Born in fast-paced New York to a Hainanese immigrant father and Cantonese-Brazilian mother, this is where Landy became a dreamer.

His dream was simple: travel the world while making a positive impact. He achieved this by being an eternal optimist in people and believing that "everything is possible."

Although Landy failed English in 1st grade and was the smallest member of his high school varsity track team (hurdler, sprinter, long jumper), he attended New York University on an athlete-scholar grant and studied engineering, economics and business while taking electives in the film school. He competed against the best track and field athletes in America, breaking several records and garnering the unofficial title, fastest Asian American. In school leadership, he single handedly convinced the NYU president to begin Mandarin courses at the university so he and his classmates can better prepare for the China market.

Landy also did several work-study gigs in college as a YMCA Assistant Sports Director; track, basketball and volleyball coach; special intern to the United Nations and the Mayors Office of the City of New York. Ultimately, he was offered fulltime positions by all of his employers upon graduation from NYU.

Landy received his first taste of corporate life as a member of Citibank's prestigious MBA training program in New York City (90% are Ivy League) and quickly climbed the international ranks to an Assistant Vice President level while living and working in: New York, Caracas, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Nassau, Quito, La Paz and Mexico City.

Landy picked up Portugese and Spanish and developed a love for the Latin American continent which continues today. "His appreciation for latin food, music and the Samba is a testimony to how much he loves the latin culture," said one of the Ambassadors from Brazil.

While still at Citibank, he managed to have his first newspaper series published in New York, a four parter called "Chinese in America."

Landy was promoted to a much coveted position to staff Citibanks Chairman and President and direct some of its Public Affairs programs which included the banks corporate social responsibility, public & government relations and branding. It was during this period that Landy began to understand the power of philanthropy and community leadership.

As an entrepreneur, Landy started or angel invested in a variety of his small businesses.

Landy was one of the more successful Americans to do business in China and one of the first to receive permanent residency in China.

He pioneered one of the first business exchanges and training programs for the Chinese government with the Bureau of Science and Technology under Chinas powerful State Council. The Chinese consider Landy one of Chinas earliest friends who understood the term 'relationship' and who came to China to make friends first.

On the community front, he led the Asian Business League through its early years - a period of intense growth and high public visibility. He propelled the organization into a leadership position in the American business landscape. He appeared often in the press and accepted the small business award from the U.S. Department of Small Business.

It was during this period of time that Landy joined the boards of over a dozen community organizations and was recognized by the political establishment to be a possible contender for congress and the mayor's office. The San Francisco Chronicle identified Landy to be "one of the top 39 leaders to watch in the city."

Landy created, produced and hosted CNBC's first Asian talk show, "Driven", which made the word "driven" into an action word in today's business vocabulary. Jackie Chan, Peter Weir, Sumi Jo, Yo Yo Ma, Jewel, Marina Mahathir, Joan Chen, James Riady have all been on his show. Landy began the boom in Asian talk shows that we now see on the air.

Landy, through his company "Driven Productions," continues as a creator, director/producer in television by creating new shows for such broadcasters as Discovery Channel and the National Geographic Channel. He has traveled to China, Macau, Hong Kong, India, UK, France, Italy and Belgium for international productions.

Landy started eAngelz, which had over 15,000 supporters. The company is known for its effective networking events called AngelzNites and its high profile BBC Visionaries and Leaders series. Besides BBC, other corporations like IBM, Sun, The Edge, SG Private Bank, International Herald Tribune, CNN, Fuji Xerox, Cartiers Montegrappa, Marriot Hotels, Shangri-la Hotels and the Intercontinental Hotels have all supported the company and its events.

Landy was appointed - and re-appointed - as the highest ranking Asian American official in the California Governor's Office. Landy was called the "Governor's Ambassador to Asia" with a portfolio that spanned from Hollywood to Silicon Valley. He had wide access to U.S & Asian leaders and senior corporate officials. While living in Hong Kong on this appointment, he became known for his fascinating events and exciting parties designed to promote California's entertainment industry.

FAQ with Landy Eng

To use your own question from your successful talk show, "what drives you?" Is it money?

Money has not been a the driving force for me. If I believe in what I do, I'm passionate about it.very passionate. The money seems to come naturally. It's never been my main goal.

What do you plan next?

I've been able to re-invent myself several times. I'm looking for a special project which would be exciting and have an impact. Maybe a tv series or a film with a special message. Or, even a charity or community effort. We'll see.

You seem to have traveled everywhere.  Which are the best cities you've lived in and why would make you go back? 

Rio, San Francisco and Hong Kong were by far the most beautiful.  And, of course, how could I not mention New York and Singapore.

Are you a romantic?

Isn't everyone?