Dear Members and Friends,

Summer is not over, but ACC is already turning bold ideas into meaningful economic opportunities.

From May 23 to June 7, Sam Chang, Patrick Powers, and Barbara Joe joined the Greater Austin Asian Chamber’s Access Asia delegation to Taiwan and Vietnam. In Taipei, they engaged government, industry, and academic leaders and attended COMPUTEX and InnoVEX—two leading conferences focused on AI, technology, and innovation. A smaller delegation continued to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for ACC Houston’s first visit to Vietnam. This important milestone begins our planned annual engagement to advance trade, investment, workforce development, and education.

In late June, I was honored to attend the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing. In Shanghai, I met AmCham Shanghai President Eric Zheng to plan a Houston delegation to the China International Import Expo, November 5–10. ACC is also working with AmCham Shanghai and the USDA to promote Texas agricultural and food products through the American Food and Agriculture Pavilion.

Our Vietnam engagement continued in July. Co-Director Paul Gor met AmCham Vietnam Executive Director Travis Mitchell in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss two-way trade missions and resources for companies operating in both countries. Paul also attended AmCham Vietnam’s Independence Day Celebration, which marked America’s 250th anniversary and welcomed more than 1,000 attendees.

Our work abroad strengthens our impact at home.

In this edition, discover our MidFirst Bank Member Spotlight, Bank of the Orient’s Chinatown expansion, our July Membership Meetup, and the September 18 National ACE Conference in Houston.

On October 24, ACC will celebrate 36 years of impact at our signature Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards Gala at The Post Oak Hotel. We anticipate record attendance and sponsorship—powerful evidence that Asian businesses are helping shape the economic future of Greater Houston, Texas, and America.

If you want to expand your network, enter new markets, access valuable resources, and help build what comes next, there has never been a better time to join ACC.

Together, we drive economic growth by Educating, Elevating, and Empowering Asian businesses.

Fan Chen

Chair

Asian Chamber of Commerce

By building relationships with industry leaders across Asia, ACC Houston is helping position Houston-area businesses to remain competitive and capitalize on new opportunities in an increasingly interconnected marketplace.

Phase 1: Taiwan – Riding the AI and Semiconductor Wave

Our first stop was Taiwan, where our visit coincided with COMPUTEX 2026, one of the world's leading technology conferences. Beyond the excitement of the exhibition floor, the greatest value came from executive meetings and strategic discussions with some of Taiwan's top technology companies. ACC Houston engaged with organizations including MediaTek and Inventec—an international technology manufacturer with a Houston regional office—to explore innovation, global manufacturing trends, and opportunities to expand business relationships between Taiwan and Houston.

Phase 2: Vietnam – Deep Tech and E-Commerce Dominance

The delegation then traveled to Vietnam, with stops in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to explore one of the world's fastest-growing digital economies. The visit focused on identifying opportunities for cross-border trade, innovation, and strategic collaboration.

Throughout the trip, the delegation met with leading organizations shaping Vietnam's technology ecosystem, including a pioneer in e-commerce; MindX, a premier technology education and workforce development company; and Earth VC, a global venture capital firm investing in climate technology and deep-tech innovation. These meetings provided valuable insights into Vietnam's rapidly evolving startup landscape and emerging opportunities for international business partnerships.

As our nation celebrated its historic 250th birthday, we have a profound opportunity to reflect on the engine that has powered America’s remarkable journey: free enterprise. The story of America is one of continuous progress, driven by the millions of individuals who took risks, built businesses, and created opportunities where none existed before.

Crucial to this narrative is the enduring impact of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. It took all of us to reach this historic milestone, and AAPI innovators and entrepreneurs have been instrumental in writing America’s success story—both on a global digital stage and right here in our local communities.

Beginning next month, we'll spotlight one or two AAPI business leaders and entrepreneurs whose vision, leadership, and innovation have made a lasting impact on our nation's economy and the Greater Houston business community. Each edition will feature trailblazers from a variety of industries, highlighting their achievements, the businesses they've built, and the lessons they offer to today's and tomorrow's business leaders.

To learn more about the remarkable contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to our nation's history, culture, and economy, watch The United States of Asian+America, a compelling storytelling initiative by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) and Wong Fu Productions. The series shines a light on the trailblazers, innovators, and changemakers whose stories have helped shape America—and reminds us why celebrating AAPI leadership matters today more than ever.

Learn more and watch the series at The Asian American Foundation: "The United States of Asian+America."

The entrepreneurial spirit of the AAPI community is evident not only through individual success stories but also in the extraordinary economic impact AAPI-owned businesses have across Texas and the Greater Houston region. From launching innovative startups to leading global companies and creating jobs in our local communities, AAPI entrepreneurs continue to drive economic growth, strengthen industries, and expand opportunities for future generations.

According to research from the American Immigration Council, the financial impact of the AAPI community is undeniable:

• Texas-Wide Strength: API Texans hold over $73.4 billion in spending power, earning $100.6 billion in household income and contributing billions annually back into federal, state, and local taxes.

• Houston’s Leading Role: In the Houston metro area alone, API residents hold $24 billion in spending power and contribute over $2.5 billion in state and local taxes.

Furthermore, Houston proudly ranks as the No. 3 best major metro area in the U.S. for Asian American entrepreneurs, boasting nearly 19,900 Asian-owned businesses—representing almost 18% of all businesses in the entire metropolitan area. From local family restaurants and community-focused shops to multi-million-dollar tech startups and private equity giants, these businesses do more than generate revenue; they sponsor local youth teams, invest in local schools, and build thriving communities.

As the Chamber continues to empower, educate, and equip our businesses to scale new heights, let us celebrate America’s 250th birthday with pride. The AAPI community's legacy is woven tightly into the fabric of American free enterprise. By continuing to foster innovation, support our small businesses, and champion diversity, we ensure that the next 250 years will be even more prosperous, collaborative, and inclusive for all.

One of the greatest benefits of being a member of the Asian Chamber of Commerce is the opportunity to introduce your business to our growing network of entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and community partners. This month, we're proud to shine the spotlight on MidFirst Bank.

As the largest privately owned bank in the United States, MidFirst Bank combines the strength of a financial institution with $41.4 billion in assets and the personalized service businesses need to grow with confidence.

While MidFirst serves customers across seven states, its Houston team is focused on one thing: helping local businesses succeed. Whether you're launching a startup, expanding your company, or managing day-to-day operations, their experienced bankers take the time to understand your goals and provide customized financial solutions.

MidFirst Bank offers a full suite of services, including:

• Commercial Banking
• Small Business Banking
• Treasury Management
• Private Banking
• Wealth Management
• Customized lending and deposit solutions
• 
  

Their relationship-first approach means you're not just opening an account—you're gaining a financial partner committed to helping your business thrive.

If you're looking for a banking team that understands the needs of today's business community, connect with MidFirst Bank and learn how they can support your next stage of growth.

Learn more: MidFirst.com

Member Spotlights are one of the many ways the Chamber helps members increase their visibility, build credibility, and connect with potential customers and partners. If you're an ACC member, your business could be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

Not a member yet? Join today and start taking advantage of exclusive marketing opportunities, networking events, business resources, and a community dedicated to helping your business grow.

The Chamber was recently honored to celebrate a monumental dual milestone with one of our valued members, Bank of the Orient. The bank hosted a festive gathering to mark both its 55th anniversary and the grand opening of its brand-new Houston branch located in the heart of Chinatown.

Founded in 1971 with a dedicated mission to serve the unique financial and banking needs of the Asian American community, Bank of the Orient has spent more than half a century building a legacy of trust and tailored financial solutions. Their strategic expansion into Houston’s International District represents far more than just a new physical storefront.

Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards

October 24, 2026 | The Post Oak Hotel

Celebrate Houston’s top innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs at our premier black-tie gala honoring excellence across the region.



Mark your calendars — more details coming soon!