life

Family and childhood

Jason Hsu was born on July 27, 1985, in Taiwan.^[5] He was raised in a wealthy family, with his father working as a successful businessman who provided financial stability and a comfortable upbringing for the household.^[6] Hsu has an elder sister, contributing to a family dynamic that emphasized close-knit relationships during his early years.^[6] Growing up in Taiwan, Hsu was exposed to the vibrant local culture, including popular media and entertainment influences that shaped his formative environment.^[7]

Education and early interests

Hsu struggled with obesity during junior high school, weighing up to 120 kg, which presented social and academic challenges. Around age 15, he underwent significant weight loss, boosting his confidence.^[8][9] He began his secondary education at Taipei Municipal Tai-Pei Senior High School, studying in the information management department for his first two years. After completing the second year, he took a two-year hiatus for entertainment training before transferring to Taipei Municipal Zhuang Jing Vocational High School's film and television department, restarting from the first year due to the specialized curriculum. This extended his high school tenure to approximately seven years due to scheduling conflicts with his emerging career.^[10] In high school, Hsu developed a keen interest in dance and performing arts, joining the hot dance club at his school to channel his energy and pursue a crush on a classmate. These club activities involved group rehearsals and performances, honing his skills in choreography and stage presence, which he later credited for building his foundational abilities in music and entertainment. His involvement in such school-based talent shows and dance routines provided an outlet for creative expression, transitioning him from a shy student to someone more outgoing and performance-oriented. Family members, including his parents and elder sister, supported these pursuits by encouraging his participation in after-school activities despite his initial insecurities.^[8][11] The program at Zhuang Jing emphasized practical training in scripting, filming, and on-camera work, allowing him to engage in student-led productions and talent showcases. At age 16, Hsu signed with an agency and began appearing in television commercials, marking a pivotal shift toward professional entertainment aspirations while balancing high school obligations.^[12] This phase solidified his early hobbies in music, dance, and acting as lifelong passions. He also explored sports recreationally during youth, including skating activities that later influenced his deeper involvement in ice hockey as a hobby.^[13]

Career

Music career

Jason Hsu began his music career in 2001 by joining the Taiwanese boy band 5566, which was formed under the management of J-Star Records as a five-member group comprising Hsu, Tony Sun, Zax Wang, Sam Wang, and Rio Peng. The band debuted in late 2002 with their self-titled first album, 1st Album, which quickly achieved commercial success by topping the Taiwanese charts within two weeks of release and selling 240,000 copies in Taiwan. Key tracks from the album, such as the upbeat "One More Try" and the ballad "Without Your Love," became signature songs that helped establish 5566's pop-R&B style and contributed to their early popularity tied to the idol drama My MVP Valentine. The group's momentum continued with their second album, Boyfriend (also known as Zhi Ai), released in 2004 under Avex Taiwan. This album featured hit singles like "Easy Come Easy Go," a catchy pop track that showcased their harmonious vocals, and "The Last Second," which resonated with fans through its emotional lyrics. Boyfriend solidified 5566's presence in the Mandopop scene, blending youthful energy with dance-oriented production. Their third album, Long Time No See, arrived in 2005 under Warner Music Group, including standout singles such as "Yes I Love You" (a cover-infused track with playful romance themes) and "Crying in the Rain," which highlighted the band's evolving maturity and received strong radio play in Taiwan. In 2008, 5566 released their fourth and final studio album, Bravo, marking a shift toward more experimental sounds with tracks like "Applause" and "Roaming China," aimed at broader Asian markets. The album's release coincided with the group's disbandment later that year, as members pursued individual endeavors amid changing industry dynamics. Post-hiatus, Hsu made occasional musical contributions, including solo tracks like "Nothing Is Impossible" featured in media projects, though his primary focus shifted away from full solo albums. 5566 experienced intermittent comebacks, including reunion performances in 2019, but the most notable recent event was their 2025 gathering for the 23rd anniversary of My MVP Valentine. In September 2025, Hsu joined Tony Sun, Zax Wang, and former member Rio Peng onstage in Singapore alongside actress Angela Chang, performing classic hits and drawing significant media attention for evoking nostalgia among fans. This event underscored the enduring legacy of 5566's music and Hsu's role within it.

Acting career

Jason Hsu made his acting debut in 2002 with a guest appearance in the long-running Taiwanese comedy series Spicy Teacher, portraying Li Meng Che, a student in the show's third generation storyline. This early role marked his entry into television acting alongside his burgeoning music career with the boy band 5566. His breakthrough came later that same year in the basketball-themed romance drama My MVP Valentine, where he played the supporting role of D.J. (Xia Zhiyuan), a skilled dribbler and team member who adds comic relief and camaraderie to the ensemble. The series, centered on a national basketball player's redemption arc, garnered positive audience reception for its energetic portrayal of youth and sports, earning a 7.2 rating on MyDramaList and helping establish Hsu as a promising idol actor. In 2007, during the peak of 5566's popularity, Hsu took on the supporting role of Wang Dao Ren, also known as Bulu, in the campus comedy Ying Ye 3 Jia 1, contributing to the show's lighthearted depiction of school life and friendships. A notable film appearance followed in 2006 with Captain Barbell, a superhero TV series where he portrayed Cyborg 5566, blending action and humor in a role that echoed his band persona. By 2020, Hsu demonstrated his versatility in Lost Romance, essaying dual main roles as He Tian Jian, an ambitious corporate heir, and his alternate-reality counterpart Situ Moran, a darker, more ruthless version central to the plot's exploration of merged fictional and real worlds. This performance was praised for its depth, contributing to the drama's high 8.4 rating and highlighting his ability to handle complex, multifaceted characters.^[14][15] Post-2010, following 5566's hiatus, Hsu evolved toward more mature roles, moving beyond idol-driven narratives to portray grounded, emotionally layered figures in projects like the 2015 film Just Get Married, where he played the lead Peter in a romantic comedy about modern relationships. During 5566's active years from 2002 to 2008, he navigated the demands of concurrent acting and music schedules, often incorporating drama soundtracks into his discography to bridge his dual pursuits.

Hosting and media appearances

Jason Hsu entered the hosting scene in the early 2000s as part of his multifaceted entertainment career in Taiwan. Alongside fellow 5566 bandmate Zax Wang, he co-hosted the SETTV entertainment program Showbiz (完全娛樂), which aired from 2002 to 2011 and focused on celebrity news, interviews, and light-hearted discussions, allowing Hsu to showcase his quick wit and on-camera rapport with guests. He further solidified his hosting credentials with Gossip Queen in 2005, where he served as the main host for segments covering pop culture and scandals, and NewShowBiz from 2006 to 2011, emphasizing his ability to navigate live formats with humor and energy.^[16] In 2016, Hsu co-hosted the long-running variety show The Hunger Games (飢餓遊戲) on CTV, a format that premiered with him, Tony Sun, and Zax Wang as the core hosts, later joined by others like Fafa Tsai and Coco Wu. The program features outdoor challenges where participants, including celebrities and everyday contestants, fast for 12 hours before competing in physical and mental tasks to win prizes, blending survival elements with comedic interactions to test endurance and teamwork. Hsu's role involved leading segments, bantering with guests, and injecting charisma to keep audiences engaged, contributing to the show's enduring popularity—it celebrated its 8th anniversary in 2024 with over 380 episodes. His hosting style, marked by playful teasing and genuine enthusiasm, has been credited with enhancing viewer relatability in this high-energy reality setup.^[17][18][19] Beyond full-time hosting, Hsu has made numerous guest appearances on Taiwanese variety and talk shows, leveraging his affable persona to connect with audiences. Notable examples include episodes of 100% Entertainment in 2015, where he discussed his career transitions and personal anecdotes; Travel Together in 2019 (episodes 359–363 and 599–600), participating in travel-themed games; and Super Entourage in 2016 (episodes 36 and 218), joining ensemble challenges that highlighted his competitive yet fun-loving side. Earlier spots on Genius Go Go Go in 2006 and Mr. Player in 2014 further demonstrated his versatility in game-show environments, often earning praise for his natural charisma that bridged scripted and improvisational moments. These appearances have reinforced Hsu's public image as an approachable entertainer outside of music and acting.^[16]

Ice hockey involvement

Jason Hsu developed an interest in ice hockey during his early adulthood, shortly after his entertainment debut in 2002. Inspired by his prior enjoyment of skiing and skating, he first encountered the sport in 2006 at an ice rink, where a coach handed him a hockey stick and introduced him to its physical and mental demands. This sparked a deep passion, leading him to dedicate significant time to the game despite his rising career in music and acting.^[20][21] Hsu pursued serious training over the next decade, practicing three or more days per week on weekdays and competing in matches on weekends, often after professional commitments. He personally funded rink rentals and sessions with other players to hone his skills, progressing from a novice skater to a competitive athlete. This rigorous regimen, which sometimes meant sacrificing social outings and turning down over ten acting roles, transformed ice hockey from a hobby into a professional pursuit. By 2017, his dedication earned him a spot on the Chinese Taipei national ice hockey team, marking his transition to national representation.^[20][21][22] Hsu's national team debut came at the 2017 IIHF World Championship Division III tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, where he contributed as a forward in matches against teams including Hong Kong and Luxembourg, helping Chinese Taipei secure promotion to Division IIB. Although initially selected for the 2017 Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan, he withdrew due to filming obligations for a television project, prioritizing his entertainment schedule. In late 2017, he received an invitation to participate in an NHL-organized exhibition match during the 2018 Winter Classic festivities in New York, becoming the first Asian to attend such an event; he played alongside retired NHL professionals in a friendly game on January 1, 2018.^[23][24][22] Throughout his involvement, Hsu has actively promoted ice hockey in Taiwan, organizing charity matches, inviting fellow celebrities to try the sport, and increasing its media visibility through his public profile. He played for the Vikings team in the 2019 Zhongzheng Cup national championship, aiding a 2-1 victory, and continues to balance national duties with his acting career, viewing the sport as a lifelong commitment that occupies half his life.^[20][21]

Personal life

Hsu grew up in Taiwan, where his family experienced the country's rapid economic growth over four decades. This background has influenced his perspective on emerging markets investing.^[25][26] Little is publicly known about Hsu's marriage, relationships, or family as of November 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

5566's debut studio album, titled 1st Album, was released in December 2002 by Avex Taiwan. Featuring a mix of upbeat pop tracks and ballads, it included highlights such as the lead single "一光年" (One Light Year), which showcased the group's harmonious vocals and youthful energy, alongside songs like "槍聲" (Gunshots), "神話" (Mythology), and "無所謂" (Doesn't Matter). The album achieved commercial success, selling 240,000 copies in Taiwan. The group's second studio album, Boyfriend (also known as 摯愛), followed in January 2004, emphasizing romantic themes with an R&B-infused sound. Key tracks included the titular lead single "Boyfriend," which highlighted member Wang Renfu's vocals, as well as "Last Second," "The Cold Wind," and the group's first English song "Easy Come Easy Go." It replicated the debut's sales performance, moving 240,000 units in Taiwan and ranking fifth on the year's Taiwanese album charts.^[27][28] Long Time No See (好久不見), released in August 2005, marked an evolution toward more mature and culturally infused pop, with the title track composed by a musician from a Chinese ethnic minority, lending it a strong oriental flavor. Notable songs encompassed "偷心" (Stealing Hearts), a cover of "Crying in the Rain," and "回到我身邊" (Come Back to Me). The album topped Taiwanese charts, selling 200,000 copies and securing third place in annual sales rankings.^[29][30][31] The final studio album with 5566, Bravo, arrived in January 2008, blending energetic tracks with reflective ballads to signify the group's maturation. Standouts included the upbeat lead single "Bravo," "漫遊中國" (Roaming in China), "喝采" (He Cai), and a rap duet "變色龍" (Chameleon), praised for their dynamic production. It received positive reception as one of the band's strongest releases, though specific sales data remains unavailable.^[32][33] Jason Hsu has not released any solo studio albums to date.

Soundtracks and singles

Jason Hsu has contributed several tracks to television drama soundtracks, primarily during his time with the boy band 5566 in the early 2000s, as well as select solo and collaborative singles later in his career. These releases often featured upbeat pop and R&B styles, aligning with the energetic themes of youth-oriented dramas. His soundtrack work helped establish 5566's popularity, with songs like "Wo Nan Guo" (I'm Sad) serving as the theme for the 2002 sports romance drama My MVP Valentine, where the group performed multiple tracks on the OST.^[34] In 2003, Hsu participated in the Westside Story OST as part of 5566, contributing to the theme song "Chuan Shuo" (Legend), an R&B-infused track that showcased the group's dynamic vocals and dance elements, and the ending song "Cun Zai" (Existence), a ballad reflecting themes of perseverance. An insert song, "Dang Ni" (When You), also highlighted the band's harmonious style. These tracks were released via Avex Taiwan and contributed to the drama's cult following among Taiwanese youth audiences.^[35][36] The 2004 drama Top of the Forbidden City featured Hsu on the collaborative track "Feng Yun Bian Se" (Twist the Fate), a high-energy duet with K ONE that served as the opening theme, blending rap and pop to match the series' competitive idol training narrative. Released on the official OST by Avex Taiwan, the song emphasized Hsu's vocal range within group performances.^[37][38] Hsu's solo contributions emerged more prominently in later soundtracks, such as the 2005 Mr. Fighting OST, where he dueted with bandmate Wang Shao Wei on "Wo Xing Wo Su" (I'm Who I Am), an empowering anthem about self-identity that fit the drama's martial arts and personal growth storyline. The track, produced under Alpha Records, received attention for its motivational lyrics and was part of a compilation that sold well in Taiwan.^[39][40] By 2007, Hsu appeared on the Sakurano 3+1 OST with the solo insert song "Mei You Bu Ke Neng" (Nothing is Impossible), a motivational pop track encouraging resilience, and the duet "Xun You Qi Shi" (Seek Friends Revelation) with actor Ming Dao, which evoked nostalgia and friendship themes central to the series. Both were released digitally and on CD via Warner Music Taiwan, marking some of Hsu's early non-5566 soundtrack efforts.^[41] Post-2010, Hsu shifted toward standalone digital singles outside full albums. In 2019, he released "Something About Love," his first solo single fully self-produced in collaboration with Da Li, featuring hip-hop influences and themes of romantic infatuation; it debuted on platforms like Spotify and KKBOX, gaining traction during 5566 reunion promotions and charting modestly on Taiwanese digital lists with over 30,000 initial streams. In 2021, as part of 5566's comeback, the group released the digital single "我們" (We), marking their first new music in 13 years and featuring Hsu's vocals.^{[42][43][44][45]} No specific awards were tied to these soundtrack singles, though Hsu's overall 5566-era contributions earned group nominations at events like the Hito Music Awards for best OST performances.

Filmography

Television series

Hsu's television career includes a variety of supporting and guest roles in Taiwanese dramas, spanning from his debut in the early 2000s to more recent appearances.

Films

Jason Hsu has appeared in a limited number of feature films, primarily in Taiwanese productions spanning comedy, action, and family genres. His roles often draw on his background as a singer and actor from the boy band 5566, transitioning from supporting parts to more prominent ones in later works.^[16] In Miss Devil (魔鬼女教頭, 2006), a comedy directed by Zhang Zhe Shu, Hsu portrayed the character Xu Mengzhe, a young man navigating humorous challenges in a fitness and training setting. The film satirizes boot camp experiences and personal growth.^[46] In Black and White (黑白, 2016), a crime drama directed by Yu Chien-Yu and Li Chuan-Feng, Hsu played a rookie police officer in a supporting role, exploring themes of brotherhood and conflict between black and white paths in 1990s Kaohsiung. Hsu took on supporting roles in two 2015 action and crime films. In Gatao (角頭), directed by Joe Lee, he played Bitter Tea (also known as Gu Cha), the right-hand man to the antagonist Michael (played by Sunny Wang), in a story of gang rivalries and loyalty in Kaohsiung's underworld. The film explores themes of brotherhood and violence in Taiwanese gang culture.^[47][48] Also in 2015, Hsu starred as Peter in the romantic comedy Just Get Married (結婚禁行曲), where he depicted one of three friends resisting marriage pressures alongside commitments and family expectations. Co-stars included Chris Wang as Zhang Jie Sheng and Kimi Hsia as Li Bing Bing, with the film highlighting modern relationship dilemmas.^[49][50] His most recent film appearance was a guest role as Hu Xu Jiang in U Motherbaker: The Movie (我的婆婆怎麼把OO搞丟了, 2023), a family comedy sequel to the popular TV series, directed by Danny Deng. The plot follows a cake shop owner mother's chaotic adventure disguising herself as a waitress to meet her idol singer OO, featuring ensemble casts like Ruby Lin and Beatrice Fang. This role marked Hsu's return to lighter, ensemble-driven narratives.^[51][52]

Awards and nominations

Music awards

Jason Hsu, as a founding member of the Taiwanese boy band 5566, contributed to the group's recognition in several prominent music awards during their active years from 2002 to 2008. The band gained early acclaim for their debut soundtrack work and subsequent hits, earning accolades that highlighted their popularity in the Mandarin pop scene. These awards primarily came from Taiwanese and regional ceremonies, reflecting 5566's impact on youth-oriented music and variety entertainment. In 2002, 5566 received the HITO TV Soundtrack Award for their contributions to the My MVP Valentine original soundtrack, marking an early milestone in their career. In 2003, the group received the Longest Reigning Champion Single award for "Because of Love" at the HITO Music Awards. By 2005, the group secured multiple honors at the HITO Music Awards, including Annual HITO Male Group and inclusion in the Top 10 Chinese Songs for "Long Time No See." The following year, they won the Annual HITO Male Group award, solidifying their status as a leading boy band. In 2006, 5566 further triumphed at the HITO Music Awards with Annual HITO Male Group and Annual HITO Chinese Song awards. Additionally, in 2005, they were awarded the Campus Popularity Award at the MusicRadio China TOP Rankings, recognizing their appeal among younger audiences in the region.^[53] Following the group's hiatus, 5566's reunion activities brought renewed attention to their catalog. In 2024, the band won the Most Loved Golden Song award at the Shanghai LOVE RADIO 103.7 Music Gala for their 2002 hit "I Am Sad" (《我難過》), with members including Hsu performing classics during the ceremony.^[54] No major solo music awards for Hsu have been documented, though his vocal performances in 5566's works were integral to these group achievements.

Acting and hosting awards

Hsu has been recognized for his hosting contributions through multiple nominations at the Golden Bell Awards, Taiwan's most prestigious television honors. In 2018, he received a nomination for Best Host in a Reality or Game Show at the 53rd Golden Bell Awards for co-hosting the variety program The Hunger Games alongside Tony Sun and Zax Wang; the award was ultimately presented to Jacky Wu and KID for Mr. Player.^[57] Hsu earned a second nomination in the same category at the 58th Golden Bell Awards in 2023 for his continued work on The Hunger Games, though Sam Tseng won for A Wonderful Word.^[58][59] At the 60th Golden Bell Awards in 2025, Hsu was again nominated for Best Host in a Reality or Game Show for The Hunger Games, co-hosted with Wang Jen-fu, Sun Hsieh-chih, Wu Han-k'u, and Tsai Huang-ju, but the honor went to the ensemble of Ao Chien, Hsiao Yü, William, A-wei, Hsiao Chieh, Wang Tzu, and Dora for Come On! Fearless.^[60][61] No major acting awards or nominations for Hsu have been documented in television or film festivals as of 2025.