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Greetings 👋 

Hi, how was your weekend? 

Have you noticed how the week starts with a sudden burst of energy? Plans are stacking up, messages are flying in, and it feels like the days are moving faster than we can keep up with. It’s that time when everyone seems to be chasing one last win before the year wraps up.

Even with everything going on, we didn’t want this moment to pass without wishing you a Merry Christmas. From the AHN family to yours, we’re so grateful to be sharing this season with you!

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

Bowen Yang Exits Saturday Night Live After 8 Seasons

The long-running sketch show will soon say goodbye to one of its familiar cast members. Bowen Yang confirmed on Instagram that he is leaving after eight seasons, sharing that he is grateful for his time on the show but did not explain his mid-season exit.

Yang joined the show in 2018 as a writer before becoming a cast member and later made history as its first Chinese American staff actor. He became known for memorable characters, earned five Emmy nominations, and thanked the cast and longtime producer. His final episode will air this Saturday, hosted by Ariana Grande.

Read the full article here.

KPop Demon Hunters Director Maggie Kang Honored in Korea

The recognition was awarded at the 17th Korea Content Awards in Seoul, where director Maggie Kang received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, one of South Korea’s highest cultural honors, for helping bring Korean stories to global audiences.

She was honored not only for the international success of KPop Demon Hunters but also for her broader contributions to film and television. Her series Moving ranked No. 1 worldwide on Disney+, with the awards committee citing her role in advancing Korean culture and creative industries on a global stage.

Read the full article here.

Alibaba, Pop Mart Lead Hong Kong Stocks Higher Before Christmas Trading Break

Hong Kong stocks rose on Monday, tracking gains across Asia-Pacific markets as investors looked to end the year on a positive note. The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.3 per cent, while the Hang Seng Tech Index gained 0.9 per cent, with mainland Chinese markets also posting solid increases.

Alibaba and Pop Mart were among the top gainers, alongside strong moves in chipmaker SMIC and tech names like Baidu. Gains were capped by losses in healthcare, logistics, and gaming stocks, while several newly listed companies fell sharply on their debut. Trading in Hong Kong will be shortened ahead of Christmas, with markets closed on December 25 and 26.

Read the full article here.

LAST WEEK, ASIAN LEADERS DID 🎉

🚀 BLACKPINK'S Jennie, artist and trendsetter, won Record of the Year (Grand Prize) for her solo album Ruby at the Melon Music Awards. The achievement marks a major milestone in her evolution as a solo artist.

🚀 Bretman Rock, creator and internet icon, won Video of the Year at the TikTok Awards 2025. The win reflects his ability to turn personal storytelling into content that resonates across global audiences.

🚀 Katie Fang, influencer and style creator, received the “Okay Slay” Award at the TikTok Awards 2025. The recognition highlights her growing influence in fashion, beauty, and Gen Z digital culture.

🚀 Sho Miyake, film director, won the Golden Crow Pheasant (Suvarna Chakoram) Award for Best Film at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala. The honor recognizes his storytelling craft and growing impact in international cinema.

The Christmas Reset: 3 Asian Practices to Help You Find Stillness

Asian practices are everyday ideas rooted in Asian cultures that help us slow down, stay present, and show up for one another in a more thoughtful way. They offer a gentle shift in how we notice and experience small moments, especially during the holiday season.

That feeling is familiar during Christmas. One moment you’re planning, and before you know it, the day has already slipped by. In the middle of it all, these three Asian practices help you pause, reconnect, and remember the deeper meaning of gathering.

1. Notice Yuanfen (缘分), the reason you crossed paths
   Yuanfen is about a destined connection. The people around your table are not there by chance. Taking a moment to appreciate that shared history and timing can turn an ordinary gathering into something meaningful.

2. Leave room with Liú Bái (留白)
   In Chinese art, space is just as important as what fills it. The same goes for your day. Not every moment needs a plan. Let conversations stretch. Let silence exist. Some of the best memories come from unplanned moments.

3. Grow Jeong (情) through shared effort
   Jeong is the kind of bond built by doing things together. Cooking, setting the table, or washing dishes side by side creates a quiet closeness that no wrapped gift can replace.

By embracing these gentle practices, you can help your Christmas feel grounded rather than overwhelming. Carry this energy into the final days of the year, and you may find yourself entering January feeling a little lighter and more connected.

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COMPANIES DISCOVERED ✅

CULTR

CULTR is a curated marketplace connecting families with Asian-owned brands and makers. The platform highlights toys, books, apparel, and home goods that carry cultural meaning with a modern touch. Each product is selected for its story, quality, and intention, creating a space where heritage feels present in everyday life.

Explore culturally rooted brands on CULTR here.

MELP

This Canadian wellness brand reimagines body care with matcha-infused, small-batch products made in Toronto. Grounded in ritual and intention, MELP blends tradition with thoughtful formulas to turn daily routines into moments of care.

Discover matcha-infused body care here.

Ken the Book Printer

Ken the Book Printer delivers high-quality offset printing with clear communication and reliable service. Specializing in children’s books, art books, and custom projects, the team is trusted by creators who value precision from start to finish.

Bring your next book project to life with Ken the Book Printer here.

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