The 18th Annual ASIA NIGHT 2012:

Since 2003, the California-Asia Business Council has bestowed the New Silk Road Award upon distinguished business and government leaders who have made outstanding contributions to California-Asia business. We have honored leaders and visionaries who have pioneered legal, technological, and financial infrastructure improvements.

Dr. Chong-Moon Lee speaking on the phenomenal rise and future challenges of Asia

Every year, we continue upholding the tradition, celebrating individuals and organizations that have made tremendous positive impacts to trans-Pacific commercial relations. This year, the spotlight was given to Dr. Chong-Moon Lee (above), a successful entrepreneur, a brilliant intellect and an ardent philanthropist. The New Silk Road Award was presented to Dr. Lee for his many entrepreneurial, educational and cultural contributions to the development of American-Asian ties. Dinner co-chairman Sandra McCandless of SNR Denton described his lifetime achievements, and Council President Mark Dosker of Squire Sanders presented the award. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Lee discussed the historical rise of Asia, its relationships to the West, and the challenges it must still overcome.

Dr. David Arnold in discussion with Jon Erlichman of Bloomberg TV.

The New Silk Road award was also presented to The Asia Foundation by Cal-Asia Chairman Elizabeth Y.A. Ferguson of Drexel Oceania, following an introduction of TAF’s achievements by Dinner Co-Chairman Nick Unkovic of Squire Sanders. SF-based TAF is dedicated to the development and institutional welfare of Asia-Pacific regions. Dr. David Arnold, TAF President (above), accepted the Award and remarked: "On behalf of my colleagues, we are honored to receive this award from an organization that shares our commitment to Asia. Since our founding in 1954 in San Francisco, our impact and programs have been defined by a steadfast commitment to open and inclusive economic growth, which is critical and necessary in creating opportunities not only within countries but also across the dynamic Asia region.”

Dr. Martin Parkinson discussing the economy of the Asia-Pacific region

Asia Night 2012 guests were also honored by the presence of Dr Martin Parkinson, the Secretary of the Department of Treasury of Australia. He joined the night’s discussion as he talked about the current economic conditions of the Asia-Pacific region as well as its future prospects from a down-under perspective

 

 

Learn more about Dr. Lee, The Asia Foundation and Dr. David Arnold at Asia Night 2012 by clicking here. Learn about Dr. Martin Parkinson here. See Asia Night 2012 photo album here. (Photos by Daniel Leong)