Committee 100

In 1990, the Committee of 100 was created and Lily was a founding board member, along with Yo-Yo Ma and Oscar Tang.

C100’s goal is to promote peace and dialogue between the U.S. and China, with the overarching goal to elevate the status of Chinese Americans in the U.S. The organization also seeks to encourage full participation of all Chinese Americans in American politics.

Trade

On behalf of the California State World Trade Commission, Lily was a regular figure seen on high-level trade delegations throughout China and Southeast Asia.

In 1998, Lily was appointed by the U.S. State Department to the Board of Governors of the East West Center in Hawaii, to help promote better relations and understanding between people of the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific. Among the work Lily performed for the Center was leading a delegation that visited her hometown of Tianjin to promote economic development in East Asia. 

Buddhist Temple

In 1995, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisor, Peter Schabarum organized resistance formed against the building of the Buddhist Sect Fo Guang Shan’s Hsi Lai (西来寺佛光山) temple in Los Angeles. It was to be built on 15 acres of land in Hacienda Heights. Before its construction, many residents projected their fears and unfamiliarity of Buddhism as they voiced concerns about increased traffic, noise, and strange behavior. 

In efforts to stop the increasing hostility, Lily gathered community members together to create an effective campaign, advocating for the temple and educating others about Buddhism. They protested and lobbied for a building permit along with the founder of the sect, Master Hsing Yun (星云) After countless community hearings and six public hearings, the Hsi Lai Temple finally broke ground in 1986 in Hacienda Heights. The building was completed in November of 1988 and became one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Western hemisphere. Master Hsing Yun held an appreciation event for Lily before the official groundbreaking the day before.

Master Hsing Yun was a good friend of Lily’s father. She only found out when her father sent a letter over praising her accomplishments, finally earning his acceptance.

Master Hsing Yun has seven universities across different countries, from the U.S. to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia. He virtually educates English-speaking audiences about Buddhism. 

Decades later, the temple is an integral part of the Southern California Buddhist community, even to those who were once weary of the temple.