Asian Avenue magazine - December 2018

asian avenue magazine December 2018 Volume 13 Issue 12

Connecting Cultures Linking Lives

CHRISTMAS FOODS IN ASIA A Sikh American Perspective

The Confucius Institute at

Community College of Denver The Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver is a Chinese language and cultural learning center, established in 2007 with the support of the Chinese Language Council International (Hanban), to promote Chinese language training and intercultural understanding.

Our programs and services include: n Noncredit Chinese language and cultural workshops n Private Chinese language tutoring n Chinese language proficiency testing n Scholarships to study in China n China summer camps n Seasonal Chinese cultural events n Seasonal professional development training for Colorado K-12 Mandarin teachers n An educational resource center For more information about the Confucius Institute, contact: Jane Lim Jane.Lim@ccd.edu n 303-352-6510 CCD.edu/ci

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December 2018 in this issue EVENTS

8

Event calendar

SPOTLIGHT

10

14

The Filipino-American musical group is made up of six siblings with initials spelling JAGMAC

INSIDE STORY

12

A Sikh American Perspective: How a community unites after tragedy

FEATURE

18

NPR’s ‘As College Apps Are Due, Asian-American High Schoolers Consider Affirmative Action’

COVER STORY

14

Popular Christmas dishes shared (and eaten) in Asia include curries, desserts and kimchi!

BOOK REVIEWS

20

Lumpiang-Ubod are popular rolls eaten in the Phillippines during Christmas.The big Filipino feast, known as Noche Buena, takes place on midnight on Christmas after church service, and it’s a big, open house celebration.

Never Grow Up is a candid memoir

by Jackie Chan

21

REVIEWS

22

23

Bitsy Theater presents Aloha: Postcards from Polynesia ‘Fantastic Beasts 2’ Raises More Questions than Answers

ASIAN AMERICAN NEWS

24

National news about Asian American people and communities

ON SCENE

26

27

10 6

December 2018 | Table of Contents

27

Billion Dollar Whale featuring the story of Jho Low will be turned into a Hollywood film

Culture Day promotes Japanese cultural awareness in Denver

Asian Chamber of Commerce Dinner & Gala Recap

Asian Pacific Development Center expands services to Greeley

29

Local Women Artists Exhibit at Juried Show in Kunming, China – Denver’s Sister City

TAIWAN UPDATE

30

Working together for a safer world

ASIAN AVENUE MAGAZINE P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 E-mail: info@asianavemag.com www.asianavemag.com

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Dear Asian Avenue readers, We wish you a warm and safe holiday spent with family and friends as 2018 comes to a close. We are looking forward to the new year and new goals for Asian Avenue, as we continue to grow. Thank you all for your support over these past 11 years. We always welcome story ideas, so please e-mail info@asianavemag.com if you’d like to connect with us!

In this last issue of 2018, we share the popular dishes served in Asia during Christmas. From curries to sticky cake to roasted pig, the foods we eat during holidays often remind us of childhood. For those in Japan, the smell of KFC might do the same. Apparently, since the 1970’s, ordering fried chicken to celebrate Christmas has become a notable trend.

This past May, we honored Naureen Singh with the Asian American Hero of Colorado award. In this issue, she shares her experience growing up Sikh-American and working to advocate for awareness and acceptance of cultural differences. She and her family personally felt the effects of 9/11. After the Oak Tree shooting at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin, her life would never be the same. Local Sikh Americans founded Colorado Sikhs, which she serves as the policy director. Learn more about her story.

Happy new year!

Christina Yutai Guo, Publisher Asian Avenue magazine | www.asianavemag.com Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | info@asianavemag.com

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asian avenue Publisher & Founder CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO

Marketing Manager JOIE HA

President ANNIE GUO VANDAN

Photographer TRANG LUONG

Senior Designer C.G. YAO

Staff Writer PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG

Editorial Director MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ

Staff Writer AMY NG

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Popular Christmas traditions, including foods to eat during the holidays, remind people of childhood and family. In Asia, dishes such as roast pig (or lechon) and desserts are served during this time of year.

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Publisher’s Note | asian avenue magazine

7

upcoming events Stand-Up Comedian Henry Cho at Comedy Works

December 6-8 | Various show times Comedy Works South 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Tickets: $27 For more info or to purchase tickets, visit comedyworks.com/comedians/henry-cho.

Do you like clean comedy? Henry Cho is the comic for you! Henry Cho’s adult but clean comedy is something everyone can enjoy.

Henry Cho has various TV and film credits to his name. He has made appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late Late Show, and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. He served two years as host of NBC’s Friday Night Videos and has had many guest roles on various network sitcoms. Henry was co-creator, co-producer and co-writer of The Henry Cho Show.

Partnership’s Holiday Friends Gathering December 11 | 5:30pm to 8pm Non La Vietnamese restaurant and event center 13250 E. Mississippi Ave, Aurora, CO 80012 Tickets: $20 RSVP to: 303-326-8695 or admin@auroraasian.org.

Join the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership for a festive holiday friends gathering for a meet and greet, dinner including spring rolls and egg noodles, a silent auction and Vietnamese entertainment. Bring winter hats, gloves, scarves or socks to donate to children in need.

8

December 2018 | Event Calendar

Send community events to info@asianavemag.com.

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Filipino-American sibling group

JAGMAC MUSIC Interview by Mary Jeneverre Schultz

JAGMAC is made up of the Patalinghugs: Jared, Angelique, Gabriel, Manjo, Alyssa, and CJ, four beat brothers and two soul sisters from Baltimore, Maryland.

With their catchy choruses, harmonic vocals, and dynamic dance routines, JAGMAC is set to take the world by storm.

Starting in January 2015, JAGMAC has been fast on their rise, beginning with their debut music video “Existence.”

2016 built on their growing, dedicated fan base. They supported Little Mix on their sold out UK arena tour, wowing audiences with stunning vocals and jaw-dropping choreography.

That summer saw the release of their heart-thumping track “Soldiers” which climbed to #15 on Billboard’s Hot Club Chart. Soon after, JAGMAC were invited to perform at Promo Only Summer Sessions in Atlantic City, one of the most elite and industry-­exclusive dance/club

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December 2018 | Spotlight

events, where they performed for A-­list US radio programmers and DJs. They followed in the footsteps of Grammy Award-winning and platinum-selling artists such as Lady Gaga, BeBe Rexha, Timbaland, and Rita Ora. In 2017, they made their Los Angeles debut, performing at the Young Entertainer Awards at Universal Studios.

While Disney Radio kept their hit single “So Good” in heavy rotation, they began recording new music with Grammy Award-winning producer, musician, songwriter, and artist Theron Feemster (Neff-U).

JAGMAC’s unique blend of talents include: singing, songwriting, dancing, choreography, rapping, piano, guitar, bass, drums, sign language, and perhaps most impressively to some, martial arts.

Every member of the group holds a black belt in Taekwondo and four mem-

bers are black belt, two-­ time World Champions in the Philippine martial art, Eskrima.

JAGMAC has performed on three continents, counts over 50,000 followers on social media, their videos and tracks have been streamed over a quarter million times, and they can be heard on radio stations around the world.

2018 is set to be their best year yet.

They kicked off the year with a special guest performance on the Emmy Award-winning FX series “Baskets.”

In addition to recording, they went on tour across the US. JAGMAC performed at Denver’s Marquis Theater on September 24, 2018.

When they’re not on the road, they continue to reside in their home city of Baltimore, MD, teaching martial arts, cooking family meals, and preparing for world domination.

Photo Credit: Natalie Broomfield

Alyssa Asian Avenue: What does JAGMAC stand for?

JAGMAC: It stands for our names: Jared (17), Alyssa (25), Gabriel (21), Manjo (23), Angelique (20), CJ (27).

AA: What is your musical background?

JAGMAC: Our musical background stems from our parents. Our mom is a singer and our dad is a dancer. Luckily, we got the best of both worlds!

AA: Who/what do you attribute your musical interest?

JAGMAC: We’ve always been exposed to music, even at an early age. We grew up listening to an eclectic variety of

Gabriel

Angelique

music, from Motown to Big Band to Pop. Some of our influences are groups like The Jackson 5, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Spice Girls and Black Eyed Peas which all helped shape our sound.

AA: What are the most embarrassing moments?

JAGMAC: We’ve definitely had a few embarrassing moments, but one is when we were on tour with Little Mix and our music wouldn’t play when we were on stage! We had to figure something out quickly and started singing acapellas to the fans until the music came back on. Luckily, it wasn’t too bad and they all enjoyed it!

AA: How do you overcome stage fright?

JAGMAC: We usually say a prayer beforehand which helps calm the nerves, believe it or not!

AA: When not performing or touring, what hobbies fulfill you?

JAGMAC: Some of our hobbies are: playing sports, cooking, painting, being outdoors, and hanging out with family.

AA: What’s the hardest part of being a musician?

JAGMAC: The hardest part about being a musician would definitely have to be leaving family members and loved ones when we’re on the road.

Manjo

CJ

AA: What are your goals?

JAGMAC: Our ultimate goal as musicians is to spread good, positive music to the world!

We want everyone to hear our message and hopefully others will be inspired to share their gifts and talents with the world as well!

AA: Future projects?

JAGMAC: The sky is the limit.

Music is definitely a common passion of ours, but it doesn’t end there. There are so many things we want to do, from hopefully touring the world, acting and filming, to starting our own foundations and businesses.

Website: jagmacmusic.com

Jared

JAGMAC Music | asian avenue magazine

11

A SIKH-AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE: How a community unites after tragedy

By Naureen Singh

Singh poses with her father, who is the highest ranking turbaned officer in the US Army; photo taken a few years before 9/11.

“

When I was in the first grade, the biggest things I worried about in life were if my socks matched my hair tie and if my mom was going to give me my favorite cereal in the morning.

On September 11, 2001, my elementary school hosted a flag ceremony with the most somber mood and all I knew was that I was confused about what was happening around me.

9/11 wasn’t something that registered in my brain as a first grader, but the frantic emotions of my family in response did. I will always remember the looks on my distraught family members’ faces as they watched the TV in horror, while also trying to make phone calls to my older brother in the area.

Little did we know that he would later be running for his life in a NYC subway as a result of someone feeling like my brother had to pay for 9/11. The new enemy of the nation had all of a sudden became someone that looked like my father and my brother, and while I was excluded from the equation, the

fear still existed.

Sikhism wasn’t included in any school curriculum, so my classmates didn’t seem to understand the unique issues my family was facing. Life had now become one of trying to fit in with my classmates with the best of my ability, distancing myself from the reality of the world outside the four walls of my classroom.

While packing for the start of my undergraduate career in 2012 and binge watching “Criminal Minds” episodes in my living room, it felt like a routine Sunday. Amidst the chaos that covered the floor, my eyes glanced at the TV only to see chaotic images of flashing lights and people sprinting with tears down their cheeks. In a matter of seconds, my world was turned upside down. I saw as a shooter had walked into a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and opened fire. Six innocent worshipers were killed, making it the largest religiously-motivated hate crime to take place in a house of worship.

The new enemy of the nation had all of a sudden became someone that looked like my father and my brother, and

while I was excluded from the equation, the fear still existed.

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December 2018 | Inside Story

Singh with Dilpreet Jammu, Executive Director of Colorado Sikhs, receives the Asian American Hero of Colorado award in May 2017.

The next day, at my local Sikh Temple, much akin to the one 1,000 miles away, I sat dumbfounded. My life had now been book-ended by 9/11 and the Oak Creek shooting—two events in which tragedies had abominable ramifications for our country, as well as to Sikh-Americans.

My father, a turbaned retired Sikh United States Army Colonel, sat me down as he said, “You are American, but from this point forward you must prove it every single day.”

Oak Creek didn’t just have a profound impact on me, but the Colorado Sikh community at-large. The organization Colorado Sikhs was informally created a month after the Oak Creek shooting by members of the community after realizing the need for greater awareness about the Sikh faith and Sikh community. I joined Colorado Sikhs in the fall of 2016 as the policy director and since then, I have been working to bring the Sikh-American perspective to spaces in which there was a void before.

Singh speaks at Denver Sikh Gurudwara at a gathering for an Interfaith Camp.

Singh represents the United States for the International Human Rights Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

It should not take a tragedy for us to get to know people that look differently, pray differently, or speak differently. Even if others don’t fully understand my faith or my community, it is important that our existence is recognized.

According to Dilpreet Jammu, executive director of Colorado Sikhs, “In this divisive time, Colorado Sikhs strives to be a voice of reason and of compassion for our fellow human beings.”

“Our teachings are about the oneness of the human race and about equality for human beings, regardless of caste, creed, color, race, religion, gender or gender orientation. In the future, we expect the organization to grow as more Coloradans become familiar with who we are as a community.”

To learn more, visit www.coloradosikhs.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------------Singh, 24, is a community organizer at Asian Pacific Development Center working to track hate crimes that have occured to communities post-911.

Singh travels to India to visit the the Golden Temple— the Sikh religion’s most historic and sacred place.

A Sikh American Perspective | asian avenue magazine

13

Christmas Cuisine

IN ASIA

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

This sticky purple dessert called puto bumbong is made of root, coconut and sweet rice.

Sights, sounds, smells and tastes bring memories alive for most people.

But when Christmas comes around, the sights of holiday lights, the sounds of caroling, the aromas of cinnamon and the tastes of baked sweets become traditional, nostalgic memories. Our taste buds lead us to memories of Christmas, especially the homemade ginger snap cookies, gingerbread houses and bread pudding.

“Christmas desserts from the Philippines equates to childhood memories for me,” said Gloria Williams, President of the National Federation of Filipino American Association (NaFFAA) Region 5.

With holidays around the corner that include Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s, a wide variety of cuisines made special for this time of year makes the end of the year mouthwatering with flavors. What are the favorite delicacies of Asia during Christmas time? Let’s take a look:

PHILIPPINES

The fruit salad served during Christmas is creamy with coconut and condensed milk.

Filipino Christmas ham is made with a pineapple glaze.

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December 2018 | Cover Story

In the island-nation of the Philippines, where Catholicism stands as a dominant religion, Filipinos showcase a buffet of delights. The top 10 Filipino dishes during the holidays include: 1. Lechon – Roasted pig 2. Puto Bumbong – sticky purple dessert made from root, coconut and sweet rice 3. Bibingka – Soft, spongy rice cake topped with salted egg and cheese 4. Pancit Malabon – Filipino pasta 5. Keso de Bola – fancy island cheese 6. Spaghetti – Filipino style 7. Fruit salad – made with coconut, condensed milk, fresh and canned fruit 8. Lumpiang Ubod – Spring roll that includes pork, carrots and lettuce 9. Leche Flan – caramel custard 10. Christmas ham When reflecting on this list, Williams reminisces about eating bibingka. This dessert kicks off Christmas in the Philippines. It is a traditional breakfast pastry with ingredients of coconut milk and rice flour baked in a terracotta pot lined with banana leaves. Then, the dessert is topped with coconut shavings, local white cheese or an egg before serving.

GUAM

Folks from Guam and the Northern Marianas, two U.S. Territories in the Northwest Pacific region enjoy Bonelus Dagu (Bwu-ne-lus Dah-goo), which is a traditional Christmas donut that is made of a yam variety, according to Gerard Aflague, CEO, Gerard Aflague Collection.

Aflague, who lives in Highlands Ranch and is a native of Guam, shared that the root is not the orange American yam for sweet potato pie, but the white variety that you can find at local Asian stores. The closest yam you can use is a white Japanese yam.

You can find Bonelus Dagu served at novena celebrations and other holiday parties, said Aflague. While it is a lot of work to make it, folks have grown up enjoying it.

The origin of these desserts is not known but handed down from generation to generation.

SINGAPORE

With tons of flavor, kari debal, the devil curry dish consists of Christmas leftovers, including sausages, chicken, cucumbers, cabbage and other vegetables in a spicy Singaporean gravy.

Yam donuts called Bonelus Dagu are popular in Guam during Christmastime.

Photo Credit: Gerard V. Aflague

JAPAN

In a country filled with shrines, temples and huge skyscrapers, fried chicken is the holiday “to-go” meal. Japanese people reserve weeks in advance to pick up fried chicken from the fast-food giant of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

If reservations were not made at least two months ago, those craving fried chicken can expect to wait in long lines. The popularity of fried chicken has grown since the 1970s and has evolved into a Christmas Eve tradition.

But fried chicken isn’t the only sought-after food during the winter. Buckwheat noodles are consumed before midnight on New Year’s Eve to entice longevity and prosperity to bring over the next year.

After all the salty goodness from the fried chicken, the holiday feast ends with Kurisumasu Keiki, a strawberry sponge cake.

In Japan, it is common to order Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner.

Christmas Foods | asian avenue magazine

15

CHINA

Tangyuan, glutinous rice flour balls, are consumed during Dongzhi, which is a celebration of the winter solstice in China. Associated with the winter solstice, this dish is cooked in boiling water, then served in a soupy broth. Many versions included filling that can be sweet or savory, which covers a variety of ingredients and flavors.

The round dumplings of glutinous rice is sometimes created with sweetened black sesame paste or red bean paste.

Sometimes, this traditional dish is flavored with ginger.

VIETNAM

Banh Chung, a large, sticky rice cake, is also a delicacy served during special occasions such as the holidays. Layered with mung beans, pork and variety of ingredients, the rice cake is wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed to capture the flavors. With lots of symbolism, Banh Chung are square shaped to represent the earth.

INDIA

KOREA

Even if it is eaten year round, Kimchi is served during the festive holiday feast. Made with cabbage and other ingredients such as cucumbers or turnips, Kimchi is typically served with rice cake soup or dduk gook.

Served in a potluck dinner, family members and friends cook up bulgogi, which is BBQ beef, or sweet potato noodles. Dessert could include a Christmas cake, which is steamed cake topped with fruits.

Vindaloo, a popular curry dish, is usually served with pork, soaked in a mixture of palm vinegar and dried red chili peppers plus additional spices. Then, the holiday meal finishes with Allahabadi cake. The dessert is a traditional fruit cake, which includes ingredients of maida flour, eggs, sugar, ghee (clarified butter), marmalade, petha (translucent soft candy, nuts, fennel and ginger.

This list of holiday foods from Asia should inspire you to start a holiday tradition at your home or continue making memories with food. Merry Christmas to everyone and enjoy your holidays with your family and loved ones!

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December 2018 | Cover Story

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As College Apps Are Due, Asian-American High Schoolers Consider Affirmative Action

By Kat Chow It’s a rainy fall Saturday and a 17-year-old named Jerry viate some of the effects of discrimination. But there’s the is spending yet another morning at the GPS Academy, an stereotype that Asian-Americans are high-achieving, and education enrichment center in New York City. that affirmative action can harm them. Some Asian-Amer“I mean, I’ve been pretty stressed,” he says. He applied for ican high school seniors who are applying to college this early decision to the University of Pennsylvania, where he fall say they’re constantly finding themselves in discuswants to study business. sions about all this.

His parents, who he says don’t know much about the colEspecially in New York City, like the elite “specialized” lege application process and never went to college, have public high school Jerry goes to. For years, the city has spent thousands of dollars to send Jerry to this education struggled to address diversity issues at these schools, center in Queens for help. “They’re which consistently have slim enrollI feel like people with like, ‘Oh, we came from China as imment figures for black and Latinx migrants. We had next to nothing. students, and whose enrollments similar test scores, We worked our asses off to get you to are predominantly white and Asian. similar grades, but maybe where you now are,’“ he explains. “The This past summer, Mayor Bill de Blamost direct path to success for them is sio’s proposed to increase diversity a different race might have to go to a good college.” at those schools. He would do this by a better chance — because And so, as the trial in a lawsuit allooking at a student’s class ranking leging that Harvard University disand state test scores, instead of the colleges are trying to criminates against Asian-American results of an admissions test. His prolimit the amount of people students in admissions has ended, posal was met with both outrage and and a federal judge is weighing a deapplause, with some parents protestthey’re accepting. cision, one group that’s watching this ing the push and one valedictorian case closely are Asian-American high calling for the need for diversity in his school seniors, like Jerry. graduation speech.

On this Saturday, Jerry has only a few days before all the Jerry says he’s against affirmative action, “because I early application deadlines. (We’re only using last names think it’s directly — I wouldn’t say harming, because that’s in this story since these students are applying to highly a strong word — but [it’s] not to my advantage.” He says competitive colleges.) He’s hunched over his laptop, scrollhe believes diversity at a school shouldn’t be achieved ing through online forms with GPS Academy’s founder, through change to admissions practices, and that any isLawrence Yan. They come across a section where Jerry can sues related to diversity should be addressed earlier in the specify his race and ethnicity. pipeline — by, say, giving people free access to the sort “So I just put Asian, I didn’t put the specific background,” of college prep opportunities his own parents have spent Jerry says. thousands of dollars on.

“Yeah, yeah,” Yan says, nodding.

Anne, a 17-year-old who’s also at the GPS Academy, says Yan says he instructs students at the academy to she’s on the fence about affirmative action: Diversity on colstay away from indicating specifics about race beyond lege campuses is important, but she also believes that ad“Asian-American.” Both Jerry and Lawrence Yan believe missions should be based on merit. Her heart’s set on going that, in an already competitive college application process, to Brown University, where she wants to study biology. indicating Jerry is Chinese-American might hurt his chancShe thinks being Asian-American might hurt her a little es of getting in — and all because of affirmative action. bit in admissions, but she hopes her application will stand Affirmative action programs are designed to help alleon its own.

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December 2018 | Feature

“I feel like people with similar test scores, similar grades, but maybe a different race,” might have a better chance — because colleges are trying to limit the amount of people they’re accepting, Anne says. She’s referring to the much-debated perception that some elite schools might be trying to limit the number of Asian-Americans. “But I feel like if I do my essays well, if I show that I’m truly passionate about Brown, then if I get in, I get in. If I don’t, then I don’t. That’s not based on my own race, or anything, that’s based on my own merits, and I think that’s important.”

Though Jerry doesn’t support affirmative action, and Anne is unsure, the majority of Asian-Americans do, according to analysis from AAPI Data, a project founded

by Karthick Ramakrishnan, a professor at the University of California, Riverside. But, as with other data regarding Asian-Americans, breaking out support within that broad category shows some stark contrasts.

In a 2018 report, AAPI Data found that 84 percent of Indian-Americans and 72 percent of Korean-Americans surveyed said they are in favor of affirmative action programs. However, support for affirmative action among Chinese-Americans has dropped significantly between 2012 and 2016, from 78 to 41 percent.

Experts in higher education and race, like OiYan Poon, an assistant professor at Colorado State University, say that this is in part due to the activism of a relatively new and small group of Chinese-American activists. Poon says these groups have, in recent years, helped proliferate misinformation about affirmative action, including the idea of a so-called “penalty” for being Asian.

“I think it’s important to disconnect the misinformation about affirmative action with the real... experiences of racism that Asian-Americans have, right?” Poon says.

“Asian-Americans do experience racism. And so you know, this is a very common saying among communities of color in general which is: We have to work twice as hard. We have to work harder for half as much... That is a reality. And affirmative action is intended to push back on those systemic realities. Affirmative action is not what is making it harder for Asian-Americans and other people of color to make it in this society.”

Faith is a 17-year-old high school senior in Canton, Mich.

She says she supports affirmative action, even though her state’s public schools cannot use affirmative action in the admissions process, a ban that was upheld by a 2014 Supreme Court ruling. Faith, who identifies as half Lao-

tian-American and half white, says her dream school is the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She says that sometimes she wishes Michigan did use affirmative action, because it might benefit her.

“It takes into consideration the obstacles that we do face as minorities, and gives us the opportunity to succeed,” Faith says.

Across the country in Newport, Calif., a student named Tyler, agrees. He wants to study political science or sociology at George Washington University.

“I feel like it’d help someone who comes from one of the Asian-American ethnic groups that are very underrepresented,” says Tyler, who identifies as queer.

And to Tyler’s point, various Asian-American ethnic groups have different educational outcomes. According to AAPI Data analysis culled from U.S. Census data, 17.2 percent of Cambodian-Americans have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, compared with 53.1 percent of Chinese-Americans or 73.2 percent of Indian-Americans.

Tyler, whose Korean- and Chinese-American parents met at college, says affirmative action is necessary in creating diverse and inclusive environments. He thinks that Asian-Americans have been used as “wedges” in lawsuits opposing affirmative action. But even though Tyler is surrounded by people who generally support such programs, he says he hears constantly about that so-called Asian penalty. He relays a common refrain: “There’s definitely some talk about, ‘Oh, as an Asian-American, a 30 on your ACT is like a white 25 or something.’“ He says he’s not so sure about that: “I personally don’t think it’ll harm myself as much as, let’s say, as much of the national rhetoric is really claiming it will.”

Support for affirmative action among Chinese Americans has declined dramatically over four years, while it has remained stable for other Asian Americans.

Original Post on National Public Radio: www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch

bookreview NEVER GROW UP Author: Jackie Chan Price: $26 | Pages: 352 ISBN: 978-1982107215 Publisher: Gallery Books

Reviewed by: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Jeneverre

A candid, thrilling memoir from one of the most recognizable, influential, and beloved cinematic personalities in the world.

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December 2018 | Book Review

Interested in learning about martial arts, film production in Asia or just want to be motivated by an inspirational man? Spend your Christmas holiday reading about Jackie Chan, who started his career as a martial artist, and evolved into a well-known actor, film director, producer, stuntman and philanthropist.

Chan’s autobiography, “Never Grow Up,” is endearing, humorous and inspirational. Chan shares his intimate moments with family, fellow actors and actresses, and stunt performers.

In developing eye-catching stunt performances, it is amazing how Chan pulls them off. The book even shares a list of every bone he has broken in his body.

“The book is definitively warts (and cracked skulls and broken bones and gallons of blood) and all... but Chan also reveals a soulful, thoughtful side -- just one you wouldn’t want to mess with,” according to a reader on Kirkus Reviews.

Everyone knows Jackie Chan. Whether it’s from Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, The Karate Kid, or Kung Fu Panda, Jackie is admired by generations of moviegoers for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, and mind-bending stunts. In 2016, after 56 years in the movie industry, over 200 films, and many broken bones, Chan received an honorary Academy Award for his lifetime achievement in film. But at 64 years old, Chan is just getting started.

In his autobiography, the global superstar reflects on his early life, his childhood years, his big breaks (and setbacks) in Hong Kong and Hollywood, his numerous brushes with death (both on and off film sets) and his life as a husband and father.

It’s a great book for those who think it’s all glamour being a stuntman. Chan spins the book about the realities and hardships of working as a stuntman. The book provides a reality check for those who want to know the behind the scenes anxieties and nervousness of Chan.

bookreview BILLION DOLLAR WHALE Author: Tom Wright, Bradley Hope Price: $28 | Pages: 400 ISBN: 978-0316436502 Publisher: Hachette Books

Reviewed by: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Jeneverre If you can’t get enough of Crazy Rich Asians, here’s a book to help satisfy more “rich” reading: Billion Dollar Whale. This book is mesmerizing but to know the story is true is just unbelievable.

The back-room negotiations are just out of this world. One imposter fooled so many people just to live a decadent, unimaginable lifestyle of the “uber” wealthy.

From Hollywood stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Miranda Kerr to Wall Street bankers like Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein and Gary Cohn, a recent top economic advisor to Trump, the book is filled with revealing stories of bold-faced names. The story includes mega-yachts, champagne-drenched parties in St. Tropez, high-stakes gambling in Vegas, a Mafia-style murder in Malaysia --and a harrowing portrait of the underbelly of the financial world.

Book reviewers from all over the United States are describing the book as “scintillating.”

In 2009, with the dust yet to settle on the financial crisis, a seemingly mild-mannered graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of business began setting in motion a fraud of unprecedented gall and magnitude.

It became known as the 1MDB scandal and now ranks as one of the greatest heists in history --- one that symbolizes the next great threat to the global financial system. The baby-faced huckster’s name is Jho Low, and his behavior was so preposterous he might seem made up. And he remains a fugitive to this day.

The 400-page book should be required reading for business majors, economists and those interested in learning more about global currency.

This book reveals how this Ripleyesque social climber pulled off his multi-billion dollar heist --- plundering from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund --- right under the nose of the global financial industry. Federal agents who helped unravel the Bernie Maldoff scheme say the 1MDB affair will become the textbook case of financial fraud in the modern age --- and its fallout is already being credited for taking down the prime minster of Malaysia.

It’s amazing how Jho Low can walk into a room and “own” it.

With his stolen billions, Jho Low bought luxury real estate in New York and Los Angeles, Picassos, a yacht, and even funded the Hollywood production company behind The Wolf of Wall Street. Low attracted celebrity hangers-on like DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Swizz Beatz, and Paris Hilton --- all eager for a piece of his largesse.

Low’s parties became legend, including a 2012 birthday bash in Las Vegas that veteran nightlife watcher Robin Leach called one of the largest private parties ever. Everyone attended including DiCaprio, Scorsese, Bradley Cooper, and Britney Spears.

Authors Tom Wright and Bradley Hope are Wall Street Journal staff reporters and recent finalists for the Pulitzer Price in International Reporting. They have broken countless stories on 1MDB. This book will become a classic, harrowing parable about finance run amok.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jho Low (right) were known to party together. Billion Dollar Whale will be turned in to a Hollywood movie by production company Ivanhoe Pictures.

Book Review | asian avenue magazine

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BITSY THEATER PRESENTS ALOHA: POSTCARDS FROM POLYNESIA

THE BITSY STAGE 1137 S Huron St. Denver, CO 80223 Tel: 720.328.5294

By Joey Schultz

In this play, entitled Aloha: Postcards from Polynesia about the legends of Maui, the production team assembled storytelling, ingenuous set designs and costumes from the Hawaiian Islands.

While cold outside, the theater was warm and cozy for all theater-goers, families and those in love with the Hawaiian culture.

Storytelling came in the form of different tales, from the birth of Maui to how fire came into the islands and how islands were formed. In simplicity, anyone from ages 5 to 105 could understand and appreciate the Hawaiian culture.

The set designs were similar to surprises around the corner. Just when the audience adjusted to one set, another set would unfold using the same materials with a different twist. It’s hard to describe until you see it first-hand. For example, a boat would transform into a way where the actors and actresses could just hang it around their neck as they walked around the stage.

As for the costumes, it’s pretty easy to find Hawaiian costumes, so elevat-

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December 2018 | Theater Production

ed imagination is not required. Even young attendees in the audience knew the costumes were from Hawaii because of the leis, the head gear and the vibrant colors of orange, blue and yellow.

For those who arrived at the theater early, actors and actresses got the audience in the mood by singing familiar Hawaiian tunes, engaging them in interactive singing, too.

After the play, attendees were encouraged to visit the theater’s website for more resources to learn more about the islands. It was also great to see the bios of all those behind the scenes and how the production was put together seamlessly.

Bitsy Theater, as part of its mission, provides high quality, free theatrical productions for the whole family. It’s a great way to explore other cultures and folktales.

Interested in learning more about Bitsy Theater and upcoming shows?

Visit their website at bitsystage.com.

Joey Schultz attends Cherokee Trail High School as a freshman.

Bitsy Theater productions celebrate the things we all have in common while exploring the differences that make our world so rich.

Photo Credit: Patti Murtha

Zouwu, Nifflers and Thestrals sound like gibberish unless you’re familiar with Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts series. Following the success of the eight-film, seven-book Harry Potter series, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them served as a spinoff and prequel. On November 16, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, the second of the Fantastic Beasts, released receiving mixed reviews.

Following his capture in the first film, dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, played by Johnny Depp, escapes and begins to enact his plan of raising pure-blood wizards to rule over all non-magical beings. Albus Dumbledore, played by Jude Law, encourages the unwilling protagonist, Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne, to get involved in the ensuing battle. Of course magical mishaps by Newt’s various creatures occur among the rest of the somewhat convoluted plot lines.

One of the movie’s biggest strengths is how it utilizes its cast to introduce several new characters and provide light to the backstories of more familiar characters such as Voldemort’s snake, Nagini.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

While the Harry Potter Universe has yet to feature Asian actors in more than a glancing role, Claudia Kim, also known as Kim Soohyun, may have a more prominent role in future movies.

Kim, a Korean model and actress plays the role of Nagini, a Maledictus who eventually becomes Voldemort’s right hand snake. How Nagini comes in contact with Voldemort and becomes his most beloved henchman is still up to speculation but her introduction as a human character is interesting to say the least.

Overall, the movie has a darker tone than its predecessor. Its setting in pre-World War II Europe provides an appropriate fear filled world given the events that will supposedly take place.

The magical creatures and awkward but loveable protagonist don’t shine nearly as much as they did in the first movie. Rather, the movie introduces the setting and characters that will likely be pivotal in the next three movies. Of the many questions I had leaving the theatre, one question stuck out: What crimes does Grindelwald actually commit?

‘Fantastic Beasts 2’ Raises More Questions than Answers

By Jessalyn Langevin

Claudia Kim (left) plays Nagini and Ezra Miller (right) plays Credence.

Movie Review | asian avenue magazine

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AsAm Asian American Politicians ‘Represent’ with Notch Victories in the Midterms

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epresentation matters!

Asian American and Pacific Islander candidates were overwhelmingly victorious on Nov. 6.

AAPI candidates that were Democrats outnumbered Republicans, and the Republican candidates also had a more difficult time getting elected. The majority of candidates were from three states, California, Hawaii and Washington, which voted predominantly Democrat in the Midterm elections.

Here are the results of the AAPI candidates who ran state and congressional offices on Nov. 6. Those with √ marks won a seat. Those with # marks are pending due to a recount or results are too close to call.

Arizona Anita Malik (D) Congress Tipirneni Hiral (D) Congress

Arkansas Chintan Desai (D) Congress

California Kevin de Leon (D) U.S. Senate Congress √ Doris Matsui (D) √ Ami Bera (D) √ Ro Khanna (D) √ Judy Chu (D) √ Ted Lieu (D) Kenneth Mejia (Green) √ Mark Takano (D) T.J. Cox (D) Albert Janz (D) Ammar Campa-Najja (D) Cristina Osmena (R) David Min (D) Young Kim (R)

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√ Rob Bonta (D) √ Phil Ting (D) Christina Laskowski (R) √ Kansan Chu (D) √ Evan Low (D) √ Vince Fong (R) √ Ed Chau (D) Kevin Hee Young Jang (D) √ Al Muratsuchi (D) √ Steven S. Choi (R) √ Tyler Diep (R) State Senate Philip Kim (D) √ Richard Pan (D) Mike Eng (D) Peter Choi (D) √ Janet Nguyen, (R)

Colorado Peter Yu, (R), Congress

Connecticut √ William Tong (D) Attorney General

Florida √ Stephanie Murphy (D) Congress Jennifer Mijares-Zimmerman (D) Congress

Georgia √ Sam Park, (D) State House

Hawaii √ David Ige (D) Governor √ Mazie Hirono (D) U.S. Senate √ Tulsi Gabbard (D) Congress

√ Betty Yee (D) Controller √ Fiona Ma (D) Treasurer

State Senate √ Kaiali’i Kahele (D) √ Dru Kanuha (D) √ Lorraine Inouye (D) Melissah Shishido (Green) √ Jamie Kalani English (D) √ Breene Harimoto (D) √ Clarence Nishihara (D) √ Michelle Kidani (D) √ Maile Shimabukuro (D) √ Jarrett Keohokalole (D)

Assembly Harry He (D) √ David Chiu (D)

State House √ Mark Nakashima (D) Grace Manipol-Larson (R)

December 2018 | National News

√ Richard Onishi (D) √ Joy San Buenaventura (D) √ Troy Hashimoto (D) Jen Kamaho’i Mather (Green) √ Nadine Nakamura (D) √ James Tokioka (D) √ Dee Morikawa (D) Alan Yim (Lib.) √ Mark Hashem (D) √ Bert Kobayashi (D) √ Calvin Say (D) √ Scott Nishimoto (D) √ Dale Kobayashi (D) √ Scott Saiki (D) √ Takashi Ohno (D) Mela Kealoha-Lindsey (R) √ John Mizuno (D) √ Linda Ichiyama (D) √ Sam Kong (D) √ Gregg Takayama (D) √ Roy Takumi (D) √ Rida Cabanilla (D) √ Sharon Har (D) √ Stacelynn Kehaulani (D) √ Cedric Asuega Gates (D) √ Lauren K Matsumoto (R) √ Lisa Kitagawa (D) √ Scot Matayoshi (D) Noe Galea’i (R) √ Chris Lee (D)

Illinois √ Raja Krishnamoorthi, (D) Congress State House √ Theresa Mah (D) Peter Lee (R) Julie Cho (R)

Massachusetts Shiv Ayyadurai (R) U.S. Senate √ Tram Nguyen (D) Congress

Michigan √ Stephanie Chang (D) State Senate

Minnesota State House √ Samantha Vang (D) √ Fue Lee (D) √ Kaohly Her (D)

√ Tou Xiong. (D) √ Jay Xiong, (D)

Nevada Tiffany Jones (R) State Senate

New Jersey √ Andy Kim (D) Congress

New Mexico Lisa Shin (R) State House

New York √ Grace Kim (D) Congress # Ron Kim (D) State Assembly State Senate √ John Liu (D) Jeremy Cooney (D) √ Kevin Thomas (D)

Oklahoma √ Cyndi Munson (D) State House

Ohio Aftab Pureval (D) Congress

Pennsylvania Pearl Kim (R) Congress

Rhode Island Allan Fung (R) Governor

Texas Gina Ortiz (D) Congress Sri Preston Kulkarni (D) Congress State House √ Angie Chen Buttonm (R) √ Gene Wu (D)

Virginia √ Bobby Scott (D) Congress

Washington √ Pramila Jayapal (D) Congress State Senate √ My-Linh Thai (D) √ Mona Das (D) Sofia Aragon (D) State House √ Sharon Tomiko Santos (D) √ Manka Dinghra (D) √ Vandana Slatter (D) √ Monica Stonier (D) √ Mia Su-Ling Gregerson-Dahle (D) √ Cindy Ryu (D)

Source: asamnews.com

NEWS

House Democrats are working to repeal a 181-year ban to properly welcome first Muslim women into Congress

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lhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan are the first two Muslim women to ever be elected to Congress. When Congresswoman-elect Ilhan Omar, who wears a hijab — a traditional headwear worn by some Muslim women — is sworn in, she will be the first federal legislator who wears a religious headscarf.

Due to a 181-year-old ruling that bans hats of any kind from Congress, Democrats are working to accommodate Omar and propose a rule change that will allow religious headwear on the House floor.

The proposal, by Omar, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Incoming Rules Chairman Jim McGovern, is part of the House Democrats rules package entitled “New Congress, New Rules” for diversity and inclusion.

The Democrats working to alter this headwear ban serves as an explicit announcement that Muslim Americans, and other individuals who may wear a yarmulk, a dastaar, or other religious garbs, will always be allowed in Congress.

Omar, “No one puts a scarf on my head but me. It’s my choice—one protected by the first amendment.” She adds, “And this is not the last ban I’m going to work to lift.”

DACA Student Awarded a Rhodes Scholarship

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beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

Jin Kyu Park, the DACA recipient, is currently an undergraduate student at Harvard University studying molecular and cellular biology. He is also the managing editor of the Harvard Undergraduate Research Journal.

The Korean American student actually applied last year but was denied because of his DACA status. His application forced the Rhodes Trust to reexamine its criteria,

which it eventually changed to accommodate DACA students. Park will join a class of 32 U.S. students receiving the Rhodes Scholarship in 2019.

Established in 1902 by the will of British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes, the scholarships cover all costs for two or three years of study at Oxford. Winners are selected on the basis of high academic achievement, personal integrity, and leadership potential, among other attributes.

Park was born in South Korea and came to the U.S. at the age of seven. He grew up in New York City.

Asian American Christian Missionary Killed by Endangered Tribe had Premonition of Death

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n Asian American missionary wanted to spread the word of God to inhabitants of a remote island in India, but instead he was killed by a hail of arrows.

Journal entries from John Allen Chau, 26, uncovered since his death, indicate he knew he might not return alive.

Chau was killed over a week ago and reportedly buried in the sand shortly after setting foot on India’s North Sentinel Island in the Bay of Bengal. The island is inhabited by endangered tribes and, in order to protect their way of life, the Indian government forbids outsiders from visiting them.

The Sentinelese who he wished to convert to Christianity, are the most reclusive of the tribes and in the past have driven away uninvited guests with spears and bow and arrows and thrown spears at helicopters flying overhead.

Chau apparently knew that his visits to the Sentinelese was illegal and dangerous, according to his entries in his journal.

On Nov. 16, the night before his fatal visit to the Sentinelese, Chau wrote a letter to his parents, asking them not to be angry at the Sentinelese or God if he were to die. He advised them to live their life in “obedience” and that he would see them again when they “passed through the veil.”

AsAm News | asian avenue magazine

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Culture Day promotes Japanese cultural

By Wendy Barile awareness in Denver The art of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangements), a demonstration of katsuobushi (the practice of shaving bonito fish), and a live performance with koto, shakuhachi, and shamisen (Japanese traditional music instruments) were some of the attractions that the public enjoyed during the Japanese Culture Day organized by the Denver Takayama Sister Cities.

The event was the first of its kind held by the organization in partnership with the University of Denver at the beginning of November. Acting Japanese Consul General Kazumasa Kondo spoke about the importance of this holiday and that the consulate appreciated the Denver Takayama committee holding this celebration.

In Japan, Culture Day or Bunka No Hi happens on November 3, and it is a day to honor traditional Japanese culture.

As the current Japanese constitution was officially adopted after the end of WWII on November 3rd, 1946, Culture Day also promotes the love of freedom and peace expressed in the constitution.

At the Denver Takayama Sister Cities’ Culture Day, the guests also had the opportunity to try yosakoi – a high energy Japanese dance based on traditional movements and modern music. Food, vendors, presentations about unique aspects of the Japanese culture and the taste of new learnings were spread all over the festivity with more than 100 participants.

The committee is looking forward to celebrating Culture Day 2019. Visit www.denversistercities.org/takayama for upcoming trips and events organized by the Denver Takayama Sister Cities.

A demonstration of katsuobushi, the practice of shaving bonito fish, was shared during Culture Day.

A live performance with koto, shakuhachi, and shamisen (Japanese traditional music instruments) entertained the audience at University of Denver.

APDC expands services to Greeley

Asian Pacific Development Center and Immigrant Refugee Center of Northern Colorado staff

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December 2018 | On Scene

The Asian Pacific Development Center was recently awarded a two-year grant to expand behavioral health services for the immigrant and refugee community in Northern Colorado through The Denver Foundation’s Colorado Health Access Fund.

In partnership with the Immigrant Refugee Center of Northern Colorado (IRCNOCO), APDC will provide access to behavioral health services in the area.

“We have a small team that has been working on foundational pieces and are thrilled to say the response has been very positive among IRCNOCO’s community members,” said the organization.

If you have a referral in the Greeley area, contact APDC’s Clinical Coordinator Monica Gerber at monicagerber@apdc.org.

For more information about APDC, visit www.apdc.org.

Dolce Academy provided musical entertainment.

Asian Chamber of Commerce Dinner & Gala On Nov. 2, the Asian Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual dinner and gala. President & CEO Clarence Low highlighted the chamber’s accomplishments that included its Scholars Program to Washington, D.C, hosting the Center for Asian Pacific American Women, and recognizing student recipients of its Scholarship Awards.

The Asian Chamber of Commerce contributed $10,000 towards the ACC Scholarship Fund at Red Rocks Community College Foundation.

Mile-High Happenings | asian avenue magazine

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DENVER & KUNMING

Local Women Artists Exhibit at Juried Show in Kunming, China – Denver’s Sister City A successful inaugural Art Exhibition took place this month at the prestigious Wenlin Gallery in Denver’s Sister City of Kunming, China. Organized by Denver Sister Cities International (DSCI) and Colorado China Council, the nine-day exhibition’s theme, “Paintings of the American West by Women Artists,” featured 38 acrylic paintings by 12 women artists from the Denver-Boulder Metro area.

Four of the artists - Laura Brenton, Peggy Feliot Jensen, Alice Renouf, and Margot Rowan – flew to Kunming for the show. Almost one-third of the exhibited paintings sold.

Amid TV cameras, interviews, and speeches, a formal invitation-only opening ceremony took place the morning of November 2, and was followed by an evening reception at the gallery for the general public. The Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, the Kunming Municipal Literature and Arts Association, and the Wenlin Gallery supported and organized the Exhibition.

This was a unique opportunity for our talented local artists to exhibit in a juried show internationally and to meet with and visit the studios of Chinese artists. This Exhibition was the first part of an Art Exchange between Denver and Kunming. Artists from Kunming will exhibit in Denver later in 2019.

Following the Art Exhibition’s opening, DSCI and Access China Tours led a 10-day, 12-night trip exploring the ethnic art and culture of Yunnan Province, which is one of China’s most culturally diverse and geographically stunning areas. Participants were able to visit off-the-beaten path locales and interact with some of the 26 ethnic groups in Yunnan Province.

For more information about the Denver-Kunming Art Exchange or other programs and exchanges, please contact Kunming@denversistercities.org.

By Jeanie Johnson

Artist Margot Rowan (fourth from right) and gallery visitors About Denver Sister Cities Denver Sister Cities International (DSCI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization supported by membership dues, city grants and public contributions. DSCI promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation with cultural, educational, and economic endeavors.

DSCI manages and administers all activities with 13 unique Sister and Friendship Cities around the world, cultivating business, economic, educational, and social ties with municipal governments and citizens alike. Denver and Kunming have been sister cities since 1986. Learn more at denversistercities.org.

About Colorado China Council The Colorado China Council was founded in 1977 as a not-for-profit, non-political, educational outreach organization to deepen Coloradans’ understanding and appreciation of China’s history and contemporary life through art, education and cultural exchanges. After administering a program of 30 years for Americans to teach at Chinese universities its new focus is on art exchanges.

Key art exchange participants

Key organizers: Jeanie Johnson, France Addington-Lee, Alice Renouf

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December 2018 | On Scene

Working together for a safer world: Support Taiwan’s participation as an Observer in INTERPOL

By Tsai Tsan-Po Commissioner of Criminal Investigation Bureau Republic of China (Taiwan)

With transnational crime on the rise, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies worldwide establish mutual links and efficient cooperation. To achieve INTERPOL’s key aims, such as ensuring and promoting the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities, Taiwan must be included.

Indeed, Taiwan seeks to work with law enforcement agencies around the world to jointly combat crime, fill gaps in the global security network, and create a safer world through joint cooperation.

Taiwan has earned widespread acclaim for its public security. The international community should not exclude Taiwan in the fight against transnational crime.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) is the world’s 22nd-largest economy and 17th-largest exporter, occupying a strategic location connecting Northeast and Southeast Asia.

It was named the best place in the world for expats to live in a 2016 report by Forbes, and was ranked 34th among 163 countries surveyed for the 2018 Global Peace Index by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace. In order to preserve its public security in a world increasingly challenged by cybercrime and terrorism, Taiwan must cooperate with worldwide law enforcement agencies.

Taiwan’s exclusion from INTERPOL creates a gap in intelligence sharing and a loophole for criminal activity.

Due to political factors, Taiwan has been excluded from INTERPOL for 34 years. It lacks timely access to key intelligence shared via the global police communications system and the affiliated database concerning stolen and lost travel documents.

This has seriously hampered Taiwan’s ability to implement security checks at its borders and fight against terrorism, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

Its long-term exclusion from INTERPOL has led to delays and disparity in the exchange of critical information, and prevented it from participating in related meetings, activities and training courses, creating a major gap in the global security and counterterrorism network.

Politics should not override global security needs.

Through participation in INTERPOL, Taiwan seeks to share experiences in fighting transnational crime.

Taiwan has spared no effort to combat cross-border crime over the years and has solved many criminal cases in collaboration with law enforcement agencies of other countries.

Earlier this year, Taiwanese and Thai police conducted a widespread crackdown on economic crime, recovering 120 million baht (US $3.69 million) in illicit funds.

Also this year, Taiwanese and Philippine police worked together to capture a Philippine City Councilor wanted for drug trafficking who had fled to Taiwan.

And following a cyberattack on a local bank in October 2017, Taiwan relied on intelligence provided by the National Central Bureaus of Interpol Member States to intercept stolen funds worth over US $60 million. These achievements have received international acclamation and recognition.

Taiwan is a good neighbor and will help make the world safer.

Fighting crime is the common mission and responsibility of police forces worldwide. Nations cannot singlehandedly address the three priorities under the INTERPOL Strategic Framework, namely counterterrorism, cybercrime, as well as organized and emerging crime.

As a member of the international police community, Taiwan’s police force should not be left on the sidelines. It has the obligation, responsibility, willingness and ability to stand on the frontlines with its worldwide counterparts in the fight against cross-border crime.

Global security and social justice should transcend regional, ethnic and political differences. We urge you to support Taiwan’s participation in the INTERPOL General Assembly this year as an Observer, as well as in INTERPOL meetings, mechanisms and training activities.

By speaking up for Taiwan at international events, you can make a real contribution to promoting Taiwan’s pragmatic and meaningful participation in INTERPOL. Taiwan Update | asian avenue magazine

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