HOPE 🌟

Welcome to the Uplifters Newsletter, a series by Asian Hustle Network to uncover inspiring stories about our community. Stay tuned for doses of engaging and uplifting content! Check our website at asianhustlenetwork.com.

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Last weekend, Myanmar, Thailand, and neighboring countries were struck by a devastating earthquake. We have collected various resources to donate and support the people in need.

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

MYANMAR EARTHQUAKE SUPPORT

In the wake of the Myanmar earthquake that dislocated the residences and took the lives of more than 1,600 people, we want to send our deepest condolences and prayers to those affected by this tragedy. 

Here are some organizations we can donate to support:

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal to assist 100,000 people with life-saving relief and early recovery support. Donations can be made through their official website.

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

The UN has allocated initial funds for recovery efforts and is coordinating international aid. Contributions can be directed through their donation channels. ​

World Vision

This humanitarian organization is actively involved in relief operations in Myanmar, providing essential supplies and support to affected families. Donations can be made via their website.

​Project HOPE

In response to the earthquake, Project HOPE is actively mobilizing an emergency response team to address the urgent health and humanitarian needs caused by this catastrophe. Donations can be made via their website.

LAST WEEK, ASIAN FOUNDERS DID 🎉

🚀 Sahra Nguyen secured a launch for Nguyen Coffee Supply’s Vietnamese coffee cans in Walmart, bringing Vietnamese coffee closer to becoming an everyday option in America.
💸 Hakimo founders Samuel Joseph and Sagar Honnungar raised $10.5 million in Series A funding to expand their AI-powered security technology, which monitors video feeds for threats and enhances security guard efficiency.
💸 Jonathan Tan, Co-founder and CEO of Coreshell, raised $24M to commercialize the lowest-cost, domestically sourced lithium-ion battery anode, boosting EV range by 30% and cutting costs by up to 25%.
🌟 Tania Daniel is named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2024 by Houston Woman Magazine.
🌟 ZNest Founder and CEO Bennett Kim won the Judges Award at the Senior Living 100 Leadership Conference Shark Tank, showcasing innovative AI solutions for the senior living industry.
🌟 Mark I. Lee, Founder & CEO of MarqVision, announced that MarqVision (YC S21) has been named a Leader in G2’s Grid for Brand Protection and a High Performer in the E-Commerce category.
🌟 Swift Solar, co-founded by CEO Joel Jean, has been named one of TIME’s Top GreenTech Companies in both the U.S. and the world.
🌟 Nimble, founded by CEO Simon Kalouche, has been named one of Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies for its fully autonomous fulfillment service, transforming e-commerce logistics.

A Jollibee store in Las Pinas, Metro Manila (Image source: Mdv Edwards - stock.adobe.com)

Jollibee Plans Massive Global Growth in North America 🐝

Ever wondered what Jollibee Foods’ resolution is for 2025? Over 10,000 restaurants worldwide, with a focus on North America. The company plans to invest PHP 18–21 billion (USD 312–364 million) to open 800 new restaurants. Right now, Jollibee is present in around 15 states in the U.S., with 103 stores in the U.S. and Canada, plus 266 under other brands. The expansion will rely on franchising.

In 2024, Jollibee’s net profit rose by 17.7% to PHP 10.3 billion, thanks to store growth and acquisitions. The company’s revenue is projected to increase by 8–12% in 2025. Recent acquisitions include South Korea’s Compose Coffee, Hong Kong’s Tim Ho Wan, and Taiwan’s Moon Moon, alongside stakes in U.S. brands Smashburger and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Forever 21 shop (Image source: Bloomberg)

The Story of Forever 21 and How It Introduced K-Pop Fashion to U.S. Shoppers 📨

Back in 2010, long before K-pop went global, Forever 21 was already introducing K-pop fashion to U.S. shoppers. As detailed in our Breaking Comfort Zones post, the founders (Korean immigrants) built their brand on bringing Korean trends to America. For years, this strategy captivated international customers until Chinese retailers disrupted their market with more affordable options. 

Now, with K-pop’s explosive popularity, Forever 21 is racing to capitalize on the demand. This resurgence gives Forever 21 a shot at redemption. But they’re not alone: competitors and businesses are also riding the K-pop wave to their advantage. While Forever 21 has the advantage of having its brand culture built upon this trend, only time can tell whether Forever 21 can make its successful comeback.

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📣 List Your Event for Free With Asian Heritage Week 2025!

To mark Asian Heritage Week’s second year, we are excited to announce our return to the U.S. across three cities: New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Asian Heritage Week (AHW) is an annual celebration that amplifies your events through our network, embracing and honoring the cultural heritage of Asian communities. 

To unfold the beauty and creativity of the AAPI community, we would love for event hosts to join us on this journey through three beautiful cities: 

  • New York City | April 28 – May 4

  • Los Angeles | May 5 – May 11

  • San Francisco | May 12 – May 18 

Be part of Asian Heritage Week and showcase the cultural richness of our communities. Let’s celebrate, uplift, and amplify Asian voices together!

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COMPANIES DISCOVERED

Senior Living + AI may sound like a peculiar combo. Yet, ZNest Advisors & Investors are here with a mission: keeping the seniors updated with the latest trends in AI.

Limited to only seniors? This newsletter, in fact, is open to all—whether you’re an operator, investor, or tech enthusiast.

Stay informed and subscribe here.

Bid farewell to fulfillment headaches! Hook Logistics’ team of operations experts simplifies the shipping process, making it smooth and convenient for entrepreneurs.

WORKPLACE ESSENTIALS 🌟

Stressed about office life and looking to make it more fun? Here are our editors’ weekly top picks for workplace amenities to uplift your hustle workspace.

Yadom - Your Secret Weapon for Surviving the Workday! 💨

Feeling sluggish after the 26th disapproval of your ideas? Stressed out when it’s 4:37 PM and you’re just assigned a new urgent task? Well, Yadom, the tiny but mighty inhaler from Thailand, is a must. 

While it can not solve all your tasks, at least it makes you more alert, refreshed, and ready to power through! One pump and you’ll know what Heaven smells like. 

Image Source: retirementbonus/Shutterstock.com

🕳️ When does adding more staff stop improving quality? The answer lies in the law of diminishing returns—a powerful visual that reveals the exact point where extra hands stop helping and start hurting.

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Beat the Algorithm: Top Tricks to Boost Your YouTube Video Recommendations

Understanding the technical side of YouTube is one thing—applying it is another!

Why stress over the details when AHN Solutions can handle it all? Focus on your business while we optimize your content for success.

If you want to learn more about our services, visit the AHN Solutions website at asianhustlenetwork.com/services/

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