Summer’s Just Getting Started: Fall Prep, Hurricane Readiness & Maximizing Your Membership

As we officially kick off the summer season and schools wind down for a well-deserved break, the Asian Chamber of Commerce is just heating up. While many are heading out on vacation, our team is hard at work preparing for an exciting slate of fall programs and events to help you grow, connect, and succeed.

June also marks the beginning of hurricane season. Now is the time to make sure your business is prepared. From reviewing emergency response plans to protecting critical data, preparedness is key to resilience. We’ll continue to share resources and updates to support our members throughout the season.

In the meantime, we invite you to join us for our upcoming Membership Information Session—an engaging session designed to help you better understand how to make the most of your chamber membership. Whether you’re new to the Chamber or just want a refresher, this is your opportunity to learn more about our mission, values, and the wide range of programs we have planned for 2025.

ACC Info Session - July

📅 Date/Time: Friday, July 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CST

📍 Location: Asian Chamber of Commerce Office - 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108

Houston, TX 77042

💼 Free and open to both members and non-members

🔗Click here to register for the July Membership Information Session.

We hope to see you there as we continue building a strong, connected, and prepared business community.

Stay safe and enjoy your summer!

Celebrating the 2025 Asian Chamber Scholarship Recipients

Honoring the Next Generation of Leaders

On June 6, the Asian Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its 2025 Scholarship Luncheon, celebrating an extraordinary group of students who embody the values of leadership, academic excellence, and community service. These bright young scholars have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their education and to creating positive change in their communities.

This year’s recipients are headed to some of the top universities in the country to pursue degrees in fields such as engineering, neuroscience, business, biology, and more. We are honored to support them as they begin this exciting new chapter.

Meet the 2025 Asian Chamber Scholarship Recipients:

Arad Moghaddam – Stratford High School → Texas A&M University | Engineering
Charles Robin Yu – Bellaire High School → Rice University | Neuroscience
Chen Wang – Glenda Dawson High School → University of Texas at Austin | Business
Ellie Victoria Chen – Carnegie Vanguard → Baylor University | Biology
Jennifer Ngoc Pham – George Bush High School → Texas A&M University | Public Health (Pre-Nursing)
Esion Esion Pallucci – The Woodlands College Park → University of Houston | Engineering
Jolie Ainhii Vo – Summer Creek High School → University of Texas at Austin | Psychology
Raquel Ndidi Nwosu – Stephen F. Austin High School → University of Texas at Arlington | Industrial Engineering
Jaylon Shaohan Ma – Obra D. Tompkins High School → University of Pennsylvania | Economics & Political Science
Binu Kavinya Udgamasooriya – Cinco Ranch High School → University of Texas at Austin | Biology/Pre-Med

We commend each of these students for their remarkable achievements and are excited to see the impact they will make in their respective fields and communities. The Asian Chamber remains committed to supporting the next generation of diverse leaders who will shape the future of innovation and opportunity.

Click here for more photos from the scholarship luncheon

Password: want2seeACC

Powerful Conversations.

Purposeful Connections.

The Asian Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an impactful Employee Resource Group (ERG) Roundtable with 60+ participants representing over 30 companies. A special thanks to @Paraag Maddiwar—ERG Champion, Speaker, Consultant, and Advisor—for guiding the discussion with insights on the history of Asian ERGs, the evolving state of DEI, and a hopeful path forward for our communities.

Breakout groups tackled key topics including:
Building vision, goals & belonging
Cross-ERG collaboration
Growing membership & sponsor engagement
Leadership visibility
Measuring impact & sustaining momentum
Navigating communication & safe spaces

Together, we’re working to uplift and empower Asian professionals in every industry.

Asian Chamber Texas-Asia Delegation 2025

July 15-24, 2025 (With Extended City Trips Through July 27)

JOIN THE INFO SESSION

The Asian Chamber of Commerce – Houston (ACC) is pleased to invite your organization to join a Texas delegation to The Third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) as a valued partner and sponsor.

This is a premier opportunity to position Texas as a leading destination for investment and innovation, while forging meaningful partnerships with Asia’s largest manufacturing and supply chain network. With your support, we will amplify Texas’s presence on the global stage and open new doors for trade, investment, and job creation in local business communities.

Why Join the Delegation?

Spotlight Texas: Showcase your region or your organization to thousands of Chinese enterprises actively seeking U.S. trade and investment partners.

Attract Investment:

Build high-level relationships with Chinese manufacturers, logistics firms, and investors looking to expand in the U.S.—particularly in Texas.

Support Local Growth:

Demonstrate your leadership in economic development by facilitating opportunities for Texas-based industries, ports, and SMEs.

Drive Results:

Enjoy curated business matchmaking, speaking opportunities, exhibition exposure, and brand promotion before a global audience.

Delegation Highlights:

Dates: July 15-24, 2025 (with optional extended trip through July 27)

Location: China International Exhibition Center, Beijing and various cities

Registration Fees: $7,500 to $35,000 (Sponsorship benefits and official delegate member information can be found below)

Expo Participation:

Engage with global supply chain leaders at CISCE.

Corporate Visits: Tour leading manufacturers (in Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Chemical, Steel & Aluminum, Plastics, Medical Device, Smart Manufacturing, EV/Renewable Energy in Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing and Hefei.

Exclusive Meetings:

Closed-door sessions with Chinese interested industry leaders and investors.

Cultural Immersion:

Blend business with China’s rich heritage and culture.

Preliminary Itinerary:

July 14-15: Arrive in Beijing

July 16: Opening Ceremony

July 16 –19: Delegation Booth/Exhibition, Invest in Texas Forum, Other supply chain forums, exhibitions at various pavilions, networking sessions (we have our own booth)

July 18-19: Visit to Industrial Park in Beijing and networking with interested companies in Tianjin City

July 20: Closing & Signing Ceremony in Beijing

July 21-22: Visit Suzhou City (Highest Level of Manufacturing and Industrial Park)

July 23-24: Visit Shenzhen City (Sister City with Houston)

July 25-27: Spin-off subgroups to Hong Kong, to Chongqing & to Chengdu (in Sichuan Province), and to Hefei (in Anhui Province) – Optional Extended Trip

ACE NextGen Houston

Speaker Series:

Featuring Donna Fujimoto Cole

The Asian Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight a dynamic upcoming event hosted by our community partner ACE NextGen Houston. Their monthly Speaker Series, held on the last Thursday of each month, brings together entrepreneurs and professionals to learn from some of the most inspiring leaders in the business world.

This month’s featured speaker is Donna Fujimoto Cole, founder of Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc.—a Houston-based company with national reach. Ms. Cole started her company in 1980 as a single mother with $5,000 in savings and a vision. Today, she is a highly respected entrepreneur, investor, civic leader, and philanthropist. Her incredible journey spans multiple industries, global recognition, and decades of community impact.

In this moderated talk, Ms. Cole will share her insights on business growth, leadership, civic engagement, and her latest venture into storytelling through film and the arts.

Event Details:

🗓 Thursday, June 26

🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Networking before and after)

💼 Dress Code: Casual

💲 Free for ACE NextGen members | $10 for non-members

🥢 Food and drinks provided (additional items available for purchase)

🅿️ Free parking after 7 PM (no code required)

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from a Houston business legend and connect with other professionals and entrepreneurs in a relaxed, engaging setting.

$10,000 Grant Opportunity

for Small Business Owners through

Verizon Digital Ready

Apply by June 30, 2025

The Asian Chamber of Commerce is excited to share a new opportunity for our small business community. Verizon is awarding $10,000 grants to 50 small businesses through its Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program—an initiative designed to support and empower entrepreneurs through access to valuable digital tools and resources.

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform offers free, on-demand courses, personalized coaching, and a vibrant community of support to help your business grow and adapt in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're looking to build a stronger online presence, sharpen your financial planning, or learn how to reach new customers, this platform meets you where you are and helps take your business to the next level.

Here’s how to apply for the $10,000 grant:

Sign up for the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform.
Complete two short courses, coaching events, or community events of your choice
Unlock the grant application once the course requirement is fulfilled.
Submit your application by June 30, 2025.

This is a fantastic opportunity for small business owners looking for funding and resources to scale their operations. We encourage all eligible members to take advantage of this free platform and apply before the deadline.

Let’s continue working together to build stronger, more resilient Asian-owned businesses. If you need assistance navigating the application process or accessing courses, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Chamber.

PACCTX Greater Houston Region Speaker Series

Leading the Era of AI Innovation

Step into the Future with AI Innovation! The Asian Chamber is proud to support our community partner, PACCTX Greater Houston Region, as they present a powerful session in their FREE Speaker Series: "Leading the Era of AI Innovation" with Rose-Ann Aragon, Microsoft’s Global AI Innovation Storytelling Communications Manager. Discover how AI is transforming industries, empowering individuals, and shaping the future—directly from a leading voice in the field!

Thursday, June 26, 2025

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Marriott Courtyard Stafford -12655 Southwest Fwy, Stafford, TX 77477

This event is FREE and open to the public—perfect for professionals, students, tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about AI's real-world impact. Don’t miss this chance to engage with emerging technologies and connect with thought leaders in innovation.

Get your ticket today!

Celebrating 35 Years of Impact: The Asian Chamber of Commerce

On June 20, 2025, the Asian Chamber of Commerce marked a momentous milestone—35 years of empowering the Asian business community in Houston and beyond. Since its founding in 1990, the Chamber has been a vital resource and advocate for Asian-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals, helping them grow, thrive, and lead.

Over the past three and a half decades, the Chamber has evolved into one of the region’s most respected business organizations. It has served as a bridge between Asian business owners and the broader business ecosystem, fostering economic development, cultural understanding, and strategic partnerships across industries and communities.

From hosting annual business conferences and expos to launching mentorship programs and providing multilingual training sessions for immigrant entrepreneurs, the Chamber’s impact has been far-reaching. It has helped thousands of businesses navigate challenges, secure resources, and access new markets—especially during times of uncertainty.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber swiftly mobilized to support small businesses with relief resources, technical assistance, and advocacy. In recent years, it has taken bold stances on policy issues impacting minority businesses, ensuring that Asian business owners have a strong voice at the local and state levels.

As we celebrate this 35-year legacy, we honor the visionaries who laid the foundation, the leaders who advanced the mission, and the members whose dedication continues to shape our shared success.

Join us for the 35th Annual Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards Gala on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Post Oak Hotel, where we will honor outstanding

Asian-owned businesses and recognize excellence, innovation, and impact across the Greater Houston area. This special evening will cap off a year of celebration and set the tone for the future of Asian entrepreneurship in our city. Here’s to the next chapter of innovation, equity, and economic opportunity—for all.

VIEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Member Spotlight: David D. Schein

Longtime Legal Advocate, Educator, and Founding ACC Board Member

The Asian Chamber of Commerce of Houston (ACCH) proudly recognizes David D. Schein, MBA, JD, Ph.D., a distinguished attorney, author, educator, and one of the Chamber’s original Board Members.

Dr. Schein has dedicated nearly five decades to the practice of law, beginning his career with large corporations before transitioning to private practice in 1988. Specializing in employment law and general business matters, he has served as a trusted legal advisor to countless entrepreneurs and business owners. His connection to the Asian Chamber dates back to its founding in 1989, where he served as a Board Member until 2000.

“Many Asian entrepreneurs started with nothing and have accomplished so much,” Dr. Schein shared. “I find that very exciting—and it’s why I’ve always valued my involvement with the Chamber and the broader business community.”

Since 2008, Dr. Schein has balanced his legal practice with a full-time role in academia. In addition to teaching, he is a prolific author and content creator. His two published books—The Decline of America: 100 Years of Leadership Failures (2018) and Bad Deal for America (2022)—reflect his deep engagement with public affairs and policy. He also hosts a variety of online programming, including the daily Business Law 101, the weekly Saving America and Unscripted Politics shows, and occasional StarStruck entertainment reviews.

Last fall, Dr. Schein joined us at the Chamber’s anniversary celebration at Fung’s Kitchen, reconnecting with longtime colleagues and reflecting on the loss of his close friend and fellow advocate, Dan Nip. “It was good to see familiar faces and remember how far we’ve come,” he said.

The Asian Chamber is grateful for Dr. Schein’s foundational leadership and continued support. We look forward to seeing more of him at future networking events and educational programs.

To learn more about Dr. Schein, connect with him on LinkedIn or explore his latest work on Amazon.