[3] He represented the electoral district of Richmond South Centre as a member of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (BC NDP).

Born in Taiwan, Yao immigrated to Canada at the age of 11, settling in Richmond, British Columbia.

[4] After graduating from Matthew McNair Secondary School, he studied at the University of British Columbia, from which he received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology.

[5] He was diagnosed with two types of lymphoma in 2004;[5][6] after his cancer went into remission, he pursued a career in youth work.

[4] In the 2020 provincial election, Yao ran in the riding of Richmond South Centre as an NDP candidate, against Alexa Loo of the Liberals.