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Greetings 👋 

Hi there, have you checked in on someone lately?

It’s a good reminder that even small things, like checking in on someone, including people in conversations, or choosing kindness online, can go a long way.

The world already feels loud enough sometimes, so a little more empathy and thoughtfulness can really make a difference. And honestly? We could all use a little more of it these days.

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✊ Act To Change is hosting a 90-Minute Virtual Gathering for the National Day Against Bullying & Hate.

Join youth leaders, educators, advocates, and community members from across the country to honor the life and legacy of Vincent Chin. His death in 1982 became a turning point for Asian American civil rights and his story still resonates today as communities continue to fight bullying, harassment, and hate.

More than four decades later, young people are stepping up as the next generation of changemakers. This gathering brings together history, youth voice, and community action in one powerful 90-minute program.

Event Details: 

🗓️ Saturday, May 30th

⏰ 1:00 PM–2:30 PM ET (10:00 AM–11:30 AM PT)  

Why You Should Join:

1. See how Vincent Chin’s story connects to the fight against bullying today.

2. Catch "lightning talks" from youth ambassadors leading change on the ground.

3. Join a collective digital candlelight moment to honor those impacted by hate.

THIS WEEK: HEALTH & WELLNESS BRANDS

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.

Asian-Led Shows and Sports Are Dominating Screens Across the U.S.

Asian-led shows, movies and sports are pulling in bigger audiences across the U.S., according to a new report from Nielsen. The data found that content featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani and Alysa Liu drew millions of viewers, while titles like KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game became major streaming hits across multiple demographics.

The report comes as Hollywood continues facing criticism over the casting and adaptation of Asian stories in mainstream media. Nielsen said the numbers prove Asian-led entertainment is no longer a niche category but a growing force shaping mainstream culture and audience demand.

Read the full article here.

Xin Zhilei Lands Her Biggest Role Yet as Anna May Wong in New Biopic

Chinese actress Xin Zhilei has been cast as Anna May Wong in the upcoming film Sunset Boulevard: The Anna May Wong Story. Produced by Fundamental Films, the bilingual movie will follow Wong’s rise from Los Angeles to becoming one of the first Chinese American stars in Hollywood.

Wong spent the 1920s and 1930s fighting against the limited and stereotypical roles given to Asian actors in film. Xin said Wong’s strength and determination inspired her, while the producers hope the movie brings Wong’s legacy back into the spotlight.

Read the full article here.

Babymonster and Le Sserafim Set for Same-Day Concert Clash in Singapore

Babymonster is returning to Singapore on Nov. 28 for its Choom world tour concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The announcement quickly caught attention because the show lands on the same day as Le Sserafim’s upcoming Singapore stop, leaving many fans debating which concert to attend.

The overlap has also fueled online speculation about where Le Sserafim’s concert will be held since its venue has not yet been announced. The scheduling clash highlights how Singapore has become a major stop for K-pop tours, with more fans now dealing with overlapping shows, rising ticket prices, and difficult choices between top groups.

Read the full article here.

A Widely Discussed Book on Loneliness Is Now Reaching New Audiences in Chinese

First published in 2023, Let’s Talk About Loneliness by Simone Heng was born out of a difficult and deeply personal experience. After stepping away from her broadcasting career to care for her paralyzed mother, she found herself cut off from her social world, and began asking questions about why loneliness feels so heavy even when you are not physically alone.

Her book explores how loneliness can exist across all kinds of cultures, including collectivist ones. In societies where people are expected to always be surrounded by family, admitting to feeling lonely can carry a quiet stigma, and many connections built on obligation rather than genuine closeness can still leave people feeling deeply unseen.

The book is now available in Chinese under the title "Anyway, I Am Just as Lonely," bringing her message to communities where talking about loneliness is often still less visible. It will be available for readers at Xinhua, Sisyphus, and Yanijou bookstores. Overseas readers can also get the Chinese version on TaoBao.com. 

Beyond her book, Simone Heng continues her mission as a speaker, working with organizations such as Google, Meta, Harvard University, and JPMorgan to teach people how to build meaningful connections. Her work reminds us that connection is not about how many people are around you, but about how understood you feel by the ones who are.

Read the full article here.

🚀 Patricia May Siy, President and CEO of PBCOM, was recognized at the Asia’s Influential Leaders Awards 2026 for her contributions to banking excellence. Under her leadership, the bank achieved Universal Bank status and focused on innovation and sound governance to better serve the community.

🚀 KK Chiu, International Director and Chief Executive for Greater China at Cushman & Wakefield, led his firm to win six Five-Star Awards at the 2026 Asia Pacific Property Awards this May. The recognition highlights his leadership in the commercial real estate market and his commitment to exceptional service across Hong Kong and mainland China.

🚀 José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, secured a top ranking in the 2026 Extel Asia Executive Team survey for his industry-leading management. His strategic focus on ESG initiatives and transparent corporate governance has strengthened investor confidence across the Asian automotive sector.

🚀 Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), launched the 2026 PATA Annual Summit in South Korea this week. He is leading global discussions on building a resilient and sustainable future for the tourism industry as the organization celebrates its 75th anniversary.

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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