Breaking Barriers: How an NUS Alumnus Became a US Politician 

“I grew up a lot in Singapore. In the past, I was more reserved, but my two years at NUS helped me to be more open and become more involved with others.”  

Pursuit of his college girlfriend (now wife) took him to the United States, where he enrolled in the University of Maryland and obtained a PhD in electrical and computer engineering in 2009. 

FROM PARENT TO POLITICIAN

But it was upon becoming a parent and growing aware of local issues that his interest in politics developed. An off-colour joke on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that drew the criticism of Asian Americans gave further impetus to be involved in the community.  

“A lot of Chinese-Americans aren’t involved in politics, nor do they see themselves represented. But I thought I could do something.”

Two years after becoming a US citizen, Dr Wu became the first Chinese-American elected to the Howard County Board of Education in 2018, an emotional moment for the first-generation immigrant. 

“I did not know how people would react to me, whether they would accept me. But I felt I had a lot of great ideas to share having experienced the education system in three different countries.” 

His 2022 election to the Maryland House of Delegates was further confirmation that voters agree. 

Today his days are spent meeting constituents, attending committee meetings, and debating and voting upon various proposals. The diversity of his background has not only made him a political rarity but influenced his approach and interests throughout his public career—from the importance of using data to make informed decisions; to the creation of a China Sister City programme between Liyang, Jiangsu Province, China and Columbia, Maryland; as well as his advocacy for better career pathways for students.    

Still, the position has not been without challenges. Because the legislative session runs for 90 days of the year, he also maintains his job as a Senior Data Scientist with Radian, a Pennsylvania-based firm. As a husband to a local college professor and the parent of two young children, this has required Dr Wu to find a new work-life balance, something that has become easier over time. 

MAKING AN IMPACT

Asked about his political ambitions for the future, Dr Wu demurs. “I’m on my second year of a four-year term, and my focus is on my constituents. I am in the privileged position to make an impact, to propose solutions to problems, and this is what I love about the job.”

While his life is now firmly rooted in the United States, the influence of his earlier experiences still resonates.  

“From China, I learned the ethics of hard work and perseverance. In Singapore, I was exposed to a much more international culture, and I saw how a diverse society can still be inclusive. I still pay attention to what is happening in Singapore, and I would love to one day show my children the place where I learned so much.”  

Text by Katherine Chinn. Photos courtesy of Chao Wu.