As someone with deep roots in Vietnam and a successful life in America, how has your personal journey shaped the work you do today?

I came from post-war Vietnam with nothing but grit and hope, building a life in America that taught me resilience and the power of bridging worlds. As the baby of a family huddled in darkness—no electricity, no parties, just survival—I soaked up attention in a world short on babies and long on loss. I saw two Vietnams: my mom’s tears that fell too easily, and my dad’s stone face—like Madame Thao and my brother, who’d seen too much to flinch.

Those extremes don’t define us—they remind us to heal, to close old wounds, and to live fearlessly. That’s why I founded the American Frontier
Foundation (americanfrontier.global), sparking entrepreneurship and U.S.- Vietnam connections through events like the Golden Bridge gala. My journey fuels my mission: honor my roots, build new paths, and never let pain silence progress.

What Vietnamese values shape your work in the U.S.?

From Vietnam, I carry grit, community, and a deep respect for my roots— values that pulse through my work. Tình làng nghĩa xóm—that fierce, neighborly bond—fuels my mission to weave Vietnamese-Americans into a tighter, prouder network, linking hearts across the U.S. and Vietnam. Education and bold ideas push me to champion entrepreneurship through the American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global) and the Golden Bridge gala, where we spark business and cultural bridges.

And then there’s the unorthodox gift from war’s shadow: a wicked sense of humor. I vibe with fellow survivors’ kids—those from scarred lands who
laugh loud, live gratefully, and give generously, no strings attached. We’ve seen too much to sweat the small stuff, and that joy drives my community to thrive, not just survive.

The upcoming gala honors the anniversary of the Vietnam-American War. How do you personally view the evolving narrative of the war, especially for the younger generations of both countries?

The Vietnam War, a distant echo for the young, still hums in their bones. Its story is shedding the cloak of discord for one of unity and ambition.
Through the Golden Bridge gala, powered by my American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global), we salute the past’s weight while
toasting a Vietnam-U.S. alliance that’s all about progress.

Today’s kids—shaped by fathers lost, wounded, or exiled, or by those who navigated the post-war regime— have no patience for old grudges. They’re a
fearless crew, tearing down social and business walls with the audacity of a viral tweet. Done with their parents’ battles, the wager big, talk bold, and
forge connections that scream, “We’re not here to divide— we’re here to conquer the future, with a side of swagger.”

In your opinion, what are some of the most important lessons the world should remember from the Vietnam War era?

The Vietnam War broke my heart before I even understood it—my family’s tears, their silence, their fight to survive in its wreckage shaped me. It taught me that war is a cruel jackpot for the powerful, a game where elites like McNamara, Mao, or Brezhnev play chess while
innocents—Vietnamese villagers, young American soldiers—pay the price. I saw a photo recently, an extremist clutching an AR-15 in some
far-off land, and it hit me: war is still a cash cow for the war machine, not the people.

Most Vietnamese & Americans didn’t want that fight—just like you and your partner might bicker and then wonder, “Wait, why’d we even start?” The war’s lesson is raw: mass destruction, a beautiful country in ruins, serves no one but profiteers. Dialogue could’ve saved us; resilience did.
That’s why my American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global) and the Golden Bridge gala are my soul’s work—turning grief into
growth, linking Vietnam and the U.S. to empower dreamers, not warmongers. Let’s profit from hard work, from entrepreneurship, from building—not breaking.

How do you believe we can honor the past while building bridges toward a brighter future between Vietnam and America?

We honor the past by recognizing the sacrifices of veterans, refugees, and families, while building bridges through initiatives that unite us— economically, culturally, and socially. The American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global) drives this mission, and the Golden Bridge gala
exemplifies it. Vietnam veterans’ speeches offer reflection, while tech and AI leaders point to the future. Cultural performances and networking
inspire new possibilities.

The auction—featuring exclusive lunches with Silicon Valley insiders (Google, NVIDIA, Stanford), rare wines, art, artifacts, the original
Obama Hope painting, and one of John F. Kennedy’s rocking chairs— blends history with opportunity.

Vietnam’s economy has grown rap- idly over the past decades. What do you believe are the most exciting opportunities for deepening U.S.–Vietnam business collaborations today?

Vietnam’s economic rise offers opportunities in technology, renewable
energy, and education. Its young, skilled workforce is perfect for tech innovation—AI, fintech, and e-commerce. Renewable energy aligns with
both nations’ sustainability goals, and education partnerships can boost talent development. The American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global) champions these prospects, and the Golden Bridge gala will connect leaders to make them a reality.

From your perspective, how can cultural understanding help pave the way for stronger economic partnerships between Vietnam and the United States?

Cultural understanding fosters trust— essential for partnerships. Grasping Vietnam’s emphasis on relationships (quan hệ) in business helps U.S. firms succeed with respect and insight. The American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global) prioritizes this ex- change, and the Golden Bridge gala brings it to life with performances and networking—turning cultural appreciation into economic advantage.

You’ve played an active role in fostering connections that help bring Vietnamese investment into the U.S. — what inspires you to champion these
cross-border collaborations?

Facilitating $64 billion in U.S. investment from Vietnam has shown me how cross-border collaboration creates jobs, drives innovation, and strengthens ties between my two homes. That’s my inspiration. The American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global) is committed to this, and the Golden Bridge gala amplifies it, inviting others to build a legacy of shared prosperity.

What sectors do you believe hold the most promise for Vietnamese- American business partnerships in the coming years?

Technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and tourism are where Vietnam and America can shine together. Vietnam’s tech talent, excelling in math
and AI, pairs perfectly with U.S. innovation. Its manufacturing strength, nearly rivaling China, is ripe for collaboration. Renewable energy, like
solar, and healthcare—especially telemedicine—align with both nations’ goals. Tourism, with Vietnam’s stunning beaches, mountains, and cultural treasures, deserves more than its 8 million visitors—American expertise could unlock its potential. My American Frontier Foundation
(americanfrontier.global) and the Golden Bridge gala spark these connections, blending our strengths to build a shared future that honors
our roots.

This gala is not only a commemoration but also a celebration of unity and vision. What inspired you to host it at the historic Green Room of the San Francisco War Memorial Building?

The Green Room’s historic charm at the San Francisco War Memorial Building mirrors the gala’s purpose—honoring history while embracing
the future. It’s a fitting venue for the American Frontier Foundation’s mission (americanfrontier.global) to unite U.S. and Vietnam leaders,
creating an impactful and memorable evening.

What moments or highlights are you most excited for guests to experience during the evening?

I’m excited for guests to hear from Vietnam veterans and tech/AI leaders — merging past and future. Cultural performances, like Vietnamese music and dance, will connect us. The auction—offering lunches with Silicon Valley insiders (Google, NVIDIA, Stanford), rare wines, art, artifacts, the
Obama Hope painting, and a JFK rocking chair— will be unforgettable. Networking will spark collaborations.

How do you hope attendees will feel when they leave the event? Whatlasting impression would you like to create?

I hope attendees leave inspired and motivated, feeling part of something bigger. The lasting impression should be that the Golden Bridge,
powered by the American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global), is a movement for unity and opportunity— urging them to deepen U.S.-Vietnam ties.

You have built strong relationships within the Vietnamese-American community. What does community leadership mean to you personally?

Community leadership means empowering others through mentorship and opportunity. It’s personal—I’ve supported and advised leaders of Vietnamese-Americans and other ASEAN groups while staying tied to our roots. The American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global)
reflects this, uniting our community with broader goals through events like the Golden Bridge gala.

How do you see the next generation of Vietnamese-Americans continuing and expanding the legacy you and your peers have built?

The next generation is innovative and proud of their dual identity. They don’t have the baggage or scars of war. They haven’t personally
witnessed battle deaths or disfigurement. In some ways, they’re fearless because they grew up in a modern world with prosperity. Unburdened, they’ll expand our legacy in AI, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, elevating U.S.-Vietnam relations.The American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global) supports them with platforms like the Golden Bridge gala, where they can connect and lead.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Vietnamese-American relations—both culturally and economically?

I envision a future where cultural ties inspire thriving economic partnerships, with Vietnam and the U.S. leading in innovation and sustainability. The American Frontier Foundation (americanfrontier.global) is dedicated to this, and the Golden Bridge gala is a step toward making it happen.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs or philanthropists seeking to build bridges between Vietnam and the U.S.?

To young entrepreneurs and philanthropists looking to connect Vietnam and the U.S., I’d offer three key pieces of advice:

Deepen Cultural Understanding: Success starts with respect for both cultures. Spend time learning about Vietnam’s values— community,
resilience, and family-driven entrepreneurship—and how they complement the U.S.’s innovation and individualism.

For example, Vietnamese businesses often prioritize long-term relationships over quick deals, so build trust through patience and
personal connections.

Focus on Mutual Value: Partnerships must be profitable and sustainable for both sides. Identify complementary strengths— Vietnam’s growing tech ecosystem and manufacturing expertise paired with U.S. market access and capital. Create ventures, like co-innovation hubs or cross-border startups, that deliver clear economic wins while fostering cultural exchange.

Leverage Networks and Mentors: Tap into diaspora communities,
like Vietnamese-American networks, and organizations like the American Frontier Foundation. Seek mentors who’ve navigated both markets— they’ll help you avoid pitfalls and spot opportunities. Start small, perhaps with pilot projects, to test ideas and build credibility.
Stay persistent but adaptable. Bridging two worlds isn’t easy, but the impact— economically and culturally—is worth it.

In your journey connecting two worlds, what has been your most meaningful or surprising lesson?

The most meaningful lesson I’ve learned is that cultural bridges are built on shared humanity, not just business deals. Early on, I focused heavily on the economics of partnerships—profit margins, market access, and scalability. But a surprising moment came during a project where we connected Vietnamese artisans with U.S. retailers. Beyond the contracts, the real breakthrough was seeing both sides share stories, values, and pride in their work. The Vietnamese artisans’ dedication to craft inspired the U.S. partners to rethink their supply chain with more respect for heritage.

This taught me that cultural understanding isn’t just a means to an end—it’s the foundation for trust and long-term success. When people feel seen and valued, partnerships become more than profitable; they become transformative. It’s reshaped how I approach every initiative at the American Frontier Foundation.