When Yellow Pages Met Herbal Wisdom: The Visionary Journey of FPA Group’s Tang Wei

From dishwashing shifts to pioneering pharmaceutical innovation, Tang Wei’s journey epitomises the tenacity driving FPA Group’s rise as a transnational health industry leader. In this exclusive interview, the founder and CEO shares how grassroots hustle, a vertical integration strategy, and a cross-cultural vision transformed a Sydney startup into a global player, straddling pharmaceutical raw materials, nutraceuticals brands, and the modernisation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

In this interview, Tang shares insights into his company’s evolution, the challenges faced, and key strategies for navigating an increasingly competitive global health landscape. His experience as an entrepreneur—transitioning from studying abroad to building a multinational business—gives him a unique perspective on the opportunities and complexities of the health industry, particularly in the context of growing China-Australia cooperation.

From Studying Abroad to Building a Pharmaceutical Business

Tang Wei is upfront about the humble beginnings of his entrepreneurial journey. “My first real income came from washing dishes for four years,” he says with a smile, reflecting on the early struggles of his career. When Tang first arrived in Australia, he had to balance his studies with working to cover his tuition and living expenses. In those years, he worked a variety of jobs—dishwasher, waiter, even selling beach shorts and pool table cloths. While these roles seemed unrelated, they helped him hone an entrepreneurial mindset. The resilience and adaptability he developed through these experiences became the foundation for his future in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Despite the hardship, I always knew that I came to Australia to pursue something bigger,” Tang recalls. His early working years may have been tough, but his drive to build a successful career kept him focused. Even during moments of doubt, he never lost sight of his goal. Tang credits these varied job experiences for helping him develop a multidimensional perspective, which ultimately led him to recognise the enormous potential of the pharmaceutical raw materials sector.

A significant factor influencing Tang’s decision to enter the pharmaceutical industry was his family background. His father worked in the pharmaceutical raw materials industry, and this early exposure gave Tang a strong understanding of the field. “My father was also involved in this industry, and the support I received from my family, along with the technical expertise passed down through the generations, was invaluable,” Tang explains. This family foundation provided the confidence and knowledge needed to step into the pharmaceutical sector.

Starting from Scratch with the Yellow Pages

In the early 1990’s, Tang began his entrepreneurial journey in Sydney. Faced with limited resources and a language barrier, he didn’t back down. Using the Yellow Pages, Tang identified pharmaceutical companies by their addresses and began knocking on doors. “I drove around every day, visiting pharmaceutical companies listed in the Yellow Pages. If I couldn’t find the purchasing manager, I’d ask the receptionist,” he recalls. This direct, no-frills approach enabled him to gradually establish a small base of clients, laying the groundwork for future expansion.

Despite his limited English skills at the time, Tang persevered and slowly gained a foothold in the market. His English teacher even helped arrange meetings, while Tang personally brought product samples. Though tedious, this process allowed him to build a solid client base and gain valuable experience—both crucial for the company’s growth.

“I would sometimes spend days travelling between different pharmaceutical companies, meeting potential clients, and doing my best to present our products,” Tang shares. His determination and willingness to go the extra mile earned him the trust of his clients and laid the foundation for FPA Group’s future success.

Building the Industry Chain and Focusing on Product Quality

As FPA Group expanded, Tang quickly realised that controlling product quality was key to long-term success. Initially, the company focused on producing pharmaceutical raw materials, but Tang soon understood that to maintain a competitive edge, they needed to control the quality of raw materials from the very source. As a result, he made the decision to set up independent laboratories and prioritise stringent quality control measures. This move laid a strong foundation for FPA Group’s sustained growth.

“We’re not just about making profits; our greater goal is to promote traditional Chinese medicine worldwide and establish it in Australia,” says Tang. While FPA Group has focused on developing and producing modern pharmaceutical raw materials, Tang has also worked to internationalise traditional Chinese medicine. By positioning his company as a “specialist in herbal medicine,” Tang aims to raise awareness of FPA Group’s brand in Australia and become a key ambassador for Chinese medicine globally.

For Tang, the cultural significance and international recognition of traditional Chinese medicine is a core mission. As the global health industry continues to grow, more people are seeking supplements and natural remedies, making Chinese medicine increasingly relevant. “In Australia, people are becoming more familiar with traditional Chinese medicine—especially Chinese herbs—and the benefits are starting to be recognised. My goal is to combine this rich cultural heritage with modern medicine to contribute to the global health movement,” Tang explains, sharing his vision for the international promotion of Chinese medicine.

Expanding the Industry Chain and Strengthening the Brand

As demand for their products grew, Tang decided to build pharmaceutical factories and research and development centres in both China and Australia, further strengthening the company’s position across the industry chain. This not only enhanced FPA Group’s production capacity but also boosted its R&D capabilities, providing vital support for brand-building efforts. “We are dedicated to creating a complete industry chain—from raw materials to R&D, production, and sales. By keeping every step under our control, we ensure quality and consistency,” Tang emphasises.

However, the global financial crisis presented significant challenges for the group. In 2007, just as FPA Group was completing the construction of its factories in Shanghai and Australia, it faced a severe cash flow crisis. “The financial crisis taught me that a company must always have sufficient financial reserves to cope with unforeseen risks,” Tang reflects. During this challenging time, he and his team worked together to adjust their strategies and successfully navigated the crisis.

Tang highlights, “Every crisis the company faced was a test of the team’s resilience. Overcoming difficulties in tough times is only possible through collective effort and strong execution.” These experiences became defining moments in both Tang’s personal growth and the development of FPA Group, sharpening his decision-making skills and providing valuable insights into managing market risks.

Brand Building and Expanding Globally

As an industry leader, Tang has always placed great importance on brand building. He believes that product quality and brand reputation are the cornerstones of a company’s market success. “We focus not only on profits but also on building a strong brand and earning a solid reputation,” he says. FPA Group has earned numerous accolades in Australia, including being named Australia’s Best Quality Manufacturer, and has gained recognition from global clients by continuously improving product quality.

As the Chinese market continues to open up, FPA Group’s products have gained increasing visibility in China. The growing recognition of traditional Chinese medicine has attracted attention from Chinese consumers in particular. Tang believes that cooperation between China and Australia in the health industry will continue to deepen, and FPA Group is committed to promoting joint R&D projects between the two countries to meet the rising global demand for high-quality health products.

Tang notes, “The rapid development of Australia’s health products sector in recent years has been driven by growing demand from Chinese consumers. As more Chinese consumers embrace health-conscious lifestyles, FPA Group has found a unique position in this market.”

Continuous Innovation and Facing Future Challenges

Innovation remains the core driver of FPA Group’s growth. With the global health industry on the rise, Tang says the company is increasing its investment in developing new products to meet the evolving needs of the market. “In the future, we’ll introduce more innovative products backed by clinical data and help shape the direction of the health industry,” Tang says confidently. He emphasises that innovation is not only about developing new products, but also about continuously improving production processes and advancing technological research.

Currently, FPA Group is developing a new line of health gummies targeting the wellness needs of younger generations, further expanding its market share. Tang also highlights the development of overseas warehousing and expanded international logistics networks, which will allow FPA Group’s products to reach global markets more efficiently—particularly in high-growth regions such as Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

“In recent years, we’ve invested heavily in automating our production lines and building R&D facilities. These investments will give us a significant edge in the coming years,” Tang explains. As the company continues to diversify its product portfolio, FPA Group aims to further strengthen its presence in international markets.

Tang Wei’s vision for FPA Group’s future centres on continued global expansion, with a particular focus on strengthening its footprint in China while exploring new opportunities in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. “Our objective is to establish FPA Group as a truly global leader in the health and pharmaceutical sectors,” Tang states. To support this, the company is embracing digital tools—including social media platforms such as TikTok and its own online channels—to engage with international audiences and enhance brand recognition.

Reflecting on his journey, Tang’s perseverance and strategic decision-making have been fundamental to the company’s growth. From his early days balancing studies with part-time work in Australia to now leading FPA Group into global markets, his commitment to long-term goals has never wavered. FPA Group’s successful integration of pharmaceutical raw materials, nutraceuticals, and traditional Chinese medicine has enabled it to carve out a distinct position in the global health industry. Looking ahead, the company remains focused on driving innovation, maintaining high standards of quality, and fostering deeper international collaborations—particularly between China and Australia—as it navigates the evolving dynamics of the global health sector.