Chiling Tong: Asian Americans in Business and Government

Chiling Tong arrived in the U.S. as a foreign student hoping to build a successful life in America. She went to both college and graduate school in the U.S., later becoming an Ash Center Research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Under the Bush administration, Tong was appointed as the commissioner of the White House Initiative for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Later on, she also became the deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

More recently, Chiling Tong founded the International Leadership Foundation (ILF), an organization focused on the advancement of young Asian American leaders. She also became the President of the Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ACE). Over 20+ years, she has set up a nationwide network of 20 chapters consisting of entrepreneurs and community leaders. Throughout this time, Chiling Tong has dedicated her time and effort to promoting civic awareness, public service, and economic effectiveness for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. 

Q: What was it like first coming to America? 

“When I first came to the U.S., I felt as if I had fulfilled my dreams. As a child, I always went to church, read American stories, and watched Western movies. I felt that this country was full of opportunities. However, when I came over, I faced many challenges. When I was talking with my landlord, although she was a good woman, I realized that she did not have a sense of diversity. I told her, ‘I came to this country to contribute.’ She replied, ‘You know, immigrants bring crime to this country and have taken advantage of us.’ I then realized how important it is for Asian Americans to share our thoughts and speak directly to the rest of America to let them know that we have a voice. America is really a land of opportunities, and to face the challenges in our way, Asian American communities must work together and stand up for themselves.” 

Q: What are some core values that you hold with you to this day?

“As a Christian, I believe that your beliefs and integrity are very important. When I became a public servant, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to survive if I didn’t have integrity.  As a child, Christianity taught me to be honest, maintain integrity, and be kind to others. I tried to apply those kinds of teachings in real life and soon realized that I could tremendously benefit from biblical teachings. When you want to be honest, it is challenging because nobody wants to offend others or be impolite. You need to be honest to yourself and know your goals: There are many things you might want to do, but you need to know for sure what you want. Regarding integrity, it is also important to follow the law. If you don’t follow the regulations, you will eventually get into trouble. This builds into a habit that will destroy your life. I am also passionate about helping people, which is why I’m a public servant today. I believe that helping others is a tremendous reward that not only makes me happy, but helps others achieve their own happiness. Be honest, have integrity, and always be kind to the people around you.

Q: How has your experience as an Asian American affected you in your career across government and business?

“As an Asian American, I have always been able to find allies in the Asian American community. Because Asian Americans have similar values and understand our goals, I have always been able to work with other Asian Americans. And, whenever you want to achieve a goal in your life, you need to find a partner with the same vision. I’ve served on four different boards: Commissioner of the WHIAAPI, Congressional awards board, Governor Hogan’s commission, and currently, the president of the National Asian American Chamber of Commerce. For each and every project, I was able to find a great partner to work with me. If you want to succeed as an Asian American, you can depend on our Asian American community to support you in your vision.”

Q: What is the importance of entrepreneurship? 

“Entrepreneurship is extremely critical to the Asian American community, especially for Chinese people. We actually do very well with entrepreneurship: If you travel all over the world, you will see that Chinese are able to do all kinds of business. Every year, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders generate about 700 billion dollars, and we are very proud of their contributions towards this country. Before COVID-19, we worked with plenty of research companies- our purchasing power was almost at 1 trillion dollars. It’s just amazing what we’ve achieved. However, since COVID-19, Asian American businesses have had to totally reevaluate their plans. Since entrepreneurship is such a big part of many Asian American lives, we need to totally re-evaluate the situation within our communities, so we can find out how COVID-19 has affected our entrepreneurs.”

Q: As a member of the WHIAAPI Commission for the President, can you please share with us how the Commission assists Asian Americans?

“The WHIAAPI is an entity that works to empower AAPI in order to improve their lives and raise the standard of living for their families. This initiative works with the native Hawaii community, which collaborated with the White House office of publicism to increase AAPIs’ participation in all the following categories: Development, commerce, business, education, health and human services, housing, environment, art, agricultural labor, employment, transportation, justice with veterans, and community service. Currently, the White House is housed with the  U.S. department of commerce and the minority business development agency. Two key members of our White House initiative are the Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, and the Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao.”

Q: What inspired you to start ILF?

“I was inspired by my husband. He believes that Asian Americans haven’t been recognized enough and that he could help out with our community. Not only does he love the Asian American community, he also cares deeply about America. In order to build a better country, we Asian Americans must enhance our own community. We want to promote civil awareness and better economic skills among Asian Americans. Our focus is on helping young leaders in the fields of public service, entrepreneurship, international business, and politics through a network of business and community leaders. In the end, we desire ILF can bring more young Asian American leaders into the spotlight.”

Q: What problems do you think Asian Americans currently face? 

“COVID-19 has changed the whole dynamic of this world, as the main problem that Asian Americans face is now a decline in business opportunity. About 2 million AAPI entrepreneurs need assistance to access available resources such as business development counseling, small business loans, and governor procurement opportunities. Currently, 26 percent of Asian businesses are not able to open up due to COVID-19. By working together, Asian Americans are able to conquer any obstacles, and we will conquer this as well. 

Q: What qualities or experience do you think young Asian Americans need the most to address those problems? 

“Although many people say Asian Americans are a model minority, in many areas the Asian American community needs focus and improvement. Large income gaps and high suicide rates among women are some of those issues we need to deal with. In order to meet these needs, the AAPI community should collaborate; we need more AAPI engagement in public sectors. This engagement can only be achieved through strong leadership. In both public and private sectors, we need to cultivate better leaders in the future.”

Q: What advice do you have for Asian Americans aspiring to achieve their American Dream?

“When I arrived in the United States, immigrants were considered handicapped because we could not speak English very well. However, since then, immigrants have worked three times as much as natural citizens to achieve the same opportunities. Today’s young Asian Americans have more opportunities, and it is even more important for them to never give up on their dreams. Even during difficult times, like the pandemic, we must not give up. If you can overcome a global pandemic, you can face any challenge.  Even if you achieve success, it is most important to be happy. Have a good relationship with your family and your community: Research has demonstrated that the happiest people are those who have a good relationship with their community. Through the National ACE, I have been able to develop amazing relationships with my community, and I am proud and content in my work.” 

Q: To wrap things up, do you have any last words for our Asian American community?

“As a small minority group, we need to work together and stay united. Do not give up during the pandemic- stay safe and healthy. Find people to partner with, and keep thinking positively. Never give up on your dreams, and keep pursuing them, even though times are tough. By working together with your community, you will be able to conquer the world!”