Asia Society Southern California to Honor Visionaries in Philanthropy, Business and Education on May 16
Los Angeles, CA, May 5, 2021 – Asia Society Southern California is delighted to honor four visionaries in philanthropy, business and education, at the 2021 Annual Gala on Sunday, May 16. A premier Asian-American and Asia-related event in Los Angeles, the Gala will be held online from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Our outstanding honorees are:
- SABRINA KAY, Education Visionary – A veteran entrepreneur, who has built businesses in education, technology, finance and fashion, and has made educational advancement for underprivileged students a priority in her civic work.
- VINCENT H.S. LO, Real Estate Visionary – A pioneering developer, who has set the standard in China for mixed-use, sustainable communities that revitalize urban areas while preserving their historical character.
- KATHY MATSUI, Diversity Visionary – The former Vice Chair of Goldman Sachs Japan and author of the term “Womenomics,” whose research and advocacy influenced government policy to open doors for working women in Japan.
- CHARLES ZHANG, Philanthropy Visionary – A Shanghai-born immigrant, who has parlayed his business success into support for a wide range of causes, including founding a world-class nonprofit performing arts school in Orange County.
“Our 2021 honorees, through their standout professional and civic accomplishments, have created bonds across cultures and countries. Thus, they perfectly exemplify Asia Society’s mission,” said Asia Society Southern California Co-Chairs Katie Soo and Michael Gisser.
This year’s Gala will feature remarks from high-profile guests, including:
- Kevin Rudd, Asia Society President and CEO and the former Prime Minister of Australia
- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a former Asia Society Asia 21 Young Leader
- Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Group and Asia Society Hong Kong
- George Takei and Jon M. Chu, Asian-American pioneers in Hollywood and previous Asia Society Southern California Gala honorees
- Alex and Maia Shibutani, Olympic medalist ice skaters and previous Asia Society Southern California Gala honorees
- Suzanne Basalla, President and CEO of U.S.-Japan Council
Fireside chats with our honorees will be moderated by:
- Jarl Mohn, former CEO of National Public Radio, who will interview Sabrina Kay
- Carol Gluck, Co-Chair Emeritus of Asia Society, noted Japan scholar and Columbia University professor, who will interview Kathy Matsui
- Douglas K. Freeman, Executive Chairman and CEO of OC Music & Dance, who will interview Charles Zhang
- Richard Green, Director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, who will interview Vincent H.S. Lo
The Gala will be emceed by actress Kara Wang and include musical performances by Cathy Ang, a singer and actor whose most recent screen credit was for the Oscar-nominated film Over the Moon, Ella Jay Basco, a singer/songwriter who made her film debut in Birds of Prey, and students from OC Music & Dance, Orange County’s premier performing arts school. UCLA Bruins women’s basketball sensation Natalie Chou will make an appearance.
Tickets are free, but registration is required. Sponsors will be invited to a VIP virtual reception with the honorees. More details are available at AsiaSociety.org/LAGala2021.
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Anjali Sharan at (213) 788-4712 or [email protected].
About Asia Society Southern California
Asia Society Southern California (ASSC) is the Los Angeles center of the leading nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening relationships and forging understanding between Asia and the United States. Founded in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, Asia Society is based in New York, and in addition to Los Angeles, has centers in Hong Kong, Houston, Melbourne, Manila, Mumbai, San Francisco, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo, Washington, DC, and Zurich. ASSC is committed to building connections between Asia and Southern California, and among Asians and Asian Americans, through programs on business, policy, education, and the arts. Find out more at AsiaSociety.org/SouthernCalifornia.