SAN FRANCISCO — Sybase’s John S. Chen of the East Bay will be honored with the California-Asia Business Council’s 2007 New Silk Road Award for his “outstanding contributions to business ties with Asia” on Oct. 26.
“[My] background has allowed me to view issues related to both America and Asian from a more balanced perspective,” said Chen. The Hong Kong-born exec said his background has given him a “unique insight” into Asia’s economic growth, cultures and values.
The Dublin-based chairman, CEO and president follows a line of distinguished honorees: former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, former Bechtel China Chairman Daniel Chao and “Wise Owl” of Asia business Washington SyCip.
The software executive will receive the hand-woven Laotian tapestry of silver, gold and black silk award at Cal-Asia’s annual “Asia Night” dinner and networking gala in San Francisco’s St. Regis Hotel.
Chen serves on the President’s Export Council and on the boards of the Walt Disney Company and Wells Fargo & Company. He is also a member of the Committee of 100.
“John Chen is being honored for building strong markets for American technology in China, Japan, Korea and elsewhere in Asia, and for vigorously championing the expansion of healthy U.S.-Asia commerce in Congress and in industry and policy forums,” said Brad Aris, chairman of Cal-Asia’s award committee and senior vice president of Wells Fargo HSBC Trade Bank, San Francisco.
Cal-Asia, the state’s leading nonprofit Asian business association, assists state firms of all sizes to develop or expand commercial ties with Asia.
“They’re the only business organization that is focused on greater China and Southeast Asia,” said Bill Lee, S.F. International Airport’s director of International Economic and Tourism Development. “No other organization in the United States focuses on that part of the world. This is where the greatest world growth is happening.” Lee will be emceeing the gala for the eighth time with Assembly Majority Whip Fiona Ma.
“Companies find ‘Asia Night’ an ideal way to host customers and clients, benefit from business networking, and support the seminars and activities of Cal-Asia,” said Richard Chong, chairman of Cal-Asia and managing director of Galaxaco China.
The “New Silk Road” refers to ancient trade and cultural routes between Asia and the West. Emulating that tradition on the runway will be works by Chinese hill tribeswomen, who revived ancient weaving techniques, and fashion by Asian American designers Victor Tung of Victor East West and Cybele Chang of Red Gingko.
- EVENT: ‘Asia Night’ with Cal-Asia
- DESCRIPTION: The California-Asia Business Council honors Sybase Inc. Chairman, CEO and President John S. Chen. More than 300 California executives, diplomats and friends will celebrate the cultural and
commercial ties between California and Asia with Asian-fusion cuisine, silent auction of Asian antiques, and fashions by Victor East West and Red Gingko. - DETAILS: $275-$300, Oct. 26
6 p.m., St. Regis Hotel, 25 Third Street, San Francisco - CONTACT: (510) 272-7331, Jeremy@calasia.org. For more info, calasia.org or AsiaNight.org
excelent business with California-Asia