2024 Annual Gala
VIEW EVENT DETAILSThe Annual Gala is a premier event attended by leading figures from the fields of business, arts, culture, entertainment, and sports from across the Southern California region, the U.S., and Asia. Each year, Asia Society Southern California (ASSC) recognizes outstanding leaders who epitomize ASSC's mission of cross-cultural understanding. Southern California’s diversity, openness to people of all cultures, and thus its ability to attract big dreamers take center stage at this highly anticipated annual event. Asia Society Southern California is delighted to honor individuals who best represent these qualities.
There will be two sports-related tributes that highlight the power of sports beyond just the game itself. With the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games inching closer, ASSC will recognize the spirit of the Olympic Movement in a tribute with two-time gold medal-winning freestyle skier and ASSC 2022 "Global Ambassador" Eileen Gu along with Chair of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Gene Sykes. The Olympic torch made its way around the world from Tokyo (2020+1) to Paris (2024), and in four years the destination will be Los Angeles (2028) – of which all three cities are home to Asia Society's global centers. Additionally, marking Asia Society' "Year of Japan," a tribute to the Los Angeles Dodgers will recognize the multi-decade-long relationship between the organization and Japan. The team's Manager Dave Roberts will speak on behalf of the storied franchise.
Our honorees will be joined by five highly accomplished figures in their own right, who will be presenting the "Visionary" awards. These presenters are: Victor Chu, chairman and CEO of First Eastern Investment Group, – who is a respected business figure in Hong Kong and Asia and active in several international institutions such as The World Economic Forum and The Royal Institute of International Affairs – presenting the "Business Visionary" honor to Masayuki Hyodo; Jeffrey Deitch, artist, writer, curator, dealer, and advisor – who has been an integral and directional figure in modern and contemporary art since the last fifty years –presenting the "Art Visionary" honor to Adrian Cheng; Janie Fong, senior managing director of East West Bank – who is a proponent of building meaningful cross-cultural partnerships between the U.S. and Asia via managing international corporate transactions as well as mergers and acquisitions – presenting the "Real Estate Visionary" honor to Christina Gaw; Dr. Ed Kim, physician-in-chief and senior vice president of City of Hope Orange County – who is one of the country’s foremost experts in molecular prognostication for lung, head, and neck cancers – presenting the "Medical Visionary" honor to Dr. Richard Lee; and Allen Wang, violinist, pianist, and chorister – who is a multi-award-winner and Colburn School Zipper Scholarship recipient studying under the tutelage of Joan Kwuon – presenting the "Music Visionary" honor to Ray Chen. Wang will be giving a special live violin performance.
Actor and singer Malea Emma who sang in front of our gala audience in 2022 will grace our stage to perform once again. Another remarkable actor and ASSC MVP Kara Wang will be returning to our gala as well, to guide us through the evening.
We also welcome newly appointed Asia Society President and CEO Dr. Kyung-wha Kang to her first ASSC Gala. Dr. Kang will be speaking on behalf of Asia Society.
LOCATION
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
SCHEDULE
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Reception 6 - 7 p.m.
Gala Dinner 7 - 9 p.m.
PURCHASING TABLES AND SPONSORSHIP
For information on table purchases and sponsorship opportunities or any other questions about the 2024 Annual Gala, please contact [email protected].
Event Details
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049