In an exclusive interview, Milpitas mayoral candidate and current city council member Hon Lien, who brings a rich cultural heritage from both Chinese and Vietnamese backgrounds, expressed her desire to enhance the city’s visibility, highlighting its remarkable progress and growth.
Born in a small coastal town in southern Vietnam, Lien comes from a large family—her father is Chinese, and her mother is Vietnamese, with a total of 11 siblings. In 1978, Lien’s family fled Vietnam, which was then under the rule of the communist government, and spent 13 months in a refugee camp in Malaysia before settling in the United States on December 26, 1979. After relocating to Milpitas in 1999, she became an active member of the Rotary Club and served on the city’s Planning Commission from 2014 to 2017, followed by a tenure on the Milpitas Unified School District Committee from 2017 to 2022, where she held various leadership roles including committee member, clerk, vice-chair, and chair.
“This beautiful country has welcomed many people with open arms, and I’ve been given a second chance at a good life,” Lien said. She expressed her wish to give back to America and the community, stating, “I’m thrilled to see more individuals stepping up to run for office and serve the public because we want to keep this country beautiful.”
Before venturing into politics, Lien enjoyed success as an entrepreneur, founding several businesses including Sunnyvale Seafood Corp, which reported over $60 million in revenue as early as 2003, and L&D Enterprise, which specializes in international food export. Throughout this journey, she honed her leadership skills and gained insights into how American governance contributes globally.
Lien believes her business experience has greatly informed her public service. “Managing a business requires a commitment to financial responsibility, ensuring balanced budgets, and avoiding debt. Similarly, as a city council member or potential mayor, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced budget and identify areas for improvement over the next five or ten years, whether through revenue generation or budget cuts.”
She pointed out that Milpitas is thriving and rapidly developing, with landmarks like the Great Mall attracting visitors. Many families are relocating to the area for its excellent public schools, and the city has committed to responding to all emergency calls within three minutes, reinforcing public safety. “We are at the gateway to Silicon Valley, yet conversations about Milpitas often overlook its significance. I hope we can achieve at least some recognition for our existence.”
Lien also highlighted the diversity within Milpitas. During her six years on the school district committee, she advocated for cultural events held at the nearby Bay Area Chinese Education Center, just a block away from Milpitas City Hall. “Just last month, I attended a Confucius ceremony, which is a rich tradition that has persisted for centuries. This isn’t just about Chinese culture; it encompasses all cultures here. Milpitas is incredibly diverse, and we come together to embrace each other’s differences, respecting and learning from one another.”
Among Lien’s priorities are ensuring the safety of businesses and residents, securing federal funding for city projects, rebuilding transparency and trust in local government, and developing and maintaining the infrastructure of city parks.
