Little King & Queen Contest

Tom Eng was born at the former French Hospital in Los Angeles Chinatown, delivered by Dr. Julius Sue. He grew up in Santa Monica and West Los Angeles while helping in his family’s Chinese laundry and takeout restaurant.

After graduating from UCLA with a degree in civil engineering, Tom worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. In 1984, he volunteered at the LA Olympics as a marathon course marshal, which inspired his long involvement with the LA Chinatown Firecracker Run. He later served on the committee and became Race Director in 1991.

Tom has been active with numerous community organizations, including Friends of the Chinatown Library, the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, the Chinatown Public Safety Association, OCA, MANAA, the Chinese American Museum, and CACA, serving on several boards.

A longtime supporter of the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageant, Tom has attended since 1984 and joined the chaperone team in 1991. He has photographed key court moments and traveled on twelve goodwill trips. After more than 40 years with Los Angeles County, Tom is now retired and continues managing family properties while staying active in the community.