Chiling Tong, CEO of the National Asian / Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), has been appointed to the Commission to Study the Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. On May 17, 2023, Ms. Tong confirmed this appointment in an interview with our media outlet, “Chinese in U.S.”, suggesting that this milestone advancement is expected to further enhance nationwide understanding and recognition of Asian Pacific Islander history and culture. This will serve as a significant and far-reaching event for the Asian American Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) community and the entire United States.
The Commission consists of eight members. These members are appointed respectively by the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the House. Chiling Tong from Maryland was chosen by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Commission’s task, set to be conducted voluntarily over a span of 18 months, is to deliver a feasibility report to the President and Congress. The report will present the Commission’s recommendations concerning the potential establishment and maintenance of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture in Washington D.C and its surrounding areas. This museum is intended to be part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Chiling Tong, as a highly respected and influential activist for Asian Pacific American rights and esteemed CEO of the National ACE, has been viewed as an exemplary selection for this commission due to her outstanding contributions to public service. Her appointment was made under the enactment of H.R. 3525, initially sponsored by Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), emphasizing the importance of this study.
Chiling Tong highlighted that the AANHPI community has made significant contributions to the country’s growth. “This museum can showcase our history and culture in a positive way to honor the past and connect our future,” Tong said. “It can bring our strength together, inspire our courage and help preserve our history and culture for the next generation of AANHPI.”
The National ACE Board Chair, Thear Suzuki, echoed these sentiments, stating: “The leadership of National ACE couldn’t be more thrilled to have Chiling participate in this important commission to study the opportunities that exist to enshrine our rich history, traditions, and values in a National Museum.”
Chiling Tong, a distinguished Asian American Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) American leadership activist and organizer is widely recognized for her service in the administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. During the Bush administration, Tong enhanced U.S. companies’ access to Asia-Pacific markets, serving as the deputy assistant secretary of the International Trade Administration in the Department of Commerce. She also held valuable positions at the Minority Business Development Agency.
In the Obama administration, Tong was actively involved as a member of the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprises and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. She continued to demonstrate her dedication to public service in 2015 when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appointed her as the director of the Congressional Award for young leaders. She also played a significant role in the Asian Hate Crimes Workforce, under Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, addressing the upsurge in anti-Asian activities.
Currently, Tong is the President and CEO of the National Asian & Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE), where she represents the interests of 2.65 million AANHPI small business owners and entrepreneurs. Her contributions have been particularly noted since 2017 when she began leading the National ACE, focusing on the recovery of AAPI small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her advocacy for a robust, long-term response to the crisis has been crucial to the recovery of AAPI-owned small businesses.
Additionally, Tong is the Founding President of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF), a nonprofit organization that encourages civic awareness and public service among AAPI college students.
