“I like to share and provide value to other people.”
Vincent Djen is a visionary leader in the global fashion and apparel industry whose career spans two decades of transformative impact across sustainable manufacturing, textile innovation, and entrepreneurial mentorship. As the Director of Cheng Kung Garments (CKG), a family-owned business established in 1975, Vincent has carried forward a multigenerational legacy of craftsmanship while reshaping the company to meet the challenges of today’s sustainability-driven marketplace. With an international perspective sharpened by years of experience in both Western and Asian markets, he has positioned himself as an influential voice on the future of fashion and circular economies worldwide.
Born into a family deeply rooted in the garment industry, Vincent inherited not only the responsibility of leadership but also a profound appreciation for tradition, quality, and innovation. From an early age, he understood the nuances of textile production and the importance of ethical business practices, lessons that would later define his career. After earning his degree in Accounting and Marketing from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, he returned to Shanghai to guide the family business into a new era of global expansion and sustainability.
Since assuming leadership at Cheng Kung Garments in 2005, Vincent has elevated the company into a trusted partner for premium fashion brands worldwide. Headquartered in Shanghai with operations extending to Shenzhen and Hong Kong, CKG is renowned for its commitment to transparency, low minimum order quantities, and sustainable sourcing practices. Under Vincent’s stewardship, the company blends traditional garment-making craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that style, sustainability, and ethical responsibility coexist seamlessly in every product delivered to clients.
Vincent’s leadership extends far beyond the walls of his family business. In 2019, he co-founded China Textile Recycling (CTR), a groundbreaking initiative that addresses one of the fashion industry’s most pressing challenges: textile waste. CTR’s state-of-the-art facilities in Guangzhou leverage artificial intelligence to sort and recycle over 100,000 tons of garments and shoes annually, transforming waste into valuable resources and setting a new benchmark for the circular economy in China. With its Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, CTR not only demonstrates Vincent’s commitment to innovation but also his dedication to redefining sustainability within one of the world’s most resource-intensive industries.
An entrepreneur at heart, Vincent has co-founded multiple ventures that reflect his belief in empowering emerging businesses and fostering creativity in fashion. In 2017, he co-launched FashionEx Shanghai, a startup accelerator designed to support fashion entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of supply chains, production, and market entry. By offering a 60-day intensive program, FashionEx helped numerous founders translate bold ideas into viable businesses, further cementing Vincent’s reputation as a mentor and catalyst for growth within the fashion community.
Vincent’s influence also extends to international mentorship and education. As a mentor with German Accelerator, he has guided startups expanding into Asia, equipping them with the insights necessary to thrive in competitive and dynamic markets. His academic contributions as a tutor at Istituto Marangoni in China, coupled with his previous executive roles in fashion startups and innovative brands like Allblu, highlight his ability to bridge theory and practice, inspiring the next generation of leaders in fashion and sustainability.
Throughout his career, Vincent has been a prominent voice in global industry conversations. He has been featured in leading international publications such as Vogue Business and Jing Daily, and his thought leadership has been amplified through podcasts and interviews in both Western and Chinese media. Whether discussing sustainability, consumer insights, or entrepreneurship, Vincent offers a unique dual perspective rooted in deep local knowledge of the Chinese market and a global vision shaped by his international experience. His ability to engage audiences across cultures has made him a sought-after commentator and speaker at conferences, panels, and industry forums.
Beyond his business achievements, Vincent’s service to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem reflects his dedication to community building. A longstanding member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), he served as Chapter President for the China East Chapter and later as Area Communications Director for Greater China. In these roles, he fostered collaboration, mentorship, and growth among entrepreneurs, further demonstrating his commitment to leadership that extends beyond personal or corporate success.
While his professional life is defined by innovation and leadership, Vincent also values personal passions that enrich his worldview. With interests in history, technology, reading, and clothing, he continuously draws inspiration from diverse sources that fuel his creativity and broaden his understanding of cultural and consumer dynamics. Fluent in English and multiple Chinese dialects, Vincent embodies the global mindset that today’s interconnected business world demands.
As Vincent looks ahead, his mission remains consistent: to share knowledge, support emerging ventures, and drive the fashion industry toward a more sustainable and ethical future. With twenty years of professional experience, international exposure, and a proven track record of leading both established corporations and disruptive startups, he brings unparalleled expertise and vision to any board or advisory role. For Vincent, leadership is not simply about business success—it is about creating meaningful impact, empowering others, and ensuring that the next generation of fashion and apparel entrepreneurs inherit an industry that is both innovative and sustainable.
Character:
Vincent exemplifies integrity and responsibility, guided by a lifelong dedication to sustainability and ethical leadership. His values are deeply rooted in the heritage of his family business, where transparency and accountability form the foundation of every decision. His character shines through in his ability to inspire trust and foster meaningful relationships with colleagues, partners, and entrepreneurs worldwide.
Knowledge:
With more than two decades of experience spanning manufacturing, recycling, entrepreneurship, and international business, Vincent brings an unmatched depth of expertise to his work. His insights have been sought by top media outlets and industry organizations, where he shares thought leadership on sustainability and consumer behavior. He combines technical understanding of textiles and supply chains with strategic foresight, making him an invaluable advisor in today’s rapidly evolving fashion landscape.
Strategic:
Vincent approaches every venture with a long-term vision that balances innovation with practicality. From scaling a multigenerational family business to co-founding recycling initiatives, his strategy always integrates sustainability with market competitiveness. He demonstrates an exceptional ability to identify emerging trends and adapt business models to meet future industry needs, positioning himself as a forward-thinking leader in apparel and sustainability.
Communication:
As a mentor, speaker, and media contributor, Vincent is a dynamic communicator who bridges cultural and linguistic divides. His fluency in English and Chinese enables him to engage diverse audiences, while his storytelling ability makes complex concepts accessible and compelling. Whether mentoring startups, leading a multinational team, or speaking at global forums, he communicates with clarity, empathy, and authenticity.
https://www.chinatextilerecycling.com
