The AAPI Strong Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Summit, hosted for the first time by the National Asian American Chamber of Commerce (NAAAC) in the Santa Clara Convention Center on September 4, attracted over 600 government officials, community leaders, and Asian Pacific Islander business owners to celebrate the achievements of the AAPI community. Former U.S. Secretary Elaine Chao and her father were honored with the “Legendary Achievement Award,” with Chao personally sharing her invaluable experiences at the event.
This summit focused on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on various industries. Experts delved into how AI technology can be used to help small to medium-sized enterprises create more business opportunities. Discussions revolved around nine main themes, including workforce transformation, AI empowerment for small businesses, social media brand influence, digital marketing, secrets of successful million-dollar enterprises, fundraising, diverse supply chains, equal opportunities, and mental resilience. The summit also introduced the Capital Readiness Program to assist startup companies in understanding how to obtain funding support.
During the summit, Secretary of Commerce Raymond delivered a video address, emphasizing the vital role of AAPI entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses in the U.S. economy and competitiveness.
NAAAC President Dong Jiling, in her speech, highlighted that given the right opportunities, resources, and guidance, AAPI entrepreneurs can achieve remarkable success. She mentioned that the summit held in Silicon Valley had yielded very fruitful results. By providing one-on-one free consultations in funding acquisition, contract opportunities, and technical support, the summit aims to effectively help small and medium enterprises integrate into mainstream society.
This year’s AAPI Strong Small Business Summit was presided over by NAAAC President Dong Jiling and the Executive Committee, including Chairman Chen Junya, Co-Chairman Hu Limin, Lai Shuna, and others. Chairman of the Small Business Summit Chen Junya stated that holding the conference in Silicon Valley for the first time was significant, with the primary goal of helping small and medium enterprises establish networking relationships.
During the afternoon panel discussions, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao shared her personal growth experiences, encouraging young people to cultivate responsible curiosity through learning and observation to discover their potential and actively contribute to society. She also introduced her two biographies, “The Road of Pioneers” and “Philosophy of Courage.”
At the summit, several prominent guests delivered keynote speeches, including U.S. Congresswoman Judy May Chu, California Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Treasury Jeanette Quick, Bank of America CEO Carol Lee Mitchell, and Williams Energy Company Director and former Deputy Secretary of Commerce Donald Cravins.
To recognize the outstanding contributions of the AAPI community, several significant awards were presented at the gala dinner. The “Legendary Achievement Award” was bestowed upon Dr. Zhao Xicheng, founder of Fuhao Group, and his daughter, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The “Pioneer Award” was given to Zhu Zhenzhong, founder of Xifuju, and his son, director of “Crazy Rich Asians,” Zhu Haowei. Grubhub received the Corporate Champion Award.
The gala dinner also hosted a roundtable discussion with the theme “Sustainable Inheritance,” where Zhu Zhenzhong and his son, Zhu Haowei, engaged in a dialogue, with Zhu Haowei sharing his work “Viewfinder” and the creative experience of the movie “Wicked,” as well as introducing the behind-the-scenes story of the upcoming film “The Witch of Magic” set to premiere in November.
The summit guests on that day included a gathering of dignitaries, with President Biden and California Governor Newsom sending special congratulatory letters. Notable attendees included Deputy Secretary of Commerce Eric Morrissette, President’s Assistant and White House Senior Coordinator for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Erika Moritsugu, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Congresswoman Judy May Chu, California Assemblyman Evan Low, Sally, wife of Santa Clara County Councilor Li Zhouxiao, Saratoga Mayor Yan Zhao, Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, and many other politicians and business figures, as well as several executives from Fortune 500 companies.
National ACE, representing over 2.91 million Asian Pacific Islander businesses employing over 5 million employees nationwide, serves as a leading voice for the AAPI business community. ACE collaborates with more than 130 chambers of commerce and minority business organizations, focusing on promoting economic development, enhancing influence, and nurturing the next generation of Asian Pacific Islander entrepreneurs and executives.
The summit is an annual gathering of AAPI businesses and leaders, celebrating AAPI small and medium-sized enterprises and intergenerational entrepreneurial spirit. It also provides entrepreneurs with opportunities to explore innovative capital construction and serves as a platform for businesses to collaborate and find strategic partners.