Engaging Asia

Washington, D.C.–The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) featured Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr. (R-LA), Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), and senior experts at a recent panel discussion, “Engaging Asia 2012: Strategies for a Shift toward the Asia-Pacific.” The event took place on April 18. Speakers offered insights into the critical strategic and economic elements that the United States must consider to sustain its focus on Asia, with a special emphasis on the role of Congress. The discussion included two expert panels, one on U.S. defense strategy within a constrained budget, and the other on U.S. trade policy in Asia and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Election Coverage

Los Angeles, California –New America Media (NAM) and MALDEF have joined to co-host the All Day Ethnic Media Training here on covering the November 6 general elections. Experts and veteran reporters shared tips on how to report on: California’s growing ethnic vote; first-time candidates of color and the most contested races; the races no one is watching and why they matter, and initiatives that could reset the button on California’s budget crisis.

InterIm CDA Gala

San Francisco, CA–San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, the nation’s first Asian American mayor of a major city, attended the VIP reception at the non-profit InterIm CDA Gala, held April 28 in this city.

China Studies

Washington, D.C.–The Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) has announced that Christopher K. Johnson, former senior China analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency, has joined CSIS as the Freeman Chair in China Studies. “There is no doubt that the Asia Pacific region is, and will continue to be, of critical strategic and economic importance to the United States,” CSIS president and CEO John J. Hamre said in making the announcement last month.

Asia Society

Houston, Texas –Asia Society’s expansion continued last month with the opening of its stunning new Texas Center. Asia Society’s website highlights photos and video of the official dedication and weekend-long opening festival, featuring the history behind the dynamic new complex that it calls “Houston’s gateway to Asia.”

East and West

Bethesda, Maryland–The Gandhi Memorial Center presented a performance on April 29 on the music of the East and West, featuring Sudeshna Basu (vocal) and Jeff Bauer (piano), with accompanying artists Arun Bagal (violin), Lois Jones (piano), Debu Nayak (tabla). The program included Readings from Tagore and Einstein by Steve Bauer. It took place in the Golden Lotus Temple across Berkley Street from the Gandhi Memorial Center.

Desi Summer

Washington, D.C.–DC Desi Summer (DCDS) is a weekend-long youth leadership and empowerment program for young South Asian Americans ages 15-20. It takes place on July 13 to July 15. It’s free (including free meals, but participants arrange for transportation and housing). Community activists, advocates, and academics will facilitate workshops and activities that focus on topics such as sexism, racism, capitalism, and the nuts and bolts of organizing for justice. First priority deadline is May 15. For more information and to apply, visit http://dcdesisummer.weebly.com/apply.html