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Did you know that according to ABC News, singing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song is not free? The rights to the song were reported to bring nearly $2 million per year in licensing fees, and you will have to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 to include it in a TV commercial, show, or movie! But luckily for us, you can sing it anytime at a birthday party because that is considered a private performance. What a relief!

Speaking of birthdays, did you know that this month is someone’s special birthday? 

It is AHN month and we can’t wait to celebrate it with you! This November, we have prepared amazing surprises and spectacular resources just for you. So join our celebration, kickstarting with this wonderful newsletter crafted to your interest!

If you find this newsletter interesting, refer it to your friends by sharing this link and receive amazing gifts from AHN!

UPLIFTING STORIES 📚

Last week Asian founders did...

🚀 Ka Ling Wu launched Upsolve AI (YC W24), a platform to build and deliver analytics to your end-users via embeddable dashboards.
🚀 Sahitya S. launched Endeavor, an OS for manufacturers to automate key workflows across sales, inventory, and supply chain.
🚀 Kevin Yang launched Serif.ai, an AI email assistant that writes context-informed emails in your personal voice.
🚀 Vishnu Sridhar launched Matter Intelligence, developing advanced sensors to capture extreme-resolution images of natural and artificial materials from space to the surface.
💸 David Shim raised a $50M Series B for Read AI, an AI copilot for wherever you work, making your meetings, emails, and messages more productive with summaries, content discovery, and recommendations.

Discover more inspiring founder and innovator stories at awakennewsletter.substack.com

UPLIFTING LEGENDS 📺

Want to be highlighted in the AHN Legends series? Apply now!

Hello Kitty Is Now 50 Years Old! 😻

This super “kawaii” Japanese icon just celebrated her 50th birthday.

Red bows, eyes and nose in the shape of a tiny oval, a pair of whiskers, and she doesn’t even have a mouth whatsoever—yet we all feel a sense of joy whenever we see Hello Kitty. 

With a recognizable bow tie and undeniable cuteness, she has been rocking the world since 1974, and 50 years later, she still has that charm (you may as well drop your skincare routine!). Hello Kitty is the world’s second-highest-grossing media franchise, only behind Pokémon, with revenue of up to 80 billion USD. She’s also a TikTok sensation with more than 3.5 million followers and 27.9 million likes. Besides, she’s an ambassador of UNICEF and a special envoy for Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

Game changers for K-Beauty: Diversity and Inclusiveness 💄

A Korean beauty brand, TIRTIR, has found new ground in the U.S. market by expanding diversity in Korean beauty products. Its Mask Fit Red Cushion became popular through Black beauty YouTuber Miss Darcei's video "The Darkest Korean Foundation." In April, the 3.5 million subscribers influencer stated that the Korean cushion foundation was too light for her skin tone. The company quickly responded by inventing 20 additional shades to match diverse skin tones and sent them to Darcei. The follow-up short of her unboxing and product trial became a viral hit. Earning nearly 56 million views and launched this product into Amazon’s top overall beauty category sales.

In line with the Black Lives Matter movement, many Korean companies have joined the  "K-Beauty Cares for You" campaign created in 2020 by Ndiaye and Mona Lisa Hanson, CMO of Seoul Cosmetic Surgery. The intention is to start conversations and commitment to inclusiveness in K-beauty. Since then, Korean beauty and cosmetic companies like TIRTIR and TONEWORK have offered products with over 150 shade options. Despite still being a concept, many Korean brands are trying to strive for diversity and inclusiveness in developing and marketing their products. 

*For more details, read here.

A Village’s 8,000-Mile Prayers for the Daughter of the Land, Kamala Harris 🛕

It’s the era of small towns, where we witness the burst-to-stardom Chappell Roan representing the Midwest (her hometown is in Willard, Missouri), and now Kamala Harris, a California native, yet somehow putting her ancestral homeland, more than 8,000 miles away, on the world map.

One might never have heard of Thulasendrapuram, a small village in South India, and Kamala might never have been there, but it was here that Kamala’s grandfather, PV Gopalan, was born a century ago, giving her the prestigious title “Daughter of the Land” among the locals.

Small late-afternoon chit-chats between the aunties in town were on Kamala. Massive banners of her were put up as if this were their own national presidential election. On November 5, locals held a special puja (Hindu act of worship) at the Sri Dharmasastha Temple as a community prayer for her. Although Kamala no longer has relatives residing in the village, her global impact has drawn attention to Thulasendrapuram, and for that, the local community has always felt a sense of spiritual connection and gratitude for her.

Even though the results have turned out possibly unexpected for the villagers, their prayers and community spirit, despite the distance, have brought forth an invisible strength, traversing over 8,000 miles of sea and land to empower their “daughter.” This is not the end; instead, it is a ray of hope that your race, gender, sexuality, or background should not be the barrier to your dream but a drive for motivation and impact.

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Create a Buzz: Here’s What You Need for Your Event Marketing

Are you planning a major event and wondering how to make it a success? A well-crafted marketing plan can transform your event from ordinary to extraordinary. Let's explore how to create a comprehensive marketing plan that captivates your audience and drives attendance!

Two months before the event: Spreading awareness about your event is the top priority at this stage. A proper marketing strategy can create a buzz and make your event a can't-miss occasion! Get the event featured on third-party channels such as newsletters, websites, or fan pages to increase the reach. 

One week before the event: As the event date approaches, you should focus on securing last-minute attendees and ensuring everyone is informed and prepared.

Post-event: Event marketing should not cease when the event ends. Continuously amplifying the event's success will build your reputation and lay the groundwork for attracting more attendees to future events.

AHNF 2024 Events | Call Out for Partners

Attention all content creators, influencers, and media collaborators in the Bay Area!

We’re looking for all content creators, influencers, and media collaborators to join us in supporting or partnering with us on our upcoming marketplace event with SHOPLINE on November 16, 2024, in San Jose! This is a fantastic opportunity to support a good cause and connect with a like-minded community.

👉 To express your interest, please sign up by Sunday, November 10th, via this form.

Join Us for an Evening of Celebration!

We’re excited to partner with AsiaX Circle for our inaugural End of Year Social in Docklands, Australia. As partners, we’re bringing together our community to celebrate a year of growth, connection, and shared successes. This exclusive event invites community leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to relax, connect, and celebrate at a beautiful waterfront venue with music, drinks, and bites.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen existing relationships or forge new friendships, the End of Year Social offers a unique opportunity to connect with your peers.

*Due to limited event capacity, please register early to secure your entry.

🎟️ Tickets: A$55 (includes grazing table and drink card)
Early Bird: A$45 until November 15, 2024 (Code: EARLYBIRD)

Got deals to share with the community?

Fill out this form if you have any deals or perks you would like to share with the community!

$25,000 Superfan Grant Available for Small Businesses through Verizon Digital Ready!

On top of the $10,000 grant, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is now offering an exciting chance to apply for a $25,000 Superfan Grant!

Until November 22, 2024, three selected users will receive a $25,000 grant from LISC and a trip to Super Bowl LIX. Winners will participate in a special small business event during Super Bowl week and attend the game.

To apply, post a short social media video sharing how Digital Ready has helped your business grow. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

🎁 AHN Community Month is only possible thanks to our beloved members. To build a strong community, communication plays a vital role in connecting others, whether it is through social media, forums, or even a newsletter. As a tribute to our wonderful AHN family, here are four ways to build a stronger community.

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