AAMA Thanks Honorees, Attendees for a Memorable Milestone Anniversary Gala

PALO ALTO, California (October 11, 2019) -- The Asia America MultiTechnology Association (AAMA) celebrated its 40^th anniversary with a sold-out gala, where more than 230 attendees honored Asian American tech community trailblazers.

The AAMA 40^th Anniversary Gala celebrated the achievements of the some of the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs, their role in helping to build Silicon Valley and their impact in the global technology market. The event began with cocktails and seated formal dinner and ended with awards presentations.

“It’s a special occasion,” said E. John Park, a partner with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, the gala’s signature sponsor. “I’ve been a member for more than 10 years. AAMA has been the organization where I have the most friendships, the most memories, and have acquired so much information and knowledge at the various events, conferences and panels. Our honorees have accomplished so much, and have really forged new paths in Silicon Valley.”

The event was emceed by Crystal Lee and Raffi Nalvarian, and included some exciting gifts from sponsors, pre-ceremony red carpet interviews and video tributes.

 “This means a lot to me. To say I am delighted and honored to receive this award from AAMA probably would be an understatement,” said Jack Q. Gao, Founding Partner and CEO of Smart Cinema. “AAMA connected me to the top executives in Silicon Valley, as well as entrepreneurs in Asia, especially mainland China, Hong Kong and Korea. Five years ago, through the AAMA Advisor Program, David Lin and I connected to form WeChat Ticketing, now a multibillion-dollar listed company, and later Smart Cinema, a direct-to-consumer mobile platform.”

“I’m honored to be part of this event,” said Kevin Lin, Co-Founder of Twitch. “Thank you for the entire community for this recognition. I met a lot of great mentors through AAMA, and it’s all about giving back now, to the next generation of entrepreneurs, sharing knowledge and supporting each other. It’s all about mentoring each other, helping each other do everything from build our businesses to fundraise, and most importantly, lift each other up, talk about each other in the press and news. There are Asian American entrepreneurs doing some awesome things.”

 “This is a very special moment,” said Young K. Sohn, Corporate President and Chief Strategy Officer of Samsung Electronics, and Chairman of the Board, Harman. “I have always enjoyed being part of AAMA, including my time as president. We’ve been through both difficult times and good times, but we have survived, and our mission continues.”

“I am very humbled and honored to be recognized,” said Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Cadence Design Systems, Chairman and Founder of Walden International, and Founding Managing Partner of WRVI Capital. “I’ve been involved with AAMA since the 1980s. It is a great organization.”

“I have felt like an entrepreneur all my life,” said Janet Yang, Founder and President of Janet Yang Productions, Golden Globe and Emmy-Award Winner. “As a film producer, we have the same mentality, so in some ways I feel like a serial entrepreneur. I have several friends who very involved in AAMA, and I appreciate the honor.”

AAMA provides professional programming for those in the U.S. and Asian tech markets, fosters growth and capital investment, and actively promotes and supports emerging markets and technologies. “Thank you to our gala co-chairs David J. Lam, Lilly Huang and Jason Lin, our sponsors, the honorees, and all our members for making the evening possible,” said Lisa Lum, AAMA’s Executive Director. “AAMA would not exist without your support and involvement. I look forward to our next decade, both in terms of seeing what technology our members will develop, and where we as an organization are headed. Stay tuned for upcoming programs.”

Founded in 1979 as the Asian American Manufacturers Association, AAMA has grown to become the largest pan-Asian technology association in the world, with 10,000+ members and chapters in Silicon Valley, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei and the Pearl River Delta.

For membership information, please contact Lisa M. Lum, Executive Director, at lisa@aamasv.com. Learn more at http://www.aamasv.com.

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