Frank Jao

Frank Jao, known as Triệu Như Phát, is a distinguished Vietnamese-American figure whose life story is a testament to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. Born in North Vietnam, his family's relocation to South Vietnam in 1955 marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead him to the United States. In South Vietnam, in the city then known as Saigon, Jao met his wife, Catherine Duyên Phạm. There, he worked as an interpreter for US government. In 1975, following the tumultuous events of the Vietnam War, he and his wife immigrated to the United States.

Jao's entrepreneurial spirit took root in 1976 when he founded his own real estate business, Bridgecreek. As the principal developer of the renowned "Little Saigon" community in Orange County, California, he has played a pivotal role in creating a vibrant cultural enclave for the Vietnamese diaspora. His contributions to real estate development have earned him numerous civic and professional awards, solidifying his reputation as an influential leader. To this day, he continues to manage Asian Garden, a mall and event center that serves as the cornerstone of Little Saigon.

Beyond his achievements in business, Jao is deeply committed to education and philanthropy. He was a presidential appointee to the Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) in 2002-2009 and Chairman of VEF in 2005-2006. Jao's dedication to education extends to his service on the University of California, Irvine Foundation Board of Trustees, the Trust of University Innovation in Vietnam, and the advisory board of Western University of Health Sciences. He has also been a Board Member of the Coastline Community College District and a member of the Chapman University International Advisory Council.

In recognition of his impact on Orange County and beyond, Jao was named one of "Orange County's 50 Most Influential Business People" and "LA Times' 100 Most Influential People in Southern California." Nationally, he held significant roles as a Board Member of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) from 2002 to 2012 and as a presidential appointee to the Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) from 2002 to 2009, assuming the role of Chairman in 2005-2006. In 2024, Jao was inducted to the County of Orange Hall of Fame for his contribution to the community.

Jao's commitment to preserving Asian American history and culture led him to establish the Jao Foundation. The foundation's mission is to promote academic scholarship and cultural awareness, a goal realized through initiatives such as the Vietnamese-American Oral History Project (UCI).

He has been honored to be named the first Vietnamese-American member of the Harvard Kennedy School Dean's Council Leadership Circle and is one of the founding donors and advisors for the Global Vietnam Wars Studies Initiative at Harvard University. This initiative, housed at the Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, reflects his enduring commitment to advancing understanding and knowledge of Vietnam's history and its global impact.

Jao's life journey is an inspiring narrative of resilience, success, and a deep-seated commitment to giving back to the community. His legacy continues to shape the landscape of Orange County and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of business, education, and cultural heritage.