Chiling Tong has extensive domestic and international experience in economic and business development, with a focus on researching and enhancing the growth of small and minority business enterprises competing in the global market. Tong's career spans the private, non-profit and public sectors. She is the President and CEO of The Asian & Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE). National ACE's mission is to serve as a strong advocate of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) business interests and effect positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of AAPI business owners, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. In 2017, Chiling Tong was named Advocate of the Year by the U.S. Department of Commerce and in the White House with the President due to her significant contribution to minority business development.
Chiling Tong is the Founding President of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF). Over 20 years, Tong has built a strong nationwide network of 20 chapters consisting of entrepreneurs and community leaders, that promotes the civic awareness, public service and economic effectiveness of the Asian American Pacific Islander community. She was the Chief of Staff and Associate Director at the Minority Business Development Agency. She helped minority enterprises and small disadvantaged businesses obtain contracts and loans by identifying opportunities. Tong previously served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department of Commerce. Tong was responsible for overseeing the treatment of American companies by Asia and Pacific countries. In 2015, Tong was appointed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to be a Director of the Congressional Awards Board for young leaders.
Tong was also an Ash Center Research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Previously, Tong worked to promote California's economic development, trade and employment services. She was the Director of California's Office of Trade and Investment in Taipei, Taiwan, and served as Assistant Secretary for International Trade in the California Trade and Commerce Agency. Tong has also worked for the California State Senate Minority Leaders Office as the Chief Asian American Affairs Advisor. Tong was awarded a Coro Public Affairs Fellowship and the Chairperson of the Los Angeles County Community Action Board. Tong was also a television anchor and reporter for China TV, a Los Angeles-based international television station.