Milpitas City Council member and former board member of the Milpitas Unified School District, Hon Lien, draws from her rich cultural heritage, which blends Chinese and Vietnamese influences, to reflect on her remarkable journey. Immigrating to the United States at the age of 13, Lien has emerged as a successful businesswoman dedicated to public service and community betterment. Last November, she proudly announced her candidacy for mayor. Her experiences resonate with many first-generation Asian immigrants, showcasing her determination to overcome the challenges posed by cultural differences and navigating a male-dominated business landscape, all while fiercely embracing her Asian identity. In the wake of rising anti-Asian sentiments, Lien is committed to spreading messages of love and unity among the diverse ethnic communities in Milpitas, ensuring that fear has no place in her city.
“My name, which my father gave me, means ‘phoenix,'” Lien shares enthusiastically. “It brings me joy to embrace my Chinese name.”
When asked about the parallels between Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, Lien highlights shared celebrations of the Lunar New Year, lantern festivals, and similar culinary traditions. “My mother is of mixed heritage—half Chinese and half Vietnamese—so we typically converse in Chinese at home, cherishing the rich tapestry of both cultures.”
As the tenth of twelve siblings, Lien recalls her family’s harrowing escape from war-torn Vietnam to Malaysia. Nearing land, their boat faced disaster as it began to sink; her brother swam alongside her for about twenty minutes to reach safety. After spending 13 months in a refugee camp, they finally arrived in the United States in 1979.
At the young age of 19, Lien and her brother launched a seafood wholesale business in Sunnyvale, California, a venture they sustained for 18 years. She also acquired a supermarket in Mountain View and opened a factory back in Vietnam. “Being a woman, a minority, and just 19, I encountered countless obstacles in keeping my business alive,” Lien reflects. “Many people doubted my abilities based on my age and appearance.”
With nearly 70% of Milpitas’ population identifying as Asian, Lien is resolute in her commitment to ensuring that anti-Asian sentiments do not weaken the community’s cohesion. “As an Asian woman, I refuse to feel targeted when I step outside my home or walk in public. Hate crimes have no place in our society, and everyone deserves equitable treatment.”
Lien points out that the struggle against hate goes beyond the Asian community. “A friend of mine, who is Jewish, and his Japanese wife, have also faced hate and discrimination.”
She believes that the absence of goodwill and love among different ethnicities fuels these hate crimes. Milpitas boasts a rich diversity, and Lien is determined to cultivate cross-cultural communication. “Once we start talking to each other, understanding and support will naturally follow.”
Emphasizing the importance of approaching negativity with caution, Lien advises against direct confrontations, which can escalate into violence. Instead, she advocates for continued support for law enforcement by ensuring they have the resources necessary to maintain public safety. Moreover, she promotes transparency in policing and governance by advocating for online platforms that improve community access to public resources and policies.
Despite Milpitas being recognized as one of the happiest cities in the U.S. for several years, it grapples with staffing shortages. Lien notes that many city leaders have departed recently, posing challenges to the stability and efficiency of public services. If elected mayor, she is committed to streamlining governance, actively listening to community concerns, and prioritizing issues like public safety, homelessness, and affordable housing.