There’s no doubt that the Asian American community is stronger than ever before and becoming more widely recognized for their contributions to the Arts, amongst other disciplines. At the frontline of community organizations for Asian Americans in Southern California is APEX; a volunteer-based organization that encourages others to do the same, as their mantra this year encourages Asian Americans to live through, “Empowering the Community. Inspiring Change.”
On Saturday Sept. 8, 2012, APEX will hold its 19th Annual APEX Awards Gala; honoring those who have made an impact on the Asian American community. The awardees include the Far East Movement for the Excellence in Arts & Entertainment, Center for the Pacific Asian Family for the Excellence in Community Service, The Gas Company for the Excellence in Corporate Leadership, and Dan Au, Vice President of Planning & Operations (OC) for the President’s Award.
In perfect timing to offset this summer’s heat wave, Aaron Takahashi and Jully Lee of Cold Tofu will be the emcees of the evening. The night which will include a dinner show, live entertainment, and special performances from singers Ryan Fleming & Israel Waahila of HaleAmanO, singer Vy Nguyen, and dancer/choreographer David Lee.
WHAT: 19th Annual APEX Awards Gala
WHEN: Saturday, September 8, 2012
6PM – VIP Reception
7PM – Awards Dinner & Show
WHERE: Sheraton Downtown Los Angeles Hotel 711 S. Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Attire: Black-tie/Formal Only
For more information on Asian Professional Exchange | APEX, please visit www.apex.org.
Yay for community event successes! The Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) held their second charity mixer and fashion show to fundraise for the 17th Annual APEX Youth Olympics – a sporting event that brings together at-risk youth from inner cities to promote leadership through team-building exercises.
Over 500 professionals in the greater Los Angeles area came together to witness the work of trail blazing Asian American designers and entrepreneurs, Stella & Jamie, Line and Dot, Ai for Ai and Carol Chen Couture.
Fashion, Food, and Networking! The Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) is hosting a Networking Mixer & Fashion Show TONIGHT, Wednesday, April 27, at J Lounge in downtown Los Angeles, CA. Continue Reading »
If your only glimpse into the entertainment industry is through the boob tube with the likes of The Hills, then you’ve missed out on the panel to the window of the real biz. And by boob tube, I’m not suggesting any part of Heidi Montag.
The Asian Professionals Exchange (APEX) hosted its Career Symposium to help members maximize their career and realize their potential at the Wilshire Grand Hotel on Saturday.
To add to the festivities, a Korean wedding reception was also taking place in the same ballroom, which is a predecessor of the Asian invasion.
I got to attend the last panel I Can’t Act, I Can’t Write, But I Want to Work in Entertainment, which was moderated byAngry Asian Man Phil Yu. The panelists were: Jamie Lai (Teddy Zee Productions),
Melissa Sun (Stan Rosenfield & Associates), David Kang (David Kang Casting)
and Nesa Khajehali (The Hub and Discovery/Hasbro Joint Venture Children’s Network).
Even though some started off in a different field; Jamie was a lawyer and David was a marine, the lure of the entertainment industry is draconian
They dispelled the notion that the entertainment industry is glamorous as they discussed the long and demanding hours that make work a way of life in the fast-paced industry.
They also highlighted that it’s all about marketing yourself and maintaining relations– getting one’s foot in the door with networking with the PIC (people in charge) and taking clients out for coffee is a must if you want to brew your career.
When asked to sell themselves with a single word: Jamie chose hardworking, Melissa chose aggressive, David chose edgy and Nessa chose authentic. Approach-approach conflict is the solution!
The Hills only realistically portrays the catty competition, which reflects Darwinism in the entertainment biz. If you want to reign supreme or at least secure yourself in the industry, then strategize.
