Innovations and Celebrations
December 23, 2005
There was much to be learned, information to be shared, and issues to bring forth at a high-powered conference with Asian and worldwide overtones held in Silicon Valley’s Marriott Hotel, Dec. 9.
Led by Congressman Mike Honda with Congresswomen Nancy Pelosi and Zoe Lofgren, the conference entitled “Innovate America: A Vision for the 21st Century” was first in many ways pertaining to Asian Americans, and the nurturing of future scientists and engineers for now and in the future.
Covering subjects like technology and nanotechnology, biotechnology, alternative energy sources (e.g. hydrogen and solar), and electronics were 10 leading CEOs and distinguished professors from the West Coast’s leading industries and centers of research and development.
Mentioned numerous times was that the United States’ need to create greater expertise in technical manpower while, sadly, the U.S. immigration policy is denying highly qualified Chinese scientists and students from entering the U.S., especially since 9/11.
Thoroughly discussed was the sadly lacking education system, from K-12 and on to college level academics. The education systems of foreign countries are quickly surpassing the U.S. in producing greater numbers of highly skilled scientists and engineers.
In keeping the U.S. as the No. 1 power in the world, the following educators and panelists shared their ideas and recommendations for Congress to follow: Ko Nishimura, Ph.D., former chairman, president and CEO Solectron Corp.; Bill Wei, Ph.D, dean, College of Engineering, San Jose State Univ.; Larry Leifer, Ph.D., director, Sanford Center for Design Research; Cary Yang, Ph.D., director, Center for Nanostructures, Santa Clara Univ.; K.R. Sridhar, Ph.D., CEO, Ion America; Yi Zhang, partner, King and Wood (Intellectual Property); Ash Padwah, director of Information Services, Spartan Shops (broadband); Cheng Liu, Ph.D., president, Sino-American Pharmaceutical Assn. (Research and Development); Wu Fu Chen, founder, Cascade Communications (start-ups/angel Investing); Hsing Kung, Ph.D., chairman, Monte Jade Science and Technology (U.S.-China Cooperation).
Some of the concluding statements included suggestions for better communication between academic, industry and government; to shorten the timeline to expedite results of innovations to keep U.S. ahead; and necessary funding by private government and investors to continuously support innovations to preclude interruptions of research and development.
THE BIG GAME
Welcoming back one of their very own, a third-generation member of the Cal Alumni Association — Chinese Chapter, were members and friends attending the UC-Stanford Big Game Dinner Dance and Rally who were delighted to see and hear California State Assemblywoman Carol Liu speak and present a “Certificate of Recognition” to her former colleagues and classmates at the Silver Dragon Restaurant in Oakland.
Carol currently represents Southern California in the state Legislature, while her mom Jean Liu was former president of the Sigma Omicron Pi Sorority and her grandfather Francis Moon was one of the founding members of the Cal Alumni Association – Chinese Chapter.
HOLIDAY TREATS
Congratulations to Pam Chun, whose second novel, When Strange Gods Call, won the 2005 Ka Palapaia Po’okela Award for Excellence in Literature about Hawai‘i. The Hawaii Book Publishers’ Association, which presents the annual literary awards, said this was the most competitive year of the competition, which honors books by, for and about Hawai‘i’s people and islands.
When Strange Gods Call is about a young career woman who thinks she’s made the break from her tradition-steeped Hawaiian family from a race- and class-stratified society, weaving itself around Island upbringing. She’s living on the Mainland and has no intention of coming back until her beloved Popo falls ill and she’s drawn home for a visit that becomes a life-changing experience.
Pam Chun’s first novel, The Money Dragon, won the 2003 Ka Palapala Po’okela Award for Excellence in literature when it was released.
For holiday entertainment in the Bay Area, Corteo is a refreshing throwback to its vaudevillian roots. While much of the Cirque du Soleil experience is its masterful blend of old-school circus acts reinterpreted for the modern age with spectacular stage design, avant-garde costuming and theatrical score, Director Daniele Finze Pasca’s use of novel elements make for an engaging experience.
Have a Happy Holiday!
Comments
Got something to say?