About the Asia Chamber of America
For over two decades, we have served as the premier bridge between American and Asian economies — connecting businesses, governments, investors, and innovators across the Pacific.
Our Mission
The Asia Chamber of America (ACA) is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic partnerships between the United States and Asia. We empower businesses of all sizes to navigate cross-border trade, attract foreign direct investment, and leverage the full potential of the world's most dynamic economic corridor.
Our Vision
A world where U.S. and Asian economies are seamlessly connected — where entrepreneurs, corporations, and governments collaborate freely to create prosperity, innovation, and lasting diplomatic ties.
We operate with transparency and the highest ethical standards in every partnership and transaction.
We deliver world-class programs, events, and advisory services that produce measurable results.
We champion diversity and ensure that businesses of all sizes have access to global opportunities.
We embrace technology and new models to keep our members ahead in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Our History
Two decades of building bridges across the Pacific.
Founded in Cincinnati
The Asia Chamber of America was established in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a founding membership of 45 businesses committed to U.S.–China trade.
First Trade Mission to China
Led our inaugural 30-member trade delegation to Beijing and Shanghai, resulting in $12M in new trade agreements.
Midwest Expansion
Expanded operations to serve businesses across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, establishing the tri-state regional hub.
GICC Launch
Launched the Gateway International Commerce Center (GICC), the Midwest's first dedicated cross-border e-commerce accelerator.
Pan-Asia Scope
Broadened our mandate beyond China to serve all of Asia-Pacific, including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore.
AI & Innovation Division
Established the AI & Innovation division to help members navigate digital transformation, smart manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
20+ Years of Impact
Celebrating over two decades of service with 1,000+ businesses served, 50+ trade delegations, and $500M+ in facilitated trade and investment.
Our Impact
Our Leadership
Experienced executives and diplomats united by a shared mission to strengthen U.S.–Asia economic ties.
Advisory Board
Distinguished leaders from government, academia, and industry who guide our strategic direction.
Ambassador Patricia Lee (Ret.)
Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea
Prof. Wei Zhang
University of Cincinnati, International Business
Hon. Thomas Nguyen
Former Ohio Secretary of State
Yuki Matsumoto
CEO, Pacific Bridge Capital
Dr. Anita Sharma
Director, Brookings Institution Asia Policy
Carlos Rivera
Managing Partner, Global Trade Law Group
Jennifer Zhao
VP, Procter & Gamble Asia Operations
Sen. Mark Harrison (Ret.)
Former U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Global Partners
We collaborate with leading chambers, government agencies, universities, and corporations across the U.S. and Asia.
United States
China
Japan & Korea
Southeast Asia
Chamber Leadership
Meet the board chair, committee chairs, and executive director who guide the Asia Chamber of America's strategy, programs, and day-to-day operations.
ACA's leadership team brings together accomplished executives, diplomats, and community builders who volunteer their expertise to advance U.S.–Asia economic engagement.
Margaret Liu has served as Board Chair since 2019, providing strategic direction and governance oversight for the Asia Chamber of America. A former federal trade official and corporate attorney, she brings deep expertise in international trade law, regulatory affairs, and public-private partnerships.
Prior to joining ACA's board, Margaret served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Trade Policy at the U.S. Department of Commerce and as General Counsel for a Fortune 500 multinational with operations across Asia. She is a graduate of Yale Law School and holds an MBA from the Wharton School.
Leo Chan is a Cincinnati-based American business executive, entrepreneur, investor, and international economic-development leader with more than three decades of experience spanning financial services, telecommunications, technology, artificial intelligence, venture capital, cross-border investment, and U.S.–Asia business relations.
As Executive Director of the Asia Chamber of America, Chan works with businesses, investors, government officials, and community leaders to strengthen commercial and institutional relationships between the United States and Asia. His career has spanned leadership roles involving Hawaiian Telcom, Cincinnati Bell, China Unicom joint ventures, Bank of China, and Société Générale, and he subsequently founded ventures in investment, renewable energy, technology, and AI — including serving as President of Hybrid AI Corporation beginning in 2022. He earned an MBA from the University of Cincinnati, completed the Asia-Europe Economics program at Sciences Po, studied international business at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, and completed the Harvard Business Analytics Program with a focus on artificial intelligence. He is the author of The Power of Capital (2012) and is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, with working knowledge of French and Japanese. Hamilton County, Ohio proclaimed May 29, 2021 as "Leo Chan Day" in recognition of his civic contributions.
Dr. Angela Park
Chair, Trade & Investment Committee
Dr. Park oversees ACA's trade facilitation programs, investment forums, and cross-border deal flow. She is a professor of International Business at Xavier University and a former JETRO visiting fellow.
Thomas Huang
Chair, Technology & Innovation Committee
Thomas leads ACA's AI & Innovation Accelerator and GICC e-commerce programs. He is the founder of a Cincinnati-based technology consultancy with clients across the U.S. and Greater China.
Priya Nair
Chair, Membership & Community Committee
Priya drives ACA's membership growth, retention, and community engagement initiatives. She is VP of Business Development at a regional financial services firm and a board member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce.
James Watanabe
Chair, Government Relations Committee
James coordinates ACA's advocacy work with federal, state, and local officials. He is a partner at a Cincinnati law firm specializing in international trade compliance and government affairs.
Linda Chen
Chair, Education & Cultural Exchange Committee
Linda leads ACA's STEM award programs, Honor Summer Camp, and cultural exchange initiatives. She is the principal of a regional K-12 school and a longtime advocate for Asian American educational equity.
Dignitaries & Board Alumni
We honor the distinguished individuals and organizations whose service and partnership have shaped the Asia Chamber of America.
Distinguished Board Members & Dignitaries
ACA's growth and impact over two decades reflect the dedication of board members, honorary directors, and partner organizations who have contributed their leadership, resources, and networks to our mission.
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian & Pacific Affairs
2005–2012
Former Governor of Ohio
2004–2010
Former Chancellor, State University of New York
2014–2019
Former Justice, Ohio Supreme Court
2016–2022
Former President, University of Cincinnati
2013–2020
Former Ambassador of China to the United States
2013–2021
U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio 1st District
2008–2022
Former Mayor of Cincinnati
2014–2021
The Asia Chamber of America is grateful to every individual and organization that has served on our board, sponsored our programs, or partnered with us to advance U.S.–Asia economic ties. The names below represent a partial record of those who have made lasting contributions.
Partner Organizations
These organizations have served as founding sponsors, strategic partners, and board-level supporters whose investment in ACA's mission has made our programs possible.
Founding Corporate Sponsor & Board Partner
Strategic Financial Partner
Healthcare & Research Partner
Corporate Member & Supply Chain Partner
Investment & Sponsorship Partner
Academic & Research Partner
Infrastructure & Energy Partner
Legal & Government Affairs Partner
Local Chapter Leadership
ACA's regional chapters extend our mission into communities across the Midwest and beyond, led by dedicated local volunteers and business leaders.
Each ACA chapter operates with its own leadership team, programming calendar, and membership base — while sharing the resources, network, and mission of the national organization.
The founding chapter and national headquarters, serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with the full breadth of ACA programs.
Serving the Columbus metro area with a focus on technology, healthcare, and higher education partnerships with Asian counterparts.
Connecting Kentucky's manufacturing, bourbon, and equine industries with Asian buyers, investors, and trade partners.
Focused on aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and defense-related trade and investment opportunities across the Miami Valley region.
Advancing Indiana's life sciences, logistics, and agribusiness sectors through targeted U.S.–Asia trade and investment programming.
Connecting Pittsburgh's robotics, AI, and steel heritage industries with Asian technology partners and investors.
Interested in joining or starting a chapter in your city?
Contact Us About ChaptersJoin the Asia Chamber of America
Become part of a network that opens doors across the Pacific. Explore membership options or contact us to learn more.