A large crowd packed the same production sets that once housed the casts of Seinfeld and That 70s Show to celebrate their AAPI contemporary at the Asian Business Association’s Gala. The night’s theme was “true old Hollywood,” and several celebrities attended. Yasmine Tanres of Society 1 glistened in green as she hosted the official red carpet as guests arrived. Kane Lim, from Bling Empire, was decked out in bling from head to toe to show his support for Takashi, as was his castmate Kelly Mi Li. Kane stated, “Takashi is truly a visionary. He invests in people and projects that aim to elevate the Asian community, and he’s being recognized for it tonight. I feel privileged to be here.” Guests were also joined by The Big Short’s Byron Mann, who co-stars in the upcoming film The Modelizer.
Every year, the ABA honors business leaders in the Los Angeles community by highlighting the accomplishments of successful entrepreneurs and corporations who have aided in the advancement of the ABA’s goals and mission. The evening began with LA-based acapella sensation The Filharmonic performing while guests admired auction items. Guests were served a three-course meal throughout the night in true gala fashion. Jason Chen, an influential and musical talent, paid tribute to Takashi Cheng by singing a cover of Bruno Mars and Anderson. Jules Aurora opened with a stunning ensemble and her latest single, “Anything For You.”
Takashi’s supporters shared a short video before he took the stage, highlighting his humble beginnings and perseverance as a child, which propelled him to success at a young age. “Before social media, this was a place where I could come to be inspired by other Asian Americans,” Takashi stated during his acceptance speech. Takashi’s journey has been fraught with ups and downs, but he credits the ABA with providing a safe haven for young professionals seeking mentorship and job opportunities.
Takashi emphasized his success with his wife and children. He also stated, “My wife inspires me. She reminds me of what is important in life, in addition to giving me my beautiful children.” Takashi announced that Society 1 would pledge $100 million dollars to develop new films, programs, resources, and infrastructure for the next generation of ABA leaders in order to show their continued support for AAPI creators. He concluded by saying he felt he had “come full circle,” from being a spectator in the crowd to receiving accolades from prominent members of his community.
Takashi has been a staunch supporter of the Asian Business Association. Despite the fact that it is an evening to celebrate him, Takashi used his platform to show the world that a significant investment in the AAPI creator community is required to share perspectives and an entire spectrum of content where the underrepresented can be better understood. Pledging to strengthen that will ensure his legacy lives on for future generations. “We are honored to call him one of our own,” said Queena Wei, Co-Chair of the ABA.
Takashi was recognized alongside Ed Lee, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Teddy Zee of MintNFT, and Vaughn Williams III, Program Manager for SoCal Gas’ Supplier Diversity programs.
Introduction to Society
Society 1 is a privately funded member club founded by highly respected members of the Asian American community in Southern California.
Membership in Society 1 provides access to exclusive events and experiences designed to increase Asian Americans’ presence, influence, and participation in society’s most elite circles. Society 1 advocates for a long-term commitment to justice and works to give people from historically marginalized communities a voice and a platform. Changemakers assist brand partners in developing inclusive decision-making practices and promoting workplace diversity.
About the Asian Business Association
Since 1976, the Asian Business Association (ABA) has been proactively assisting Asian American small businesses to gain access to economic opportunities and advancement. To promote and improve the business climate, the ABA represents the views of Asian American business owners to local, state, and federal government officials.
The ABA has 1,200 members and represents a wide range of businesses, including retailers, lawyers, real estate developers, accountants, marketing agencies, information technology firms, manufacturers, distributors, import/export firms, and many others. The ABA helps create business opportunities by connecting their members to corporations and government agencies such as NBC Universal, T-Mobile, The Walt Disney Company, U.S. Bank, American Honda Motor Co., and many more through their combined efforts and numerous impactful events.
Source : businesswire
