At the National ACE’s 2024 annual dinner held on September 4th, a notable guest list came together, featuring President Biden and Governor Newsom, both of whom shared congratulatory messages. The event attracted high-profile attendees such as Deputy Secretary of Commerce Eric Morrissette, White House Assistant and Senior Coordinator for Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs Erika L. Moritsugu, and former Labor and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
The evening’s highlight was a roundtable discussion on the theme of sustainable legacy. Among those participating were Peter Chu, founder of Chef Chu’s, and Jon M. Chu, the director, producer, and screenwriter behind “Crazy Rich Asians.” Their engaging father-son dialogue, moderated by Bing Chen, CEO of Gold House, was filled with heartfelt moments, insights, and humor. Jon also took the opportunity to promote his new book, “Viewfinder,” along with his upcoming film, “Wicked.”
National ACE presented several awards during the event. Dr. George Chao, founder of Foremost Group, and his daughter Elaine received the “Legendary Achievement Award.” The “Pioneer Award” went to Peter and Jon Chu, while Grubhub was recognized with the Corporate Champion Award.
C. J. Dong, National ACE President, emphasized the significance of this year’s awards, noting that both accolades went to family members across generations, highlighting the deep importance of legacy, especially in discussions between first-generation immigrant parents and their children.
Dr. George Chao, often referred to as the “Chinese Shipping King,” began his journey in a village in Shanghai before immigrating to Taiwan in 1949, where he became the youngest ocean-going captain at the age of 29. He later left a lucrative position to pursue education, eventually founding Foremost Group, which is renowned for its environmentally innovative bulk carriers. Dr. Chao places a strong emphasis on family education, blending Western and Eastern values as he instills knowledge in his six daughters.
Beyond his business endeavors, Dr. Chao is deeply committed to philanthropy, having donated millions to educational initiatives. He founded the George and Alice Chao Scholarship Fund and the Chao Centre at Harvard University, awarding scholarships to outstanding maritime students who study in the U.S. and intern at Foremost Group. In tribute to his late wife, Taiwan’s National Cheng Kung University recently inaugurated the Mulan Maritime and Marine Education Building.
According to National ACE, Dr. Chao has established his own distinct value within the competitive U.S. landscape, and the Chao family has been widely recognized as “legends of the Chinese community.” His inspiring life story, marked by challenges and triumphs, makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Legendary Achievement Award.
Elaine Chao made history as the first Asian American woman to hold a position in a presidential cabinet in the U.S., serving as both Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation. Her life experiences have fueled her commitment to “ensuring everyone has an opportunity.” She stressed that the best investment parents can make is in the education of their children. Reflecting on her upbringing, Elaine recalled her parents instilling in their daughters the belief that “happiness comes from hard work and finding what you love to do. True happiness isn’t about wealth for personal gain; it’s about using it to give back and help others gain access to education and healthcare.”
Peter Chu and his son Jon Chu were honored with the “Pioneer Award.” Peter has operated Chef Chu’s, a celebrated Chinese restaurant in the Bay Area, for over 50 years, garnering multiple accolades as one of the top Chinese dining establishments in the region. Jon is a successful Hollywood director whose first film was the sequel to “Step Up,” which achieved both critical acclaim and box office success. He is known for directing hits such as “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” and “Crazy Rich Asians.” His latest project, “The Witches,” is set to hit theaters this Thanksgiving.
Jon has observed the evolution of Asian Americans in the U.S. and is cognizant of the challenges posed by stereotypes. He is passionate about reshaping the narrative of Asians in film, asserting, “One story can change how people view us. ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is not the conclusion of our story; it’s merely the beginning.”
