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Greetings 👋 

Hi, how was your weekend? 

It’s May, which means it’s AAPI Heritage Month; a moment to think about where we come from, what our families carried, and everything that shaped who we are today.

Whether you’re chasing something, figuring things out, or just getting through the week, you’re part of this story too.

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

Asian Heritage Week 2026 is opening its doors to vendors and media across communities, bringing together people who want to share, document, and celebrate culture in real ways.

If you’re a vendor, this is your chance to bring what you’ve built to communities that truly appreciate it. Be part of spaces that feel personal, welcoming, and connected.

If you’re in the media, step into stories as they happen. Capture the people, the energy, and the moments shaping our communities across cities.

🤝 Join us:

• New York City — May 14

• San Francisco — May 21

• Los Angeles — May 28

• Vancouver — June 4

• Melbourne — June 11

📧 Send an email to: [email protected]

THIS WEEK: SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING STUDIOS

Are you an AAPI founder ready to elevate your brand alongside trailblazers like these? Join the AHN Directory today to increase visibility, connect with partners and customers, and get featured in AHN spotlights and community events.

LISA Becomes First K-pop Artist on Met Gala Host Committee

LISA of BLACKPINK just made history as the first K-pop artist to join the Host Committee of the Met Gala 2026, happening May 5 PH time. She’ll be alongside names like Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, and Sam Smith, while Beyoncé returns as co-chair with Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams.

This is just the latest in a streak of big moments for her across different spaces. Earlier this year, she presented at the Golden Globe Awards and appeared in The White Lotus, showing how her influence keeps growing beyond music.

Read the full article here.

AANHPI Heritage Month Kicks Off With Calls to Protect Community

Grace Meng and other Democratic leaders marked the start of AANHPI Heritage Month by honoring the deep roots and impact of the community in American history. She pointed out that AANHPI presence goes back to 1587 and said this moment is about recognition especially as the country approaches its 250th year.

Leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Ted Lieu also used the moment to call for stronger action against anti-Asian hate and division. Alongside celebrating key milestones this May, they stressed that protecting AANHPI communities and preserving their history is just as important as honoring it.

Read the full article here.

Hong Kong Legends Set for Reunion After Decades in New Teddy Chan Film

Award-winning director Teddy Chan is developing 1941, a large-scale Hong Kong epic, and is calling on some of the industry’s biggest names to join the cast. Jackie Chan is backing the project, which is expected to bring together a rare mix of veteran stars and newer faces.

There is also a strong chance of a long-awaited reunion between Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao alongside Chan, marking their first film together in nearly four decades. If confirmed, it would be a major moment for fans of classic Hong Kong action cinema.

Read the full article here.

How Brett Bolton and Kayden Beasley Turned Adversity Into Triumph at the 2026 Paralympics

Brett Bolton and Kayden Beasley, both born in China and adopted into the United States, turned personal challenges into powerful success stories. At the 2026 Winter Paralympics, they helped lead Team USA to a gold medal, marking a full-circle moment in their journeys.

Bolton, born with a congenital limb difference, developed resilience early and carried it onto the ice as a rookie forward. His determination played a key role in securing gold, showing how adversity shaped his rise to the top.

Beasley also navigated identity and growth through sport, using discipline to build confidence and strength. His clutch goal in the final sealed Team USA’s victory, turning years of hard work into a defining moment.

Beyond the medal, their stories represent more than athletic success. They highlight the importance of visibility and redefine what strength and achievement look like for underrepresented communities.

Read the full article here.

🚀 Sega Cheng, Co-Founder and Chairman of iKala, launched the "AI Brain" project to help Taiwan play a bigger role in the global AI market. He is moving the company away from just building software for others and is instead creating their own AI tools that help businesses automate their work and manage data better.

🚀 Edge Angeles, the entrepreneur behind AgriConnect, recently won the KisLap Social Enterprise Grant. He is helping small farmers by using tech that spots weather risks early, which gives them a better chance at saving their crops and making a steady living.

🚀 Dominic McDonald, CEO of ULAP Networks, just finished a huge expansion that turned his startup into a global player in the tech world. He is focused on building more secure and reliable internet and phone systems for businesses across Southeast Asia.

🚀 Alyssa Marie Chan, founder of Sibol Creamery, won a major award for her work in sustainable food. She created a way to make dairy-free ice cream and milk using rice, which helps local farmers earn more while giving people a healthier, plant-based dessert option.

 A Smarter Way to Payroll: What Employers Should Know Before Going Paperless

Moving to paperless payroll can save you a lot of time and clutter, but it’s important to make sure you’re following the rules in your state to keep things running smoothly.

What You Need to Know

• Easy Access:  Most states require that employees can easily view and print their pay stubs for free.

• The Right to Choose: You often need an employee’s consent to go digital, and they usually have the right to opt back into paper at any time.

• State Rules: In places like California, Colorado, and Washington, you must provide physical copies if requested.

• Handling Opt-Outs: If an employee chooses paper, you must have a physical statement ready for them on payday.

Why It’s Worth It

1. Anytime Access: You and your team can check payroll info securely 24/7 from anywhere.

2. Fast Reporting: No more digging through files; you can pull up the data you need in seconds.

3. Better Security: Digital platforms are much safer than sensitive info sitting in a filing cabinet.

4. Flexible Options: There are even paperless ways to pay employees who don't have traditional bank accounts.

Rules vary depending on where your employees are located. To make sure you're covered, check your local laws or reach out to an ADP specialist to see which paperless options work best for your business.

Unlock Payroll Tax Benefits and Savings With ADP’s SMB Solutions

Managing payroll, HR, and tax compliance requires time, accuracy, and constant attention to changing regulations. For many small and mid-sized businesses, these responsibilities can take focus away from strategic growth.

Through our partnership with ADP, SMB leaders gain access to reliable, cloud-based payroll and human capital management solutions designed to simplify operations while maximizing cash flow. 

How ADP supports your growth:

• AI-Enhanced Payroll: Reduce errors and late penalties with automated filings and AI-powered error detection that flags discrepancies before you pay.

• Maximum Tax Credit Recovery: ADP’s specialists use your payroll data to uncover valuable incentives—including R&D credits (now with expanded eligibility) and Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC).

• Built-In Compliance: Stay ahead of 2026 regulatory shifts, including new retirement plan mandates and updated wage bases, with automated system updates.

• Scalable HR Infrastructure: From your first hire to your 500th, access integrated tools for recruitment, benefits administration, and 24/7 HR advisory support.

Strategic payroll management is a reinvestment in your business. Fill out our form to connect with an ADP specialist for a personalized review of your current payroll process or review of potential payroll tax savings.

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