Dai was born in Jiangdu County, Jiangsu, on 20 August 1963. He secondary studied at Dinggou High School (丁沟中学).[1] In July 1981, he was accepted to Changzhou University, where he majored in organic chemical industry.[2] Beginning in 1985, he served in several posts in Yangzi Petrochemical, including deputy general manager, general manager, and chairman.