Leading with Purpose in the Year of the Horse | |
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As we step into 2026, my heart is full of gratitude and optimism for the Asian Chamber and the extraordinary community we are privileged to serve. This Chamber is strong because of you—our members, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and leaders—who believe in connection, collaboration, and lifting one another up.
A new year always brings fresh energy, but this one feels especially meaningful. Together, we are entering a season of growth, opportunity, and renewed purpose—grounded in our shared values and inspired by what we can build next.
On the last day of this month, our Board will come together for a strategic retreat to reflect, listen, and plan thoughtfully for the next 10 years, the next 3 years, and the year immediately ahead. This work is driven by a simple commitment: to ensure the Asian Chamber continues to be a trusted home for our members and a powerful voice for our community in a rapidly changing world.
As we look forward, the Chamber will dedicate greater focus and resources to three pillars that shape our collective future:
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Supply Chain & Industrial Growth, supporting the return of manufacturing and advanced industries to Texas
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Youth Leadership Training, empowering the next generation of leaders
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Workforce Development, helping our community thrive in the Age of AI
These priorities reflect where Texas is going—and where our members are already making an impact.
As the Lunar New Year celebrations begins across Houston, I want to reaffirm the strength of our shared AAPI community brings when we come together. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, symbolizing strength, energy, courage, and forward motion. Guided by the element of Fire, it represents passion, momentum, and bold action. These qualities reflect the spirit of our members and the path we are forging together.
In the months ahead, you can look forward to expanded programs, meaningful gatherings, and signature events that bring people together, spark ideas, and create lasting relationships. Whether you are here to grow your business, give back, mentor, learn, or lead—you belong here.
Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your belief in the Asian Chamber. I look forward to celebrating with you soon and shaping a hopeful, vibrant future—together.
With sincere gratitude and best wishes for a prosperous New Year,
Fan Chen
Board Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce
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Asian Chamber Kicks Off 2026 with Lunar New Year Networking Event
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The Asian Chamber officially kicked off 2026 in the best way possible—together! Last week, more than 70 members and guests joined us at GiAu Bar N Bites for our first event of the year, an evening filled with energy, conversation, and meaningful connections.
From the moment guests arrived, the room buzzed with networking as both longtime members and first-time attendees mingled, exchanged ideas, and strengthened relationships across industries. The event offered the perfect atmosphere to reconnect after the holidays while also welcoming new faces into our growing Asian Chamber community.
Guests enjoyed lite bites and drinks while building connections that reflect the Chamber’s mission: supporting business growth, collaboration, and community engagement. The evening also served as a fun and timely celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year, setting the tone for a year focused on prosperity, partnership, and opportunity.
We are grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the night a success. Your continued support and participation are what make Asian Chamber events impactful and memorable.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event as we continue building momentum and community throughout 2026!
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Asian Chamber & Walmart Celebrate Lunar New Year and
Welcome the Year of the Horse
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The Asian Chamber was proud to welcome the Year of the Horse alongside our community and valued partner Walmart during a special Lunar New Year celebration held on January 14 at the Walmart in Sugar Land.
In Lunar New Year traditions, the Horse symbolizes strength, energy, perseverance, and forward progress—qualities that reflect the spirit of our community and the momentum we are building together as we step into 2026.
Guests enjoyed a vibrant and meaningful celebration featuring a traditional Lion Dance performance, a beloved cultural tradition believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead. The performance brought excitement and positive energy to the event and served as a powerful way to welcome the new year with hope and intention.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Walmart for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting the Asian Chamber and the communities we serve. During the event, Walmart also presented the Chamber with a donation, further demonstrating their support of our mission and ongoing collaboration.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Lunar New Year and begin 2026 with community, connection, and cultural pride.
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Member Spotlight:
Bank of the Orient
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The Asian Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Bank of the Orient as one of our newest members!
Established in 1971, Bank of the Orient has been serving communities for more than 50 years as a trusted, community-oriented financial institution. Headquartered in San Francisco, the bank provides full-service personal and business banking solutions, including online and mobile banking, loans, commercial services, and international trade finance. With clients across California and Texas, Bank of the Orient is known for delivering personalized service and building strong, long-term customer relationships.
Bank of the Orient was founded with a clear mission: to serve the banking needs of the Asian-American community and small businesses, while supporting community development and economic opportunity. That purpose remains at the heart of their work today.
As a new Asian Chamber member, Bank of the Orient shared that they joined to build stronger industry relationships, support business growth through meaningful connections, and contribute to community and economic development alongside like-minded leaders. The member resource they value most is the Asian Chamber’s community engagement and networking opportunities, which strengthen business reach and help drive mutual growth.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Bank of the Orient—we are excited to have you in the Asian Chamber family!
Sugar Land Branch
3388 A Highway 6
Sugar Land, TX 77478
281.845.6267 Tel
281.845.6317 Fax
MON - FRI 9:00AM - 5:00PM CT
SAT CLOSED
Drive Thru ATM
Loan Production Office
800 Bonaventure Way #158
Sugar Land, TX 77479
832.613.7017 Tel
415.338.0732 Fax
MON - FRI 9:00AM - 5:30PM CT Does not accept deposits cash or checks
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Local Elections:
Make Your Plan to Vote
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Election season is here, and it’s an important time for our community to make our voices heard. Elections at every level help shape decisions that impact our everyday lives—from small business growth and education to public safety, transportation, and economic development.
As a nonpartisan organization, the Asian Chamber of Commerce does not endorse candidates or political parties. However, we strongly encourage all eligible voters to participate in the democratic process and take part in civic engagement.
Harris County voters: Important Early Voting Update
Early Voting for the CD-18 Special Runoff Election resumes:
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Tuesday, January 27 | 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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Wednesday, January 28 | 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Extended Early Voting)
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Thursday, January 29 | 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
For polling locations, voting options, and election updates, visit:
Harris County Elections
Fort Bend County voters
For voter registration, election information, and updates, visit:
Fort Bend County Elections & Voter Registration
Your vote is your voice—and every voice matters. Let’s show up, stay informed, and strengthen our communities through participation.
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Applications Now Open: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
(Summer 2026 Cohort)
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The Greater Houston area is home to thousands of small businesses driving innovation, job creation, and community growth. If you’re ready to stand out, scale your operations, and increase your economic impact, now is the time to apply for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program—hosted locally through Houston City College.
HCC is also one of the Asian Chamber’s major annual supporters, and we are proud to help share this opportunity with our members and the broader business community. The program runs three times each year (Spring, Summer, and Fall), and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with deadlines tied to each cohort.
About the Program
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program is a 16-week business growth program designed to help small business owners strengthen their strategies, expand revenue, and build sustainable growth.
Program highlights include:
- 16-week program focused on business growth
- No cost to participate
- Weekly classes held Thursdays, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Select Tuesday clinics (3:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
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Courses hosted at the HCC Alief Hayes Campus
Summer 2026 Cohort Details
📌 Application Deadline: January 26, 2026
📅 Weekly Classes: May 5 – August 6, 2026
Who Should Apply?
To qualify, applicants must meet the minimum requirements:
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Must be the owner or co-owner of the business
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Business has been in operation 2 years or more
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Business revenue of at least $75,000 in the most recent fiscal year
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Business has a minimum of two employees
How to Apply
The application process includes the following steps:
- Apply online at 10ksbapply.com
- If the application meets the minimum qualifications, the applicant will be invited to interview.
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To guarantee an interview, applicants must submit supporting financial documentation validating eligibility.
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Final participants are selected following the interview process. You must apply to be considered. Spots are limited, and interest is high—business owners are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
| Fireside Chat with 8-Figure Amazon Seller Anthony Bui | | |
Thinking about leaving the corporate world to build something of your own? 🚀 ACE NextGen and Amazon invite you to an intimate fireside chat with Anthony Bui, an 8-figure Amazon seller, as he shares his journey from walking away from corporate life to building a multimillion-revenue e-commerce business.
This candid conversation will pull back the curtain on what it really takes to bet on yourself—from the mindset shifts and early decisions to the real lessons behind scaling and sustaining success. Anthony will share insights on:
- What it takes to grow and scale on Amazon
- The challenges entrepreneurs don’t always talk about
- The systems and habits that support long-term growth
Whether you’re an aspiring founder, exploring Amazon FBA, or seriously considering your next move beyond corporate life, this session is designed to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action.
✨ Light bites included with admission!
📅 Thursday, February 5, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Cowboys & Indians Bar & Grill * 519 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX
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Save the Date:
2026 Asian Chamber Signature Events
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🏌️♂️ Asian Chamber Golf Tournament
April 6, 2026 | Wildcat Golf Course
Join us for a day of networking, friendly competition, and community support at one of our most anticipated annual events.
AAPI Heritage Month Luncheon
May 1, 2026 | Ocean Palace
Join us as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with community, culture, and connection.
National ACE Conference
September 17–18, 2026 | The Westin Galleria
Be part of this premier national gathering of Asian Chambers and business leaders.
🌟 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards
October 24, 2026 | The Post Oak Hotel
Celebrate Houston’s top innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs at our premier black-tie gala honoring excellence across the region.
Mark your calendars — more details coming soon!
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Become a member today!
View your ACC membership benefits before joining
| | Platinum Corporate Member | | |
3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 108
Houston, TX 77042
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