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| Photo Cr. Emma Vurdien // KpopWise |
The 19th Asian Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held on Saturday, October 21, was a momentous event that began with a grand and patriotic display. The opening of the ceremony was graced by the presence of the Air Force Honor Guard, who performed with the National Anthem.
This prestigious event was more than just a celebration; it was a powerful and transformative experience. The ceremony aimed to honor and celebrate exceptional Asian and Indigenous luminaries who have made significant contributions to society, all while advancing the charity's humanitarian activities. It served as a platform to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, fostering an atmosphere of unity and respect for different cultures.
The inductees and their families were at the heart of this special occasion, sharing their inspiring life stories with the attendees. These stories were not only tales of personal achievement but also narratives of resilience and determination in the face of prejudice and adversity. The inductees showcased their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities, often going above and beyond to make a positive impact.
One common thread that ran through these stories was the importance of multigenerational and cross-cultural collaboration. Many of the inductees emphasized that their success was a result of their ability to work together with people from various backgrounds, generations, and walks of life. This emphasis on collaboration highlighted the power of diversity and the strength that comes from understanding and appreciating different perspectives.
Beyond the recognition of outstanding individuals, the charity hosting the event had a significant goal in mind. Their annual fundraising target was set at $1.3 million, and the ceremony played a crucial role in contributing to this goal. At the time of the event, the charity had already raised an impressive $1,078,000. These funds were dedicated to advancing the charity's mission, which included supporting 75 Fellows and their respective programs. The impact of these funds would reach far and wide, ultimately benefiting various communities and initiatives.
The 19th Asian Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was not just an evening of accolades and celebrations; it was a testament to the power of human resilience, collaboration, and the pursuit of a common goal. It served as a reminder that individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to make a positive difference in the world. With the charity's annual goal in sight and the inspiring stories of the inductees as a source of motivation, the event left a lasting impact, inspiring attendees to continue working towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.
The 2023 Inductees included: Adele Lim, Annie Young-Scrivner, Ben Fong-Torres, Charlie & Ling Zhang, Doug Baldwin Jr, Dr. Lisa T Su, Dr. Peter Lee, Far East Movement, Jennifer Lee, Kiet Nguyen, Lalisa Manoban (Lisa of Blackpink), Pin Ni, Marilyn Strickland, Sam Cho, Santos Manuel accepted by great great-granddaughter Lynn Valbuena and Chairwoman of San Manuel, Dr. Shang-Li & Betty Huang, Rocky Aoki accepted by children Kyle, Kevin, and Echo Aoki.
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All photography and footage by Emma Vurdien
