Sunday, May 19th, commemorates the 2024 Asia Society Southern California Annual Gala. For the past five ASSC Annual Galas, the Skirball Cultural Center has served as a beautiful locale for this magical evening. This year’s honorees and attendees captured the true essence of Asian excellence in our interconnected Asia Society community as it continues to grow.

Our emcee Kara Wang did an amazing job handling the events and achievements of the evening:

Wang took to the stage to introduce our Music Visionary award. Before our honoree accepted his award, he received a quaint introduction from young violin prodigy, Alan Wang. Alan attributed his dedication to the inspiration drawn from our honoree, Ray Chen. Together, they performed a beautiful duet of "Spring" from the Four Seasons. It made for a breathtaking performance between two amazing violinists. In his acceptance speech, Chen gave voice to many people in our community afraid to make art. He spoke to the ability people have and the drive to create art for others.

The next award, the Art Visionary Award, went to honoree Adrien Cheng. Cheng was introduced by inspirational artist and curator, Jeffrey Deitch. Deitch spoke about the Street Art Exhibition project he tackled with Cheng in Hong Kong and how it gave him the chance to meet a truly innovative artist. As someone who is constantly meeting creatives, Deitch talked about the raw innovation he sees in Cheng, which is rare in artists today. Cheng delivers innovation as he integrates art and business, fusing a culturally significant experience in all his works at K11. In his remarks, Cheng voiced his mission to bring art to the people. As he creates spaces for art, he hopes to inspire people to make art and embrace it as a way to create community ties.

Continuing the ASSC Annual Gala Award Reception, the Real Estate Visionary award was received by our honoree, Christina Gaw. Janie Fong, Senior Directing Manager at East West Bank, introduced our Real Estate Visionary honoree. In her humble address, Gaw emphasized the importance of community and goal sharing as a corporate value. During her time at Gaw Capital, she has worked tirelessly to build a strong sense of community in the workspace. Her strategy is one that leaders in any field can utilize. Her contributions to the economic sector and real estate industry showcase the results of innovation and creativity.

The next award of the night went to Masayuki Hyodo for his admirable leadership in business. The Business Visionary award was intended for someone who not only leads but inspires others to create value and excellence in our growing economy. Mr. Hyodo not only captures the essence of this award but continues to create value through his dynamic leadership style and drive to foster community within the workspace. Chairman and CEO of First Eastern Investment Group, Victor Chu, introduced our Business Visionary honoree of the night. In his remarks, Chu spoke of the characteristics that make a great leader, such as Mr. Hyodo.

And the fifth award of the night: the Medical Visionary Award. Addressing our honoree, Dr. Richard Lee, was his longtime friend and co-researcher, Dr. Edward Kim. Dr. Kim spoke of the innovative technologies and sciences that Dr. Lee has contributed to Western medicine. At the City of Hope Cancer Treatment Research Center, Dr. Lee has worked to counter the stigmas against Eastern medicinal practices in Western medicine. Dr. Kim’s introduction highlighted the character of our Medical Visionary honoree and what it means to be truly revolutionary in contemporary medicine.

Together, Dr. Kim and Dr. Lee filled the room with an aroma of Ginseng and Honey, prompting us all to reflect on how Eastern medicine has been so deeply entrenched in our Asian upbringings. Dr. Lee’s speech called on listeners to embrace their heritage and culture in an environment that has not always been supportive of the Asian and Asian-American experience. In times like these, it is important to find gratitude in the little things.

At our Annual Gala, Wang took time to honor the dedication and efforts of our Olympic and Paralympic AAPI athletes in an Olympic Tribute. Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu introduced our tribute participant, Gene Sykes. Gu spoke of the important work of Olympic and Paralympic AAPI athletes, the representation, symbolism, and progressive impact these athletes are contributing by taking up space. Gu also expressed appreciation to Gene Sykes, Chair of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee, for the work he does to support AAPI athletes in the US.

In our LA Dodgers Tribute, LA Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts was recognized for his contributions to the AAPI community in MLB. Roberts addressed the hardships that AAPI athletes face in the sports industry and how they serve as a driving force of inspiration for younger generations. As the LA Dodgers Manager, Roberts seeks to make space for AAPI athletes and is inspired by the work, dedication, and determination he sees coming from AAPI communities.

The night offered a special performance from Malea Emma, a young actor and singer, who performed her vocal rendition of "If I Can Dream" by Elvis Presley. The performance was remarkable, perfect for a night of elegance and celebration.

Katie Soo introduced Asia Society President, Dr. Kyung-wha Kang who offered introductory remarks for the evening. As the new President of Asia Society, Dr. Kyung-wha Kang offers her service to the well-being of Asia Society and all its members, both current and future.

Finally, we thank our sponsors who ensured a night of success, celebration, and comradery.