THE ACC AMPLIFIER: THE START OF SUMMER 2025

Honoring Heritage, Empowering the Future:

AANHPI Month Reflections and a Look Ahead to June

Now that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month has come to a close, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you who joined us in celebrating the rich culture, contributions, and stories of our community. The energy and engagement throughout the month reminded us why our work matters—to uplift, connect, and create opportunities for Asian businesses and professionals across Greater Houston.

Looking ahead, we have a busy and exciting June! We’re gearing up for our highly anticipated Trade Mission to Beijing , where we’ll build stronger international partnerships and explore new business opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Here at home, we hope to see you at our Annual Scholarship Luncheon on Friday, June 6. This event honors the achievements of outstanding students in our community and supports the next generation of leaders. If you haven’t already, register here—your support makes a direct impact.

To all the recent high school and college graduates, congratulations! We celebrate your hard work and resilience and look forward to the great things you’ll accomplish.

As we head into hurricane season, please take time to prepare and stay informed. The Chamber will continue to provide resources and support to help our business community stay resilient in the face of natural disasters.

Thank you for being part of our growing network. Let’s keep moving forward—together.

Warm regards,

Fan Chen

Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce

A Celebration of Achievement: 2025 Scholarship Awards Luncheon

On Friday, June 6, the Asian Chamber Foundation will host its annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon—a heartfelt celebration recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of our 2025 scholarship recipients.

This year’s luncheon will bring together business leaders, community partners, and Chamber members to honor these inspiring students and reaffirm our collective commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment.

Guests will hear from our scholarship winners, learn about their aspirations, and be reminded of the powerful impact that access to higher education can have on students, families, and our greater community.

The luncheon is more than a ceremony—it’s a celebration of possibility, potential, and the future we’re building together through continued support of education.

Join us in recognizing excellence, investing in the next generation, and celebrating the journey ahead.

📍 Friday, June 6, 2025 | 11 am -1pm

Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel

3000 North Loop W

Houston, TX 77092 United States

Congratulations to the Asian Chamber Foundation’s 2025 Scholarship Recipients!

The Asian Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates the 2025 Scholarship Recipients—an outstanding group of students who represent the future of leadership, innovation, and service in our communities. These scholars have excelled academically, demonstrated leadership, and shown a commitment to making a difference.

This year’s recipients are heading to top universities across the country to pursue degrees in engineering, neuroscience, business, biology, and more. We are thrilled to support these exceptional students as they take the next step in their educational journeys.

Meet the 2025 Scholarship Recipients:

Arad Moghaddam – Stratford High School → Texas A&M | 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 | 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 scholars for their achievements and look forward to the incredible impact they will have in the future. On May 14, 2025, the Asian Chamber of Commerce joined fellow small business leaders from across the nation for National ACE’s annual Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C. This exclusive, invitation-only event brought together entrepreneurs, chamber representatives, and policymakers to advocate for the growth and prosperity of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) small businesses.

HAAPIFEST 2025:

A Celebration of AAPI Stories and Culture

Founded in 2004 by OCA-Greater Houston, the Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival (HAAPIFEST) was created to highlight and celebrate the diversity of AAPI culture, food, and family; support AAPI artists and filmmakers; and share the untold AAPI experience in Greater Houston through the power of edutainment.

Today, HAAPIFEST is an immersive, multi-day celebration of film, music, and art—curated and produced by a dedicated committee of volunteers. The 2025 festival will run from May 30 to June 15, offering a rich lineup of films and cultural programming designed to educate, inspire, and entertain.

As a proud community partner, the Asian Chamber invites you to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with HAAPIFEST! 🎉 Use code HAAPI30 at checkout to receive 30% off any film pass—whether you attend in person or stream online.

🎟️ Grab your tickets or all-access online film passes here: https://www.goelevent.com/HAAPIFEST/Pass/Sale/HAAPIFEST2025FILMFESTIVALALLACCESSVIPPASS

SBA Houston Meeting:

Unlocking Federal Resources for Asian-Owned Businesses

In a strategic effort to bring federal resources closer to Houston’s Asian-owned businesses, the Asian Chamber recently met with Mark Winchester, District Director of the SBA Houston Office. The meeting focused on how local businesses can leverage federal programs to fuel growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Topics included funding opportunities through the SBIR/STTR innovation programs, onshoring and manufacturing initiatives like the “Made in America” campaign, and support for startups in key industries. The Chamber also shared the importance of continuing to bridge gaps between government and the AAPI business community to ensure equitable access to capital, contracting, and technical assistance.

This meeting reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to advocacy and economic empowerment.

Networking in Style:

May Mixer at Momentum BMW

The Asian Chamber wrapped up AANHPI Heritage Month with a high-energy networking mixer at Momentum BMW, where sleek cars met strong community connections. The event drew nearly 150 professionals and entrepreneurs from across Houston’s diverse business landscape.

Attendees mingled in Momentum BMW’s showroom, forged new partnerships, and celebrated the achievements of the AAPI business community. The Chamber is grateful to Momentum BMW for their generous sponsorship and support in hosting a memorable evening of celebration and connection.

These events are more than social—they are strategic. They bring together leaders, innovators, and change agents who are building the future of business in Houston.