Dear Members and Friends,

September and October are filled with opportunities to connect, learn and grow with the Asian Chamber—and I encourage you to take advantage of them.

First, we’re heading to Dallas/Fort Worth September 23–25, and we want you to join us! Our DFW Trade Mission will connect our delegation with regional economic development leaders, businesses and government representatives while providing access to Taiwan Expo USA. From meetings and site visits to new relationships and potential business opportunities, this is your chance to take your network beyond Houston. Space is limited, so please contact Barbara Joe at bjoe@asianchamber-hou.org if you’re interested in joining the delegation.

I also strongly encourage our entrepreneurs, emerging leaders and business professionals to apply for our 9th Annual Executive Business Program, beginning October 6. This four-week program provides practical instruction in strategic planning, AI and technology, marketing, federal contracting, business lending, employment law and more—all while helping you build relationships with other professionals. Your $600 registration also includes a $150 voucher toward an annual Asian Chamber membership.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to invest in yourself or your business, this is it. We want to see a strong class this year, and there is still time to apply.

There’s even more ahead. In this issue, you’ll find details about our upcoming Business Conference, Expo and Rising 10 Awards, our annual celebration of more than 36 years of impact, and exciting partner events bringing AAPI business leaders from across the country to Houston. We’re also highlighting the Fort Bend Regional Partnership’s community survey and, as part of our America 250 series, celebrating the impact of Asian American artists and the important work of Asia Society Texas.

The value of the Asian Chamber comes from participation.

Attend an event.

Join a trade mission.

Enroll in a program.

Make a connection.

And if you’re not yet a member, we invite you to join us. There are opportunities waiting—and we hope to see you there.

Warm regards,

Fan Chen

Chair

Asian Chamber of Commerce

The celebration of Asian-owned businesses continues with one of the Asian Chamber Foundation’s biggest business events of the year.

The 2026 Annual Asian Chamber Business Conference, Expo and Rising 10 Awards takes place Friday, October 2, at the Omni Houston Hotel. The day is designed to connect entrepreneurs with information, resources and—most importantly—other people who can help them grow.

8:30 a.m. – Registration

9:00 a.m. – Business Conference — FREE

11:45 a.m. – Business Luncheon & Rising 10 Awards — Ticketed Event

1:30 p.m. – Expo, Marketplace & Matchmaking with 50+ exhibitors

Industry leaders will share insights on topics including:

●    Artificial Intelligence

●    Business Resiliency

●    Economic Outlook

●    Government Laws Related to Your Business

●    Growth and Expansion

●    Technology

Participants will also have opportunities to learn how to do business with corporations and government agencies, broaden their professional networks and connect with business owners, Chamber representatives and resource partners.

The luncheon will recognize the Rising 10—the region’s 10 fastest-growing Asian-owned businesses.

Partners include the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, SBDC, U.S. Department of Labor and City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity.

October 2 is only a few weeks away. Register now, become an exhibitor or explore sponsorship opportunities—and make sure your business is represented in the room.

The connections we create throughout the year come together for one of our community’s signature celebrations.

Join the Asian Chamber of Commerce and Asian Chamber Foundation as we celebrate more than 36 years of serving the Greater Houston area at our annual Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards.

Together, the Chamber and Foundation strengthen and uplift our community through education, economic opportunity and workforce development. Through scholarships and programs that help businesses grow, we invest in both the next generation of leaders and the entrepreneurs driving our regional economy.

The evening will bring together business and community leaders while recognizing individuals and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to the Asian business community.

5:30 p.m. – Registration

6:00 p.m. – Cocktail Hour

7:00 p.m. – Awards Program

Awards include:

Entrepreneur of the Year

Enterprise of the Year

Corporate Champion Award

Community Ambassador Award

Attire: Black Tie Optional

Honorees and featured speakers are coming soon. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Become a 2026 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards sponsor or contact the Asian Chamber office at 713-782-7222 or info@asianchamber-hou.org.

The Chamber’s calendar isn’t the only one filling up. Our partners are bringing two major national events to Houston next week, creating even more opportunities to connect with AAPI entrepreneurs and business leaders.

On Friday, September 18, the 2026 National ACE Annual Conference comes to The Westin Galleria Houston.

Connect with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and other trailblazing small business leaders from across the country for a day of insightful sessions, networking and innovation. Register today!

Conference: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Gala: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The very next day, the Chamber’s valued partner ACE NextGen brings UNITY 2026 to Houston Community College’s West Loop Campus. Designed for emerging entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders, UNITY brings together more than 200 AAPI business professionals for a weekend of connection, learning and opportunity.

The conference features expert panels, interactive workshops, breakout sessions and valuable networking designed to help attendees build relationships and take their businesses to the next level. Throughout the weekend, attendees can also experience the AAPI Business Showcase, along with breakfast, lunch, refreshments, an evening cocktail reception and a curated gift bag.

And the experience doesn’t end with the main conference programming. Sunday offers even more ways to connect, recharge and experience Houston.

☀️ Sunday Add-On Experiences

🧘 The Morning Pause: Meditate, Move, and Make It Meaningful

8:45–10:00 AM

Ease into Sunday with a light breakfast, chair yoga, meditation and meaningful reflection led by Kuriko Wong.

🚀 The Asian-American Advantage in Entrepreneurship & Success

10:15–11:45 AM

Join Joon S. Han for an engaging workshop exploring five areas of Asian-American entrepreneurial advantage, with practical strategies participants can put to work in their own businesses and careers.

🔥 Smokin’ Hot Lunch

12:00–2:00 PM

Continue the conversations over a BBQ buffet at Blood Bros. BBQ, known for putting a distinctive spin on Texas barbecue with Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean influences.

🌏 Gandhi District & South Asian Tour

2:30–4:30 PM

Close out the weekend by exploring Houston’s vibrant South Asian community, with stops at a local market, Indian bakery and dress shop.

It all begins next week, so now is the time to make your plans. Whether you want to grow your business, expand your network, learn from accomplished business leaders or simply make new connections, Houston is the place to be September 18–20.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect and experience UNITY. Register today.

Strong business communities depend on strong communities—and listening is an important part of building both.

The Asian Chamber is proud to support our community partner, the Fort Bend Regional Partnership, in sharing the Pathways to Prosperity Community Survey.

The survey is designed to better understand the needs, opportunities, experiences and resource gaps within Fort Bend County’s immigrant community. Feedback will help guide future programs, partnerships, resources and advocacy efforts.

You are eligible to participate if you:

●    Are 18 years of age or older

●    Were born outside the United States

●    Currently live in Fort Bend County

Surveys are available in English, Spanish and Mandarin.

If you are eligible, please take a few minutes to participate. We also encourage members and community partners to share the survey with friends, family members, colleagues and neighbors throughout Fort Bend County.

Every voice can help build stronger pathways to opportunity and prosperity.

As the United States commemorates 250 years of history, the Asian Chamber of Commerce celebrates the Asian American artists and cultural institutions that have helped shape America’s creative identity.

Asian American artists have made lasting contributions across painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, performance and contemporary media. Pioneers such as Chiura Obata, Isamu Noguchi and I. M. Pei, along with later generations including Nam June Paik, Maya Lin, Hung Liu, Roger Shimomura, Do Ho Suh and Tseng Kwong Chi, have brought new perspectives to American art while exploring history, identity, migration and culture.

Photo courtesy of Asia Society Texas

Connecting Houston to Asia and the World

Here in Houston, Asia Society Texas continues that legacy by ensuring Asian and Asian American art, culture and ideas remain an important part of our community’s story.

Spanning arts, business, culture, education and policy, Asia Society Texas creates opportunities for Houstonians to experience the extraordinary diversity of Asia and Asian American communities. Its programs use art, dialogue and ideas to encourage understanding, celebrate cultural heritage and demonstrate how interconnected Houston is with Asia and the wider world.

Its home in Houston’s Museum District is itself a work of art. Designed by internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, the Asia Society Texas Center serves as a gathering place where people from different backgrounds can connect through exhibitions, performances, educational programs, conversations and community events.

Its visual arts programming introduces Houston audiences to traditional and contemporary perspectives from Asia and the Asian diaspora, while educational, business and policy programs connect culture with issues shaping Houston and the world today.

In one of America’s most diverse cities—and a major international center for business and trade—that mission is especially meaningful.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, institutions like Asia Society Texas remind us that the American story is strengthened by the many cultures that have contributed to it.

Asian and Asian American artists, entrepreneurs, leaders and communities are not simply part of America’s history—they are helping shape its next 250 years.

Diamond Corporate Member