Jewels of Asia, a popular annual gala celebrating entrepreneurs from American-Asian and diverse communities doing business in Washington metro area, will take place online on October 22.
The virtual event named “Jewels of Asia” Chamber Awards Gala and will be the crowning event of the Annual Asian American Business Summit & Expo being organized by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce from October 21 to 23.
The decade-old annual signature event of the Chamber has gone virtual due to the coronavirus outbreak in compliance with precautions for the protection of the participants.
The COVID-19 affected several areas in the region and it was only in the last few months the region has shown improvement in terms of infection cases.
“We have been helping the businesses to cope with the pressures of coronavirus closures with several online events and consultations, and now we are as excited and enthusiastic to celebrate the best-performing business in the area,” says AACC President Dr. Cindy Shao.
The three-day Summit, Dr. Shao says, will provide a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with the Asian Business Community, meet industry-specific buyers and decision-makers, and learn about opportunities in government procurement, diversified supplier programs, business enterprise certifications, international business, commercial real estate and more.
“Our goal is to provide a dynamic networking venue that promotes opportunity, education, strategic alliances, and small business growth.”
As in the previous years, the “Jewels of Asia” Chamber Awards Gala will recognize individuals, small businesses, and corporations that have made a significant impact and contribution to the greater Northern Virginia, Maryland, or District of Columbia local region and within global communities.
“The “Jewels of Asia” Awards Gala specifically highlights the contributions made by the Asian American business community at large and those area businesses committed to promoting diversity and inclusion that results in notable success, partnerships, and positive collaboration.”
Shao invites all businesses to be part of the celebration as an opportunity to keep the recovery momentum in the midst of coronavirus challenges.
AACC President Cindy Shao
In the unprecedented time amid the Covid-19, the Asian American business community is experiencing the most challenging times, she notes.
According to the national bureau of economic research, the number of active business owners in the US has plummeted 22% between February and April, however, AAPI business owners have dropped 26% and immigrant businesses were devastated from loss of over 36%, the AACC said in a statement.
As part of the AACC’s commitment to help Asian and minority businesses access the resources they need to rebound from unexpected challenges and thrive in the challenging environment, Cindy Shao says “we are hosting the virtual Asian American Business Summit & Expo and the awards gala to provide the needed business resources and empower the Asian Business Community.”
Senior Trump administration officials and U.S. lawmakers from the region will be among the speakers.
“Our goal is to facilitate business relationships between members and the community that supports economic growth and building bridges into the Asian Pacific American business community,” Shao says.
“We welcome everyone interested in working so that we can all prosper together!”
