Celebrating Our Community, Building Our Future

Dear Members and Friends,

As we head into a busy fall season, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead for the Asian Chamber and the businesses and communities we serve.

At the top of the list is our Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards, the Chamber’s signature celebration of the year. For more than 36 years, the Asian Chamber has worked to connect businesses, create opportunities and strengthen Houston’s economy.

Our annual gala brings that mission to life as we gather business executives, entrepreneurs and community leaders to recognize those making an impact across our region. This year, we’ll honor outstanding leaders with our Entrepreneur of the Year, Enterprise of the Year, Corporate Champion and Community Ambassador Awards. I hope you’ll join us for an evening of celebration, connection and community.

This issue also reflects just how much is happening at the Chamber. We look ahead to September, when Houston welcomes the National ACE Annual Conference and Gala, followed by UNITY 2026, bringing AAPI entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the country together for three days of learning and connection.

Closer to home, we’re preparing for our Annual Business Conference, Expo & Rising 10 Awards (Oct 2), where we’ll celebrate some of Houston’s fastest-growing Asian-owned businesses while connecting members with ideas, resources and new opportunities.

You’ll also find the latest installment of our America’s 250 series highlighting Asian innovation in renewable energy, our Member Spotlight featuring ElevAsian, information about the upcoming Executive Business Program, and an important update on changes to Houston’s MBE program and what they could mean for our business community.

There is a lot ahead, and I encourage you to get involved—attend an event, make a new connection, support a fellow member and take advantage of the opportunities your Chamber membership provides.

Thank you for being part of the Asian Chamber community. I look forward to seeing you this fall and, especially, celebrating with you at our Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards.

Warm regards,

Fan Chen

Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce

Is Your Company one of Houston’s Rising 10?

Houston is home to some of the most innovative and fastest-growing Asian-owned businesses—and it’s time to put them in the spotlight!

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Asian Chamber Rising 10 Awards, recognizing the 10 fastest-growing Asian-owned companies in the Greater Houston area.

The Rising 10 Awards celebrate entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating jobs and making an impact across our region. This year’s honorees will be recognized during a special luncheon on Friday, October 2, as part of the 2026 Asian Chamber Business Conference & Expo.

Could Your Business Be a Rising 10?

You’re eligible to apply if your company:

Has been in business for at least three years
Is headquartered in the U.S. with an office in Houston
Is at least 50% Asian-owned
Has two or more employees
Is represented by a C-level executive, founder or chairman

Think your company has what it takes? Don’t be shy—this is your moment to shine! You can nominate your own business if you meet the qualifications.

⏰ Application Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Applications include company information, financial information and statements. All financial data will be submitted confidentially to an independent third-party accounting firm.

🏆 The recognition happens October 2. The opportunity starts now. Apply for the 2026 Rising 10 Awards and show Houston how your business is rising!

Apply to be the Asian Chamber's next Rising 10!

Connect. Learn. Grow.

2026 Business Conference & Expo

Ready to make new connections, discover fresh ideas and find opportunities to grow your business? The 2026 Annual Asian Chamber Foundation Business Conference & Expo and Rising 10 Awards brings Houston’s business community together for a full day of learning, networking and opportunity on Friday, October 2, at the Omni Houston Hotel.

From AI and technology to economic trends, business resiliency and growth strategies, industry leaders will share insights designed to help businesses navigate today’s rapidly changing marketplace.

And the connections don’t stop when the sessions end! Explore the Business Expo featuring 50+ exhibitors, meet entrepreneurs and business leaders, and connect with corporations, government agencies and organizations that can help take your business to the next level.

One of the day’s biggest highlights is the Rising 10 Awards Luncheon, celebrating 10 of the region’s fastest-growing Asian-owned businesses and the entrepreneurs behind their success.

Mark Your Calendar

📅 Friday, October 2, 2026

📍 Omni Houston Hotel | 4 Riverway Dr., Houston

⏰ Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

9:00–11:30 a.m. | Business Conference — FREE

11:45 a.m. | Business Luncheon & Rising 10 Awards — Ticket Required

1:30 p.m. | Business Expo, Marketplace & Matchmaking — 50+ Exhibitors

Whether you’re looking for your next customer, collaborator, resource or big idea, this is one business event you’ll want on your calendar.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available:

https://www.asianchamberfoundation.org/bcsponsorship

Ready to Level Up Your Business Game?

What if you could sharpen your business skills, learn directly from industry experts and expand your professional network—all in just four weeks? The Asian Chamber’s Executive Business Program is back for its 9th year, offering an accelerated, bilingual learning experience designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals ready to take their next step.

Beginning October 6, participants will dive into the real-world topics that drive successful businesses—from strategic planning, marketing and finance to AI, employment law, business lending and federal contracting.

And this isn’t just about sitting in a classroom. You’ll learn alongside other ambitious professionals, connect with experienced business leaders and build relationships that can continue long after the program ends.

Four Weeks. Big Business Knowledge.

📅 Tuesdays | October 6–November 10, 2026

⏰ 4:30–7:30 p.m.

💼 Four weeks of instruction + two networking receptions

💰 Program Fee: $600

Even better? Participants receive a $150 voucher toward an annual Asian Chamber membership, opening the door to even more networking, resources and opportunities.

What’s on the Agenda?

Get ready for a fast-paced curriculum covering Strategic Planning, Cost Control, Tax Accounting, Operations, Technology & AI, Employment Law, Workforce Solutions, Marketing, Federal Government Contracting, Business Lending and Business Mentoring.

Whether you’re growing a business, launching your next venture or building your career, this program is designed to give you practical knowledge, valuable connections and greater confidence to make your next move.

Four weeks can go by fast. Why not spend them investing in your future?

Ready to Apply?

Applications are reviewed upon receipt, and submission does not guarantee admission. Program fees will only be collected after applicants have been accepted.

Apply today and get ready to learn, connect and grow!

Apply for the Executive Business Program

Houston Comes Together at the Asian Chamber’s Signature Celebration ✨

Get ready for an unforgettable evening celebrating business, community, leadership and the incredible impact of Houston’s Asian community!

For more than 36 years, the Asian Chamber of Commerce has helped connect businesses, create opportunities and strengthen the Greater Houston region. Now, we’re bringing the community together for our signature event of the year—an elegant evening honoring the leaders, entrepreneurs, companies and community champions helping Houston thrive.

The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards is more than an awards celebration. It’s a chance to connect with some of Houston’s most influential business and community leaders, celebrate achievement and experience the power of our community—all in one room.

🏆 Celebrating Excellence

Throughout the evening, we’ll recognize outstanding individuals and organizations making a difference in Houston’s business community with honors including:

Entrepreneur of the Year
Enterprise of the Year
Corporate Champion Award
Community Ambassador Award

And there’s more to come! Featured speakers and this year’s award recipients will be announced soon.

✨ An Evening to Remember

5:30 p.m. | Registration Begins

6:00 p.m. | Cocktail Hour 🥂

7:00 p.m. | Awards Program Begins 🏆

Attire: Black Tie Optional

Come ready to celebrate—and make a few new connections along the way. You’ll be surrounded by business executives, entrepreneurs, community leaders and supporters who share a commitment to elevating Houston’s economy and championing Asian-owned businesses.

Proceeds also help advance the work of the Asian Chamber Foundation, including scholarships, education, workforce development and programs that give local businesses and future leaders opportunities to succeed.

This is where Houston comes together. This is where we celebrate our community. And this is one night you won’t want to miss.

Be Part of the Celebration

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to showcase their support of Houston’s Asian business community.

Reserve your place, become a sponsor and join us for the Asian Chamber’s biggest celebration of the year!

Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards Tickets and Sponsorship Info

Join Now. There are a lot of opportunities ahead!

Thinking about joining—or coming back to—the Asian Chamber? Here’s your sign!

As the Chamber prepares to transition to a January–December membership cycle in 2027, we’re making it even easier to get connected now.

Those who are renewing, check your email for a promotion for your 2026-2027 membership!

That means you can start enjoying Chamber benefits right away while getting a head start on a full year of connections, opportunities and growth in 2027.

Why Wait Until January?

Jump in now and start taking advantage of:

🤝 Powerful connections with entrepreneurs, executives and decision-makers
📈Business-building resources, workshops, referrals and strategic partnerships
🎤 Signature events that expand your network and increase your visibility
🌏 Global opportunities through international trade programs and connections
💡 Professional development and business education
📣 A stronger voice through advocacy for Houston’s Asian business community

And with a busy fall ahead, there will be plenty of opportunities to put your membership to work before 2026 is over.

📩 Ready to Come Back?

Former members, check your inbox for your exclusive Welcome Back offer!

New to the Chamber? There’s never been a better time to join.

Get connected now. And head into 2027 ready to grow.

VIEW MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Business Brief:

An Important Update for Houston’s Business Community

A recent federal court ruling is changing how the City of Houston’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program operates—and the Asian Chamber is closely following what these changes could mean for our members and Houston’s small and minority-owned businesses.

The July 28 ruling permanently enjoined the race-based components of the City’s program, meaning the City can no longer administer MBE certification or apply MBE participation requirements to City procurements.

For the Asian Chamber, the issue goes beyond any single certification program. Our focus remains where it has always been: ensuring AAPI-owned businesses have meaningful opportunities to compete, grow and participate in Houston’s economy.

As the Chamber noted in its statement:

“This ruling changes the mechanism the City and Midtown have used... It does not change our mission, and it does not change our members’ need for genuine access to public contracts.”

The Chamber will continue working with the City of Houston, Midtown Management District and other partners to understand what comes next, identify opportunities available to businesses and keep our members informed as procurement policies evolve.

Read the Asian Chamber’s full statement on our website →

Two Big Events

One Incredible Weekend in Houston

September is shaping up to be a big month for Houston’s Asian American business community!

For one action-packed weekend, entrepreneurs, executives, founders and emerging leaders from across the country will come together in Houston for two major events—and plenty of opportunities to learn, connect and grow.

🌟 First Up: 2026 National ACE Annual Conference

On Friday, September 18, the 2026 National ACE Annual Conference takes over The Westin Galleria Houston, bringing together Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander business leaders from across the nation.

Expect a full day of big ideas, valuable conversations, networking and inspiration, followed by the National ACE Gala celebrating excellence in business and leadership.

📅 Friday, September 18

⏰ Conference: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

🥂 Gala: 6:00–8:00 p.m.

📍 The Westin Galleria Houston

Be Part of National ACE: Volunteer in Houston

As the 2026 National ACE Annual Conference is preparing to come to Houston, the Chamber is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us welcome business leaders, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and community advocates from across the country!

📅 Friday, September 18, 2026

📍 Westin Galleria Houston

⏰ Conference: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Gala: 6:00–8:00 p.m.

National ACE is one of the nation’s premier gatherings of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander business leaders, bringing together an impressive network of entrepreneurs and representatives from major national corporations for a day of connections, education and inspiration.

🙋 Be Part of the Action

Volunteers will help bring this major event to life by assisting with registration, VIP and speaker support, conference sessions, attendee hospitality, corporate exhibitors, event operations, setup and the evening gala.

Whether you’re a student, emerging professional, entrepreneur or community supporter, volunteering is a great way to gain event experience, expand your professional network and connect with leaders from across the country—all while helping Houston shine as the host city!

Ready to Join the Team?

Contact Barbara Joe at bjoe@asianchamber-hou.org to learn more and sign up.

Volunteer. Connect. Lead. And help us give National ACE a warm Houston welcome!

Keep the Energy Going at

UNITY 2026

Why stop after one day?

On September 19–20, the Chamber’s valued partner ACE NextGen keeps the momentum going with UNITY 2026 at Houston Community College’s West Loop Campus.

More than 200 AAPI founders, entrepreneurs and business professionals will come together for two days packed with expert panels, interactive workshops, breakout sessions and networking.

Attendees can also explore the AAPI Business Showcase, make new connections over breakfast and lunch, and continue conversations during an evening cocktail reception.

📅 September 19–20

📍 Houston Community College – West Loop Campus

acenextgen.org/unity2026

Make It a Business Weekend

Come for the insights. Stay for the connections. Leave with new ideas, new relationships—and maybe your next big opportunity.

Two events. Three days. Hundreds of business leaders. One incredible weekend in Houston. Don’t miss it!

Member Spotlight: ElevAsian

This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on ElevAsian, an organization working to ensure that entrepreneurs have access to the resources, relationships and opportunities they need to succeed—regardless of their background or access to capital.

Helping Entrepreneurs Rise

ElevAsian supports early-stage and under-resourced entrepreneurs through entrepreneurship training cohorts, networking and business development platforms, mentorship, and cash-prize pitch competitions that provide critical capital to businesses that may have difficulty accessing traditional financing.

Collaboration is also at the heart of its work. ElevAsian partners with community organizations, chambers, business associations and technical assistance providers to strengthen the small-business ecosystem and become a trusted resource for entrepreneurs seeking to grow.

Opportunity Should Be Accessible

ElevAsian was founded on a simple but powerful belief: Opportunity shouldn’t depend on who you know, where you come from or how much capital you have.

By connecting entrepreneurs with knowledge, mentorship, networks and resources, ElevAsian aims to help small businesses overcome barriers, create and preserve jobs, strengthen communities and build generational wealth.

Why the Asian Chamber?

Although ElevAsian is based outside of Houston and delivers many of its programs virtually to entrepreneurs across the country, joining the Asian Chamber provides another opportunity to expand its reach. The organization is especially excited to connect with fellow Chamber members, develop new partnerships and introduce more entrepreneurs to resources that can help them succeed.

“We value the opportunity to connect with a community that shares our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening Asian businesses. We look forward to contributing to the community while learning from and growing alongside other mission-driven organizations and business leaders.”

🔗 Connect with ElevAsian

Learn more about ElevAsian’s programs, resources and opportunities:

Website: https://www.elevasian.org/

Instagram: @elevasianma

LinkedIn: ElevAsian Group

Welcome to the Asian Chamber, ElevAsian! We’re excited to have you in our community.

America's 250:

Asian Innovation Helps Power the Renewable Energy Future

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Asian Chamber of Commerce is highlighting Asian and Asian American businesses and industries helping shape America’s future — in Houston and around the world.

One sector where that impact is increasingly visible is renewable energy.

Asia has emerged as a major force in the global transition to cleaner energy. The growth is especially significant because Asia remains a global manufacturing center and an essential part of international supply chains. Expanding renewable energy throughout the region can have an impact far beyond its borders — influencing how products are manufactured and how companies around the world meet their sustainability goals.

Asian-founded and Asian-led companies are also helping drive that transformation here in the United States.

SEG Solar Expands Houston’s Clean-Energy Footprint

Right here in the Houston area, SEG Solar is helping grow America’s solar energy industry.

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Houston, SEG Solar makes the solar panels that help turn sunlight into electricity for homes, businesses and large-scale energy projects. The company recently opened its second U.S. manufacturing facility in Tomball, Texas, bringing more solar manufacturing — and the jobs and investment that come with it — to the Houston region.

The Asian Chamber of Commerce was proud to attend the ribbon-cutting celebration for SEG Solar’s new Tomball manufacturing facility, recognizing an important investment in the Houston region. The Chamber joined business and community leaders to celebrate SEG Solar’s growth and its contribution to job creation, advanced manufacturing and Houston’s evolving energy economy.

The new facility represents more than increased production. SEG is also focusing on workforce development, supply-chain resilience and creating opportunities in advanced manufacturing. The company is working with regional workforce organizations to develop training and talent initiatives that can prepare local residents for jobs created by the growing clean-energy economy.

In addition to its U.S. investments, the company is developing a solar industrial park in Indonesia that is expected to include integrated manufacturing capabilities by 2027.

LONGi:

Asian Innovation with Global Reach

China-based LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. offers another example of the global influence of Asian renewable-energy companies.

Founded in 2000, LONGi has grown into one of the world’s leading solar technology companies, with manufacturing facilities and sales operations spanning more than 150 countries and regions. Its global footprint includes manufacturing in China, Vietnam and Malaysia, along with operations in markets including the United States, Japan, India, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

Through continued investment in solar and energy-storage technologies, companies such as LONGi are helping make renewable power more accessible while supporting the worldwide transition toward lower-carbon energy.

Houston has long been known as the Energy Capital of the World, and the next chapter of that legacy is increasingly being written across both traditional and renewable energy.

Companies such as SEG Solar and LONGi demonstrate how Asian and Asian American entrepreneurship, investment and innovation are contributing to that evolution.

As America celebrates 250 years, these businesses also illustrate something that has long been central to the nation’s economic story: innovation does not stop at borders. From manufacturing facilities in Asia to new investments and jobs in the Houston region, Asian businesses are helping build the technologies, supply chains and workforce that will power America’s next chapter.

Photo: Courtesy of Southwest Management District

🎨 A Seat at the Table:

New Bellaire Mural Celebrates Culture, Community and Belonging

There’s a colorful new reason to take a closer look the next time you’re traveling down Bellaire Boulevard.

“Painted Bridges,” a bold and eye-catching new mural at 9750 Bellaire Boulevard, brings together Taiwanese artistry, Houston creativity and a powerful message: There’s a seat at the table for everyone.

The mural was created during a three-week cultural exchange featuring six visiting artists from Taiwan and Houston street-art pioneer GONZO247. Located next to Trung Nguyen E-Coffee in the Southwest Management District, the artwork celebrates the cultures and communities that have helped make Southwest Houston one of the city’s most diverse and dynamic areas.

🍽️ Look Closely—There’s a Story at the Table

At the heart of the mural is a circular feast table, a familiar symbol across many Asian cultures where food, conversation and community come together.

Each artist created an original character, or “avatar,” representing what they would bring to the shared table. But perhaps the most meaningful part of the artwork is what isn’t there.

One seat remains open.

The artists say it represents both loved ones and ancestors who remain with us in spirit—and a reminder that there is always room to welcome someone new.

It’s a simple image with a very Houston message: Everyone belongs.

🌏 From Taiwan to Houston

The artists arrived in Houston as strangers, with many visiting the United States for the first time. Over three weeks, they learned from one another, experimented with new artistic techniques and explored both the creative and business sides of building a career in the arts.

Their collaboration ultimately became something permanent—a piece of Taiwanese and Houston culture woven together on one wall.

The project was also recognized by local leaders, with August 7, 2026 proclaimed “Painted Bridges Houston Mural Program Day” in Harris County.

Why We’re Sharing This Story

At the Asian Chamber of Commerce, we often talk about building bridges—and sometimes those bridges are built through business, sometimes through food and sometimes with a little paint and a lot of creativity.

Bellaire Boulevard and Southwest Houston are home to countless Asian-owned and immigrant-owned businesses, entrepreneurs and families who contribute every day to the economic and cultural fabric of our region.

“Painted Bridges” is a beautiful reminder that celebrating culture and creating connections can strengthen a community.

So, the next time you’re in the neighborhood supporting one of our local businesses, stop by, take a look at Houston’s newest piece of public art—and find your seat at the table. 🎨🌏

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