SAN FRANCISCO, May 11, 2012 — Asia Society Northern California's 2012 9th Annual Dinner was a resounding success that attracted over 400 individuals from the Asia Society and business communities in the Bay Area. The evening honored Masashi Oka, President and CEO of Union Bank, as well as California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. for their accomplishments in cultivating intercultural connections, innovation, adaptability and strong leadership.

The theme of the evening — "Lead, Connect, Inspire" — was intended to celebrate leaders who have broken new ground and crossed cultural divides. Other notable individuals at this year's Annual Dinner included Asia Society Co-chairmen Chong-Moon Lee and Jack Wadsworth, San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, former CBS-5 News Anchor and Master of Ceremonies Sydnie Kohara, Judy Wilbur and Orville Schell, Arthur Ross Director of Asia Society's Center on U.S.-China Relations.

Slideshow: Asia Society Northern California 2012 Annual Dinner