United Khmer Students 24th Annual Culture Night Booklet

e

Illuminat ight

the n

01

table of

contents 02

Program Schedule

04

Letters of Suppor t

Presidents’ Message......................................................................05

Directors’ Message..................................................................06-08

Producers’ Message.................................................................09-10

11

Featured Speakers

14

Culture Night All Cast

Graphics Committee........................................................................16

Modern Committee..........................................................................17

Tribal Committee..............................................................................18

Artist Outreach Committee.............................................................19

Finance Committee.........................................................................20

24

Senior Reflections

29

Khmer Business Spot light

35

Thank You

02

program

schedule Date: May 8th, 2021

Time: 3:00-7:00pm

Location:

Virtual (Zoom)

3:00 PM

Welcoming Ceremony and Cambodian Anthem

Come join us for welcoming remarks from Culture Night Small Staff. It will be followed by the Cambodian Anthem sung by Culture Night CoAssistant Director, Roselinda Kuoch.

3:15 PM

UKS Staff Intro Video and CTFF Dance Video

Featuring UKS’ CTFF TikTok Dance Challenge. Song: Thinking Bout Chu, Vuthea. Choreography: Roland Gruspe Jr.

3:20 PM

“The Golden Voice”: Script Readout Acts 1.1-1.3

An original cast read-out of the Golden Voice written by UKS’ very own Michelle Thach and Madelyn San.

Act 1.1 Yey

and I

Act 1.2 Boiled Act 1.3

3:50 PM

Snails

Discovery

UKS Culture Night Festival: Tribal and Modern Dances

03

3:55 PM

“Diversity in Performance”: Khmer-American Professionals Panelist + Q&A

Come join us for an hour panel with an amazing and talented group of Khmer Americans: Mayley Tao, RJ Sin, Sina San, and Melissa and Jasmine Nguon (2 Khmerican Sisters). Panelist Information found on Page 5.

5:00 PM

Intermission

5:15 PM

“Remembrance and Renewal: Celebrating Cambodian American Stories” Documentary

Our Remembrance and Renewal interview series, shares the inspirational stories of those who inherited the traumas of war and how they continue to hope, to dream, to build, thrive, and celebrate as Cambodian Americans. Director: Caylee So, Producer: Caylee So

6:25 PM

End-of-Festival Quiz and Raffle

Stick around to see if you get lucky in our raffle. We are raffling off exclusive UKS CN merch including shirts and tote bags so you don’t wanna miss out on our free giveaway.

4

6: 0 PM

Closing Remarks

04

President’s

message

05

To Our Beloved Family, Friends, and Honored Guests,

We are so pleased to welcome you to our 24th annual Culture Night. Since 1977, the United Khmer Students have presented our yearly

production

showcasing

various

aspects of Khmer tradition as a celebration of our cultural roots while simultaneously adding modern flourishes and flare pointing to the contemporary Cambodian-American experience of our generation. It is through this harmonious blend of old and new,

It is with much gratitude that I recognize

time-honored

new

the unwavering dedication and hard work

developments, that each year the director’s

of this year’s cast and crew in bringing the

vision is transformed by the tireless efforts

production to life. Furthermore, I commend

of the cast, crew, and planning committees

this year’s Culture Night Small Committee,

into that year’s Culture Night production.

Roselinda, Billy, Dira, and John, for their

tradition

and

abundant efforts in their roles even in the This show is so much more than an

face of much adversity. The four of you

exhibition of tradition and art; it is a

have exhibited so much growth as student

representation

and

leaders throughout this year and this

oppression we have faced, it is a wealth of

production has undoubtedly come about as

stories

our

a direct result of your determination and

collective

passion. Furthermore, we would like to

and

resilience.

It

of

the

identities is

adversity showcasing

through

a

celebration of our culture and history that

extend

we, together as a cast and individually as

generous

ambitious student leaders, have interwoven

funding and support, this show would have

pieces of ourselves into this production. In

been impossible to bring to life. And to all

this

most

of you, our lovely audience, we cannot

vulnerable parts of ourselves and uncover

express how much your continued support

how past impacts present, in the hopes

means to us. Tonight, we come together as

that we as a community are able to draw

a community; one family. From the bottom

strength from our mutual struggles and

of our hearts, we thank you all for being a

unite for a better future.

part of our story.

production,

we

expose

the

our

utmost

sponsors,

gratitude who

to

without

our their

My Warmest Regards,

Michelle Thach

United Khmer Students Culture Night

Co-Assistant Director 2020-2021

06

director’s

message

07

To Our Beloved Family, Friends, and Honored Guests,

Sometimes, learning more about my identity feels like searching on a scavenger hunt without a map. It can be befuddling, frustrating, and feel downright pointless at times. Creating your own path is difficult when you don’t know what you’re looking for. When I found the warm, real people of United Khmer Students, I knew that I had found something I didn’t know I needed. A few days after my first impressions, at another welcome week event, I blindly agreed to become a coordinator for the tribal dance component to help fill a role for Culture Night. As I had hoped, starting off with an involved role allowed me to meet and spend time with more members than if I had just attended general meetings. Naturally, I wanted to become even more involved once I had a little experience under my belt, and now we’re here! It’s Culture Night! And we are all so happy that you’re here.

Beyond being the nicest and warmest group of people I know, UKS is a space of modern

authenticity.

We

are

the

new

narrative

of

what

it

means

to

be

Cambodian-American in 2021. We’re a blend of things with a common, shared seed that has become my definition of community.

Our program tonight is a little different from our previous years, considering that we have made the difficult decision to present our production virtually. We welcome you graciously and with immense gratitude for your interest in our production and culture.

Now that you know a little more about the “who, what, and where” of UKS, you’re about to witness the “why?” that motivates us.

Very Truly Yours,

Dira Jung Kapoor

United Khmer Students Culture Night

Co-Director 2020-2021

08

To Our Beloved Family, Friends, and Honored Guests,

Firstly, I would like to thank you all for coming to our 24th Annual Culture Night! As the product of a year’s worth of planning, trial and errors, and dedication, I am immensely honored to present this comprehensive event to everyone.

Going into the position of being the co-director of CN, I hoped to strengthen my cultural roots by involving myself in Culture Night. Not only did I accomplish through the space that CN has created for me, but I also learned the importance of being connected to my community. Especially during a time of much social injustice and affliction that the AAPI and the Cambodian community have been facing, being in CN has created an outlet for me to fulfill my responsibilities of elevating the voices of Khmer Americans.

Although the transition to an online format of the event created a few roadblocks along the way, we looked for the positives of being given the creative opportunity to explore the possibilities of CN through a virtual platform and are lucky enough to have everything fallen into place the way it did. With that being said, I am grateful for the rest of the CN staff for helping every step of the way. I would like to personally thank Dira, John, Billy, and Michelle for working tirelessly to make this possible. Thank you to our cast for believing in our vision. Most importantly, thank you for coming today and keeping our voices alive by giving us the chance to showcase our cultural heritage. This show is the product of lots of love and labor and we hope to create a far-reaching impact for both the cast and audience members beyond the event.

With lots of love,

Roselinda Kuoch

United Khmer Students Culture Night

Co-Director 2020-2021

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producers’

message

10

To Our Beloved Family, Friends, and Honored Guests,

It is our greatest pleasure to welcome you to our 24th Annual Culture Night. When people look at Cambodia, they often see a history of violence and genocide which leads them to overlook the rich culture and history that exists before. This last year has been especially difficult mentally and physically due to the everlasting global pandemic of Covid-19. Despite all odds, as Culture Night Staff, we have developed a new production that is sure to be one for the books. We are ecstatic to present to you this year’s production: “Illuminate the Night”.

Culture Night is a truly magical celebration of our culture and history. The show is more than just a demonstration of our culture, but a representation of resilience during times of hardship. While preparing for the production, we are able to become more vulnerable and uncover shared stories that allow us to grow as a community and draw strength from one another. This connection is what initially drove us to become more involved with UKS Culture Night.

Throughout the year, we have watched as our talented cast and crew grow into student leaders as they worked tirelessly towards this production. We would like to thank all our cast members, friends, and community members for their continual support. Additionally, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to our co-directors, Dira and Rose and UKS president, Michelle, for standing alongside us through this new journey. Tonight, this journey may feel like its end, but the memories and laughters we share will last eternally. To everyone in the audience tonight, thank you for your continuous support. We hope you enjoy the show!

John Chea & William Ung

United Khmer Students Culture Night

Co-Producers 2020-2021

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featured

speakers

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Mayly Tao Mayly Tao is a Khmer, Thai, and Teochew Chinese Asian American born to Khmer refugee parents who arrived in America to start a new life. Her uncle, Ted Ngoy, sponsored hundreds of Cambodians to come to America and helped them manage and own their own donut shops. She currently owns DK's Donuts & Bakery in Santa Monica, CA and her delivery-only donut bouquet concept, Donut Princess LA. She also is the creator and host of her own podcast: Short N' Sweet: A Donut Princess Podcast where she explores mindset, women empowerment, and small business tips! She hopes to elevate Asian American voices and representation and vows to create a legacy for the next generation of Asian Americans. She is launching her new luxury and economy car rental business, "Donut Exotics," in Summer 2021. You can find her ”Securing the Box” at @maylytao, @donutprincessla, @dksdonuts, @foodfortheclout.

2 Khmerican Sisters The 2 Khmerican Sisters, Mellissa and Jasmine Nguon, are Cambodian-American Podcasters from the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Occupied Duwamish Territory (Seattle, WA).

Mellissa and Jasmine have a passion for social activism, leadership development, and creating inspirational and educational content. As midto

senior-level

working

professionals,

they

wanted to give back in a special way to the PoC communities by creating a digital platform to s-

hare important stories and celebrate the unique journeys of diverse community leaders around the globe. Mellissa and Jasmine are motivated to inspire and empower others to find confidence in themselves and their community, and to engage in deeper conversations with those around them.

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Sina San The first Cambodian American EMMY award winner for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Supporting Role for the Fox TV show Gotham and HBO series Westworld. She has collaborated on numerous award-winning projects and was nominated for two Emmys in 2015 and 2018 for her work and creative vision on Gotham, WestWorld, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Alice in Wonderland, and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Sina’s training began at The Art Institute of LA on a full scholarship, majoring in Computer Science. She then honed her skills at the prestigious Art Center School of Design and was awarded The Chrysler Scholarship for Women in Design. Sina has worked in computer animation and visual effects for over 20 years. Her career began in the gaming industry as a Video Game Environment Artist, working on titles and credits for Star Trek Dominion Wars, Shrek Super Party, and SpongeBob Squarepants Battle for Bikini Bottom. She later joined In-Three where she trained over 100 VFX paint artists in India for Reliance Media Group Sina then moved on to Digital Domain, where she found her passion for creating epic, unimagined worlds.

RJ Sin RJ Sin is a hip hop Khmer Recording Artist/Producer/Song Writer from Oakland California. Ratha Jim Sin better known by his stage name RJ Sin, started writing poems at the age of 15 later venting them onto beats and turning them into songs. RJ always had a passion for music; his father is a musician and is part of “Angkor Wat Band” in the Bay Area. RJ hopes to inspire and uplift people regardless of their race and age by addressing the life struggles of Cambodian Americans, social problems, and problems within the community. With two albums under his belt RATHA and FAMILY INHERITANCE currently, he is working on his third album ” Sincerely”.

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culture night all cast

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all cast

Elizabeth Cheung

Audrey Chan

John Chea

Lindsey Chheng

Nina Corbett

Lin Huot

Dira Kapoor

Dahlia Keo

Roselinda Kuoch

Lily Lee

Braden Lem

Michelle Ngoun

Jennifer Tang

Michelle Thach

Billy Ung

Kimberly Wong

Aaron Tann

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graphics

committee Lily Lee

Jennifer Tang

Billy Ung

Dahlia Keo

Michelle Ngoun

Aaron Tann

About The Graphics Committee are responsible for the promotional videos, posts, and banners that you see on social media, the t-shirts and merch that are worn by our cast, and the program booklet that you are reading right now. By portraying the message of our culture night through painting, film, and other media, we are able to showcase the more artistic side of our production. While this year has been entirely virtual, it has allowed us to display our skills in graphic design and increase our online presence through features and promotions. We are so excited to see the hard work of our fellow committee and cast members come to life.

Culture Night has always been an integral part of United Khmer Students and we are happy to aid in the creation of such a large annual event to showcase to our UCLA and Cambodian Communities. We hope that you enjoy this year’s virtual Culture Night!

Coordinators: Lily Lee, Jennifer Tang

Members: Dahlia Keo, Michelle Ngoun, Aaron Tann, Billy Ung

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modern

committee

Braden Lem

Lin Huot

John Chea

Roselinda Kuoch Lindsey Chheng

Billy Ung

Nina Corbett

About Modern dance came to be through the sharing of various dance styles via choreography and workshops, and the relatively new competitive dance scene seen today. Our culture night’s modern dance has each year proven to be a space for exploring the motions of their bodies, and learning the intricate histories behind the styles we are constantly inspired by. Modern Dance Committee aims to exemplify this creative medium of self-expression and storytelling by teaching choreography made by our own choreographers for showcase purposes.

Coordinators: Lin Huot, Braden Lem

Members: Lindsey Chheng, John Chea, Nina Corbett, Roselinda Kuoch, Billy Ung

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tribal

committee Dira Kapoor

Roselinda Kuoch

Nina Corbett

Dahlia Keo

About This year’s tribal performance draws inspiration from the Mondulkiri tribe. The purpose of folk dance is to emphasize the various cultural traditions and ethnic groups of Cambodia.

Mondulkiri, which translates to “Mountain of the Mandala,” features elements similar to the Ratnakiri dance showcased by previous Culture Night’s. Despite having the largest land mass of any province, it is one of the most sparsely populated and least developed. As a result, the Eastern province’s natural beauty has been preserved throughout the years. The people have used the lush, forested mountains, rolling green hills, and waterfalls as sources of farming and fishing.

Compared to other Khmer dances, tribal movements seem relatively simplistic. This speaks to the greater purpose of Khmer folk dance, which is to express the ways of life in a grateful manner as a form of entertainment. This kind of dance was used to entertain and represent the daily realities of life, with simple movements that anyone may easily pick up. Some folk dances are about love, folktales, or a portrayal of commonplace labor in their lives such as fishing and farm work. Fishing in particular is highlighted in our dance with the implementation of baskets.

Coordinators: Dira Kapoor, Roselinda Kuoch

Members: Nina Corbett, Dahlia Keo

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artist outreach

committee

Kimberly Wong

Audrey Chan

Jennifer Tang

Dahlia Keo

About The Artist Outreach Committee (AOC) is responsible for outreaching to members within the community and finding panelists to showcase at this year’s culture night event. It is imperative for us to spotlight members of the Khmer community in order to showcase their various successes and for them to provide their stories.

Resiliency is a major component of Khmer identity, and having wonderful panelists contributes to the conversation of growth as individuals and as a community.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, culture night is being held virtually again.

Despite this, it is our hope that having these conversations with members of the community helps strengthen the idea of Khmer identity. Culture Night has always been about embracing our Cambodian culture in all shapes and forms, and that is the driving force towards providing a space for everyone - Khmer or not - to appreciate the beauty of all this culture has to offer.

Members: Audrey Chan, Dahlia Keo, Jennifer Tang, Kimberly Wong

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finance

committee

Elizabeth Cheung

John Chea

Billy Ung

Dira Kapoor

Roselinda Kuoch

About Finance committee works to secure the funding needed for Culture Night to take place. Through extensive budgeting, applying for UCLA-based grants/funds, and conducting fundraisers, our committee ensures that this program is of the highest quality possible. This year also marks our most successful Culture Night fundraiser yet, while contributing to the livelihood of a local Cambodian-owned business.

Though funding is typically used for facilities, costumes, and supplies, this year we have diverted our attention towards securing the quality of our program in a virtual format, given these unprecedented times. In doing so, we hope to give the audience a taste of what tonight would be, as if we were in-person. We hope that you enjoy Culture Night, and that it lives up to all your expectations!

Coordinator: Elizabeth Cheung

Members: John Chea, Billy Ung, Roselinda Kuoch, Dira Kapoor

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small

finance

22

artist outreach

graphics

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tribal

modern

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senior

reflections Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2021. United Khmer Students’ proudly commemorates our senior’s achievements and success.

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Jennifer Tang Major: Psychobiology, Minor: Anthropology

United Khmer Students has been an integral part of my college years here at UCLA. I'm so happy to have gotten involved in UKS and had the chance to meet so many amazing people and make so many lasting memories and friends. I've gotten the chance to explore my culture and be involved in so many

SEA

spaces

on

campus.

My

overall

experience has been wonderful and I wouldn't have done it in any other way. I want to thank my

peers and my org for this safe and fun space. To my underclassmen: I believe in you!

Keep going and excelling in your work! Don't forget to have fun while getting that degree! Love yourself!

John Chea

Major: Biology

It has been an amazing journey being in UKS over these last few years. I had the honor of being apart of this community before I even became a UCLA student through KORE. I have enjoyed every second being a member and staff. My favorite memory would probably be all of the socials and food outings. To my underclassmen: Keep up all the amazing work that you do and to all my fellow graduates: I wish you all the best for the future and good luck with your next chapter- keep in touch!

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Willy Teav

Major: Aerospace Engineering

I appreciate UKS for creating a friendly and welcoming space where I can forget about being a student and can just be a normal human. I appreciate having the opportunity to learn more about Khmer culture and to connect to peers who express a similar curiosity. I always enjoyed being able to leave the Westwood bubble, especially when food is involved.

My parting words to UKS will be: "Don't forget to invite me to the next alumni dinner"

Jason Chhay

Major: Statistics

I enjoyed every minute that I had being with UKS and being with the people in it. Just thinking about the memories from Culture Night, countless food adventures, a lot of interesting parties - all are still so vivid in my mind. It would be remiss of me to say that UKS was not an important part of my college life.

Shoutouts to those who were able to join and continue the club culture of UKS during this pandemic-ridden school year. I couldn't attend much this year due to work and priorities at home, but I am wishing to all a heartful thank you for making UKS what it is. The life I had in college would not have been the same if it weren't for UKS. Good luck to everyone out there in the organization, and thank you for being such awesome people.

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Michelle Thach Major: Biology

much more than an org or some campus involvement to me; its work, play, passion, love, drama, dedication, fun, commitment, and family all wrapped up into one big warm messy unforgettable bundle. When I compare UKS to a family, I mean it in the sense that through all of the good and the bad, I always find my way back home to the wonderful people who have entered my life through this club. I never thought that widening my horizons to a cultural club meant opening my heart to an endless barrage of precious memories and lifelong bonds. To say that I will miss you all so much is an understatement. My time with UKS has given me purpose in my career and so many people who I now hold close When I tell people about what it's like

to me. I can only hope that I have repaid a

being in UKS, it's honestly difficult to

small part of all that UKS has given me. My

express everything I feel about being a

final advice to you all is to keep pursuing

part of this club for the past four years.

what your heart pulls you towards; by

There have been times that were so

following your intuition and what you are

stressful I actually felt like I was going to

naturally

pass away, and there have been times

success will come along the way. I believe

where I've experienced a sense of

in you all and your potential to go out into

belonging and love and bliss like nothing

the world and do great big things. Take

I've ever experienced before. UKS is so

good care everyone. You all got this!

drawn

to,

good

things

and

28

Audrey Chan Major: Psychobiology

UKS has given me some of my favorite and most fondest memories at UCLA. I have had the opportunity to meet many amazing people and lifelong friends. I was able to grow in this space and genuinely be my authentic self. I found a family away from home, and I appreciate all the good times I have shared with everyone! Good luck to the rest of the underclassment and I wish you all the best in everything! I love you UKS forever <3

Lily Lee Major: Cognitive Science

I’m so thankful to have been apart of UKS during my time here. Because I grew up in a non-Khmer community, it felt so special to be around people in UKS who shared the same culture as me. As a transfer, I’m sad my time here was shorter than expected, but I’m so happy I got a chance to meet some really cool people. Thank you to everyone in UKS for making this org the best it can be!

Congrats to the rest of the seniors and to everyone else for overcoming all the challenges of this difficult year. To any student in need of advice: No one is really sure of what they’re doing ...keep pushing and continue to pursue the things you love in life, I assure you that the rest will follow. I wish everyone the best on your journey and good luck! P.S. I’ll be sticking around for an extra quarter, so come say hi!

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khmer business

spotlight Featuring Khmer businesses in our community and thanking past businesses for their continuous support.

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blueboua @blueboua

Blue Boua is a family-owned small business based in Atlanta, Georgia. They make custom products inspired by their Southeast Asian roots from fabric woven by local artisans.

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theshyplantco @theshyplantco

The Shy Plant Co. is an eco-friendly soy candle company based in San Jose, California. 100% of their profit goes towards the construction of a primary school for 174 students in Kork Chann village in Siem Riep, Cambodia.

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themealeacollection

@apsarabridal

The Mealea Collection is run by Krystal M. Chuon, a Khmer/Krom-American artist, writer, and indie creator from Stockton, California.

The Mealea Collection offers a wide array of goodies, from prints to totes to acrylic earrings, all with a unique Khmer flair.

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khatiya korner @khatiya_korner

Khatiya Korner sells delicious food with authentic Khmer flavor, such as sausages, dried beef, and hot chili oil. She also has a YouTube channel where she shares Cambodian recipes and vlogs.

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35

thank you,

for your support United Khmer Students expresses gratitude for your continuous support and involvement in our Khmer community.

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Email: ukspro@gmail.com

Website: unitedkhmerstudents.weebly.com