In 2017, a new kind of crossover, the Niro, was unveiled at the Chicago auto show.  The Kia Niro is a no-compromise vehicle that combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design, functional utility and hybrid efficiency.  Arrived in Kia retailers in the first quarter of 2017, the Niro strikes the perfect balance for today’s consumers and stakes claim to a unique position between …

The 2018 Outlander is now a 50-state Emission vehicle, and boasts new interior and exterior updates that further enhance the driving experience in the brand’s celebrated three-row CUV. The 2018 Outlander introduces a new 7-inch touchscreen display audio unit with Bluetooth® wireless technology phone/audio standard on the base ES trim, as well as silver interior stitching. The SEL trim receives …

A rare and exhilarating experience of traditional Chinese culture, courtesy of some of China’s most celebrated artists, March 16 at GW Lisner Auditorium Washington, D.C. – One of the world’s foremost masters of the pipa (a Chinese lute), Wu Man takes the stage with China’s Huayin Shadow Puppet Band for a brand-new touring program at GW Lisner Auditorium on Friday, …

The Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Annual Conference will take place March 22-25, 2018 in Washington, D.C. Join over 3,300 attendees at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel, where the conference will offer 450 panel sessions, a Book Exhibition of 90 exhibitors from major publishing houses, Film Expo, receptions, professional networking opportunities, and more. The AAS is the largest Asian Studies …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Welcome to the Lunar New Year!  Although it is also known as the Chinese New Year, it is actually celebrated with great joy all over the world. In the national capital region, D.C., as well as Virginia and Maryland counties, have joined the Asian American communities in festivities galore during the weekend of February 16, the …

The redesigned 2018 Sonata enters the market with a new look from the front, side and rear thanks to a “cascading grill,” a more assertive profile and an entirely new rear; showcasing a clean and handsome approach with reimagined, slim taillights. “It’s all about making an impact,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai North American Design Center. “We wanted to …

The fourth-generation Toyota Prius enters its second year (and celebrates the 20th anniversary of its debut in Japan) as other carmakers are introducing their first hybrids. Meanwhile, the Prius liftback is one of eight Toyota hybrid models offered for 2017, and Toyota also offers the world’s first production hydrogen fuel-cell car for public sale, the Mirai. The Prius still sets the …

The all-new 2018 Rio sedan and 5-door hatchback are the latest additions to the world-class Kia Motors America (KMA) model lineup. Delivering a new eye-catching design that is decidedly European, this subcompact duo will bring an exciting combination of fuel efficiency, innovative technology, advanced safety technology4, everyday convenience and fun-to-drive character to value-conscious consumers when the cars arrive at Kia retailers in …

The Lexus NX, one of the boldest luxury-utility vehicle designs on the road, makes all-weather handling a bigger part of the picture by making all-wheel drive standard on the NX 300h hybrid for 2017. That’s a boon to value, and so is the newly standard Scout® GPS Link, for the standard Display Audio system. With the app on the driver’s smartphone, …

Mazda3 has always been a car focused around its driver and passengers, putting them first. For 2018, Mazda3 receives newly standard features that continue to reinforce the philosophy of putting people first. More safety features throughout Mazda3’s model range provide occupants with enhanced peace of mind. Available as a sedan or a hatchback, this compact car can handle all sorts …

Singers Rabbi Shergill, Gurmeet Bawa, Jasbir Jassi, director Imtiaz Ali, headline fifth annual Punjabi festival   By Geeta Goindi   New Delhi, February 14, 2018 — The resplendent art, culture and handicrafts of Punjab thrived at the fifth annual ‘Mela Phulkari’ drawing high-ranking government officials, exceptionally gifted artistes and a discerning audience to the lush and sprawling grounds of the …

  International money transfers in countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are typically conducted via bank accounts. For example, a study conducted by Global Findex, World Bank found that Singapore has the highest adoption of bank accounts and credit cards at 96% and 35% respectively. Malaysia is second in line at 81% and 20%, while Thailand comes in third at …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Immigration, including the fate of some 750,000 Dreamers who entered the U.S. as undocumented children or minors, the healthcare law, voting rights, the midterm elections in November, and the 2020 Census top this year’s concerns among Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), according to major advocacy leaders.   “These are Mainstream issues as well, because they affect all …

With more than 20 years under its belt, Toyota’s popular RAV4 continues to set the stage for the compact sport-utility segment, bringing high doses of value, style, and safety to discerning drivers. In 1996, the RAV4 – an acronym for Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD – was positioned as Toyota’s “new-concept sport utility vehicle” that blended conventional passenger car elements …

Mazda6 established its strong presence by directly expressing the KODO—Soul of Motion design language. Its first update in 2015 evolved its exterior design to become bolder and more masculine and made a leap forward in quality refinement of the interior design. One of the focuses of this update is the further improvement of interior quality. Along with the latest design …

   By Jennie L. Ilustre   Asian American women joining the Women’s March, running for public office and posting historic wins, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and immigration issues in general, and the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Filipino and Filipino American World War II Veterans – these were among the top news in 2017 affecting Asian Americans, …

The 2017 Yaris iA sports sedan, has been hailed for its sleek styling, sporty driving dynamics and standard safety systems. It’s a subcompact sedan loaded with premium features, but offered at an affordable price. While the visual impact of the 2017 Yaris iA is dramatic, beneath the daringly curved sheet metal lies a tight, agile machine that re-defines “entry level.” …

The Committee of 100 (C100) is saddened by the sudden passing of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee due to cardiac arrest. According to a statement made by the Mayor’s office, Lee passed away early Tuesday, December 12, just after 1 a.m. at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Mayor Lee was 65.   Mr. Lee was one of six children born to Chinese immigrant parents who came to …

By Jennie L. Ilustre   Only in America can dreams like this come true. Kathy Tran came to the U.S. as a Vietnam refugee when she was less than two years old. Kelly Convirs-Fowler was the first in her family to graduate from college. Last November 7, these inspiring women made history when they were both elected to the Virginia …

Twenty-three US lawmakers and three envoys address attendees in Senate office building By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, November 9, 2017 – Some two dozen US lawmakers, joined by three ambassadors, graced the fourth Diwali celebration in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room of the US Senate. Looking on were about 400 guests, mostly members of the Indian-American community and some Congressional …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Kelly Convirs-Fowler is a Virginia Beach local running for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 21st District. Women make up half (51%) of the U.S. population, she noted, adding, “But they comprise a much smaller percentage of representatives throughout our nation’s statehouses and the U.S. Congress. I am proud to be one of 43 women …

Mayor Muriel Bowser proclaims October 25 as ‘Diwali Day’ in Washington, DC By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, October 27, 2017 – The DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA) held its third annual Diwali celebration at one of the finest venues in the nation’s capital: the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art. On a Wednesday evening, the 240-seat …

“I greatly value my very strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi”, Trump says By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, October 18, 2017 – ‘Diwali’, the festival of lights, came early at the White House as President Donald Trump lit the ‘diya’ (traditional Indian lamp) in the Oval Office on a crisp afternoon for early Fall. “We wish all of America’s Hindus …

Month-long Suite of Performances Led by Kennedy Center Artistic Partners Highlights Range and Versatility of Space Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Hip Hop Culture Q-Tip Kicks Off the Inaugural Hip Hop Season Alongside Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran in a One-Night-Only Collaboration, October 6 Artwork and Performances Pay Tribute to Japan Design Highlights Include Commissioned Work by Artist Dale …