Chiling Tong (born 1958) is a Chinese-American political figure, activist, and business leader, currently serving as the President and CEO of the National Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE). She is also the Founding President of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting civic awareness and public service among Asian Pacific American (AAPI) college students. With an extensive background in public service, business, and nonprofit leadership, Tong has made significant contributions to the economic and social development of the AAPI community and minority-owned small businesses.
As the President and CEO of National ACE, Tong leads an organization representing the interests of over 2.91 million AAPI and small business owners across the United States. National ACE works in collaboration with more than 130 affiliate AAPI chambers and partner organizations nationwide to advocate for small business interests, enhance business capacity, and foster the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives.
Early Life, Education, and Family Background
Chiling Tong was born in Taipei, Taiwan. Her father, Lieutenant General Tong Ping, was a prominent figure in the Republic of China Army and served as the Director of the Taiwan Railways Administration, often referred to as the “founding father of underground railroads in Taiwan.” Her great-granduncle, Hollington Tong, served as the Ambassador of the Republic of China to the United States from 1956 to 1958 and wrote a biography of Chiang Kai-shek. Her cousin, Kaity Tong, is a well-known broadcast journalist and television news anchor in New York City.
Tong earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Chinese Culture University in Taiwan before moving to the United States in 1984. She obtained an MBA from California State University, Long Beach, and later became a Coro Public Affairs Fellow (1988–1989). She also served as a research fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School from 2011 to 2012.
Career
Chiling Tong’s political and professional career began in California in 1991 when she joined Pete Wilson’s gubernatorial campaign. After Wilson became Governor of California, Tong was appointed as Assistant Secretary for International Trade in the California Trade and Commerce Agency and Director of the California Office of Trade and Investment in Taipei, Taiwan. In these roles, she promoted California’s trade relations and economic development, particularly with Asia.
In 2000, Tong and her husband co-founded the International Leadership Foundation (ILF), a nonprofit organization designed to develop civic leadership among AAPI college students. Through its civic fellowship program, ILF has supported over 10,000 students, providing scholarships, leadership training, and creating a national network of chapters.
Tong held various significant roles in the U.S. federal government. Under President George W. Bush, she was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of the International Trade Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she worked to enhance U.S. companies’ access to Asia-Pacific markets and engage in trade negotiations. She also served as the Chief of Staff for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), promoting business development in minority communities.
Tong continued her public service under President Barack Obama, where she was appointed to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. She was also a member of the White House Initiative on AAPI Affairs under both the Bush and Trump administrations. Additionally, Tong was named to a commission studying the potential creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture.
In 2017, Tong became the President and CEO of National ACE. She led the organization’s efforts to assist AAPI-owned small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, launching a business recovery initiative and helping millennial AAPI entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of the economic downturn caused by the crisis.
Advocacy and Achievements
Beyond her work in government and business, Tong has been an advocate for various social and economic issues affecting the AAPI community. She served as Chair of the Los Angeles County Community Action Board and was involved in various initiatives to foster harmony between minority communities and mainstream society. Additionally, she worked as an anchor and reporter for China TV, a Los Angeles-based international television station.
In 2017, Tong was honored as the “Advocate of the Year” by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) for her exceptional contributions to small business development. She was also recognized at the White House for her work supporting minority businesses.
Tong’s leadership at National ACE has been pivotal in advancing the interests of AAPI businesses nationwide. The organization represents the AAPI community and supports the growth of small businesses, working closely with local chambers of commerce and national partners to address economic challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she spearheaded efforts to help small businesses recover and promoted legislative support for AAPI entrepreneurs.
Personal Life
Chiling Tong’s husband, Joel Szabat, is a former senior official in the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he served as the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs under the Trump administration. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Amtrak Board of Directors. Together, they co-founded the International Leadership Foundation and have collaborated on numerous initiatives to support AAPI communities and promote social change.
Tong’s contributions to public service, business development, and the AAPI community have earned her recognition as one of the most influential figures in the advancement of minority-owned small businesses in the United States. Her career spans the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, making her a leader in fostering inclusive economic growth and civic engagement.
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