F o r sto re lo c ati o ns : goodw i l l-s j v.o rg
THE APA LIVING TODAY
PHONE
916.747.9366
Jim Chong
EMAIL
jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com
l_imada@bggwestllc.com
ONLINE
https://issuu.com/apalivingtoday
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Terri Torres
DIRECTOR
Jim Chong
ART DIRECTOR
Layne Imada
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Layne Imada
Summer Risso
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & SOURCES
Val Acoba
Zully JF Alvarado
Mafae Yunon-Belasco
Nico Belasco
Jessie Bowen
Linda Claramo
Leslie Edman
Elite Publications
Beverly Engkabo
Ines Ruiz-Huston
Linda Norris
Tanya Parmelee
Anna Sass- HerLife
Carrie Sass - HerLife
Terri Torres
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tim Ulmer
Jim Chong
Deadline to submit newsworthy information from non-profits, charitable organizations, or other sources is the 19th of each month for the following issue. Submitting information does not guarantee it will be featured. Submit information to: jtc.publicist@gmail.com
Attn: Jim Chong
The APALT is digitally published bi-monthly by the APA Living Today. APALT does not assume responsibility for the authenticity or accuracy of news materials furnished for publication.
As we venture into yet another year coming up, I hope you are able to take some time and evaluate the basics of what needs to transpire for you to become successful this upcoming year.
With 2026 just around the corner, we can do some basics to see where we are headed going into this next era. I mentioned the word “ERA” specifically because it is interesting to note how we have really made extreme strides in terms of advancing what we are able to do.
“AI” (or artificial intelligence) has really paved the way for so many different things going into this next period of time. In only a relatively short amount of time, we are being catapulted into learning new and different things. For instance, one is able to write a book or even have a complete song generated from scratch in literally just minutes if you are seasoned in what needs to be done. Keep in mind though, that we should be aware if its implications to us as a society as a whole.
The biggest benefit we have now with AI is the ability to research and create things in record time. We should be careful in how we use it still and not be so quick to trust the results without reviewing and making sure that all the content is correct. It is still true about the age old adage “Garbage in, Garbage out.” Remember that the results are only as good as the information that is available to the various AI solutions.
There was a case where some legal summaries were generated with non-existing case references that accentuate the issues that will be introduced if we assume we can just trust everything generated by AI. Also, we should consider the implications of being able to generate videos and audio clips with the likenesses of whoever we want to replicate.
That being said, I hope that you are preparing your goals, aspirations, and definitions of success for this upcoming year taking into account what new tools and horizons are present and forthcoming. I look forward to the progress of where we are headed this next year keeping hoping that we don’t lose sight of our past and stories that are available to us and even more at our disposal with our new resources we have.
This next ERA will be an interesting one and truly an adventure. My hope is that you are able to define and design your path for the future…whose stories and lessons will help the future generations to come.
Jim T. Chong, Wok Star and Legend Maker Contact Information: jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com • (279) 999-6363
WANT
The opinions expressed by contributing writers and sources are their own and do not reflect the opinions of the newspaper’s owners, editor or staff.
Would you like to submit your event and be featured in the next The APA Living Today Events Calendar?
Email us at: jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com
Online: https://issuu.com/apalivingtoday
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
SPOTS Back Cover: $1,300 Inside Front Cover: $1,200 Inside Back Cover: $1,200
Jim T. Chong
FRIENDS OF SACRAMENTO CHINATOWN SQUARE
By Dr. Norman Fong
I am pleased to announce the formation and launch of a newly-formed non-profit entity..... “Friends of Sacramento Chinatown Square.”
For many of you that are familiar with the history and significance of this historic area, the idea or thought of “Sacramento Chinatown” should generate some questions as it applies to it’s current status.
We can start with the question, “What is Sacramento Chinatown and where is it located?”
Others may recall the Chinatown that existed in the 1940’s, 50’s, or 60’s, that once existed adjacent to what is currently referred to as “Old Sac” (before the redevelopment and the Interstate 5 freeway was constructed).
However, the Chinatown I am referring to was, and still is, the “Chinatown Mall” block of I and J streets, 4th and 5th streets.
Today, this Chinatown Mall has become obsolete and sadly forgotten. There has not been much significant activity for nearly 15 years.
Currently, the “Ping Yuen Building” and a “Thai Restaurant” are the only signs of business. The “Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center” left this geographic location back in May of this year.
The “Friends of Sacramento Chinatown Square” was created to begin the journey to “revitalize” this city block we will reference as Sacramento Chinatown Square. Our hope is that this “spark” will help fire up the passion to bring back this important historic site.
A few like-minded, civic-oriented and concerned “Sacramentans” felt it was time to do something positive for this forgotten block. Specifically, the mission was to “protect this Chinatown footprint, to preserve its history, culture, and legacy, and to project a positive image for the people of Chinese and Asian ancestry.”
To achieve this mission, we are building the concept to re-design, modify and update, as appropriate, the current Sacramento Chinatown Square buildings and its surrounding area. We hope to enhance and revitalize the community by creating an engine for economic redevelopment, generating a plan for financial sustainability and longevity all within the City of Sacramento’s master plan for growth and prosperity.
Thank you for reading the above information about our newly created entity, “Friends of Sacramento Chinatown Square.” Our FofC Board members along with three other groups, “Lao Family Community Development,” Pan-Asian Youth Coalition,” and the “1882 Foundation,” have created a coalition we have been working in conjunction with the City of Sacramento leaders.
In addition, we have engaged the “Downtown Partnership” and “Preservation Sacramento” and a host of other community groups and friends to become actively involved with our big challenge to “revitalize” the “Sac Chinatown” area!!!
We will be releasing our “Friends of Sac Chinatown” website soon to provide updated information about our organization, activities, and our progress. In addition one may sign up and become a supporting member.
We are also planning to host a fun, educational community event with food, music and entertainment, arts and cultural activities.
Dr. Norman Fong
The targeted time frame for this event is currently planned to be next year probably mid-March, 2026, in the Chinatown Square.
If you have an interest to be an active part of our cause, please contact and join us as we continue to march forward and onward to bring life back to the “Sacramento Chinatown Square!!!”
Feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions.
Norm Fong
Friends Of Sacramento Chinatown Square (916)206-5675
Vision to Victory: Crafting a Personal Plan for Success in 2026
By Dr. Jessie Bowen, 10th-Degree Black Belt, Success Coach, and Publisher at Elite Publications
Introduction: The Power of Intentional Living
As a new year approaches, individuals from all walks of life are once again presented with the opportunity to reflect, refocus, and recommit to personal and professional growth. While every January offers a symbolic fresh start, true transformation comes not from turning a page on the calendar—but from turning inward.
Success in 2026 will not occur by chance. It will result from vision-driven action. In my work as a martial arts grandmaster, author, and success coach, I have observed that the most fulfilled individuals are those who live by design—not by default. This article outlines a practical, purpose-centered roadmap for creating a year of lasting achievement, contribution, and clarity.
The Importance of Vision: Vision is far more than a motivational buzzword. It is the foundation of direction, the lens through which we interpret purpose, and the force that gives intention to our daily activities. As Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without a clear personal vision, individuals often become trapped in cycles of distraction, reactive behavior, and unfulfilled potential.
A well-articulated vision statement acts as both a compass and a commitment. It is a written declaration of who one seeks to become and what one seeks to achieve. Vision transforms vague desires into actionable plans and ultimately serves as the catalyst for personal growth and legacy building.
Step One: Reflect Before You Plan
Before setting new objectives, one must first take inventory of the past year. This process of honest evaluation is essential for meaningful goal-setting and long-term progress.
Key Reflection Questions:
• What goals did I set in 2025, and what were the outcomes?
• What patterns or habits either supported or sabotaged my progress?
• What lessons emerged through challenges and successes?
Tools for Evaluation:
• The Wheel of Life: Score satisfaction in core areas—health, finances, relationships, career, spirituality, personal growth, and recreation.
• Lessons Learned Log: Identify valuable insights from setbacks and commit to improved systems or behaviors.
Through this reflection process, clarity is born. And clarity is the fuel that powers lasting change.
Step Two: Purpose-Driven Goal Setting
Goal setting should not be reduced to a checklist of New Year’s resolutions. Instead,
goals must be specific, measurable, emotionally compelling, and aligned with one’s broader life purpose. I teach a simplified method to goal clarity using the G.O.A.L. framework:
G.O.A.L.
Methodology
• G — Get Clear: Define your desired outcomes in precise terms. Avoid vague intentions.
• O — Organize a Plan: Break larger goals into manageable steps and define timelines.
• A — Act Daily: Success is built through daily discipline, not sporadic effort.
• L — Lock In the Vision: Write, review, and visualize your goals frequently to maintain focus.
Without strategic goal setting, even the most ambitious vision lacks momentum.
Step Three: Seven Pillars of Personal Success in 2026
A balanced life is a successful life. To ensure holistic growth, goals should span multiple dimensions of human experience. Below are seven core pillars to consider when creating your personal success plan for 2026:
1. Spiritual Growth
• Establish consistent prayer, meditation, or devotional practices.
• Develop fitness goals tailored to your energy level and age.
• Incorporate martial arts, walking, strength training, or yoga into your weekly routine.
• Prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition as foundational disciplines.
3. Financial Empowerment
• Create a detailed personal budget.
• Set saving, investment, or debt reduction goals.
• Explore income-generating projects aligned with your expertise (e.g., book publishing, consulting).
4. Mental and Emotional Health
• Maintain a reflective journal or thought-tracking habit.
• Eliminate toxic habits or environments.
• Commit to self-care and boundary-setting to preserve emotional energy.
5. Relationship Enrichment
• Nurture meaningful connections through intentional time and authentic conversation.
• Seek reconciliation where healing is needed.
• Invest in mentorship—both as a student and a guide.
6. Professional Development
• Identify skill gaps and pursue relevant education or certification.
• Set a career milestone (promotion, client growth, expansion).
• Align work with deeper values and impact.
Jessie Bowen
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
7. Personal Fulfillment and Joy
• Pursue hobbies, creative projects, or experiences that bring joy.
• Schedule quarterly leisure or sabbatical days.
• Honor the importance of rest and play in a productive life.
Step Four: Writing the Vision
To reinforce your commitment, I recommend a unique exercise called the “Victory Statement.” Write a first-person narrative of your ideal life as it will be on December 31, 2026
Write as though the vision has already happened:
“I am thriving. My book is published. My health is strong. My faith is deep. I have found balance in work and relationships, and I’ve made an impact in my community.”
This process builds neural pathways of belief, creates emotional connection, and serves as a powerful motivational tool. Read your statement daily. Let it drive your decisions and strengthen your resilience.
Step Five: Building the Systems for Consistency
The most well-intentioned goals fail without structure. The bridge between inspiration and transformation is discipline.
Implement These Weekly Habits:
• Sunday Strategy Session: Review weekly wins, setbacks, and align your calendar with priorities.
• Daily Morning Routine: Begin with scripture, visualization, gratitude, and task prioritization.
• Accountability System: Partner with a mentor, friend, or mastermind group for regular check-ins.
Consistency is not perfection. It is the art of realigning after disruption—and doing so quickly.
Step Six: From Achievement to Legacy
Success should not terminate with personal gain. The ultimate goal of goal-setting is to create impact—to live a life that lifts others, documents truth, and multiplies value.
Here are three ways to turn your vision into legacy:
1. Document Your Journey: Write your story. Journals can become books. Books can become movements.
2. Serve Through Teaching: Share your life lessons with students, teams, or online
communities.
3. Give Back with Intention: Whether through financial generosity, mentoring, or volunteering—impact someone else’s vision.
Legacy is not defined by how many remember your name. It is measured by how many lives you helped transform.
Step Seven: Activate Your Plan
Do not wait for the perfect moment to begin. Progress is activated through decision—not delay.
Here are five immediate action steps:
1. Reflect on 2025 and extract wisdom.
2. Write a clear vision statement for 2026.
3. Select 1–2 goals per life pillar.
4. Design simple systems and accountability.
5. Take one action today—however small.
Victory begins with movement. And movement begins with clarity.
From Vision to Victory
2026 is a blank page—and you are the author. Whether you are seeking healing, growth, breakthrough, or new purpose, now is the time to recommit to yourself and your calling.
Let your vision anchor you. Let discipline guide you. And let faith carry you through the inevitable highs and lows.
There is no limit to what you can achieve when your actions are aligned with vision and values. You are not waiting on success—success is waiting on you.
About the Author
Dr. Jessie Bowen is a 10th-degree black belt, motivational speaker, certified success coach, and publisher of Elite Publications. He is the author of over 50 books on personal development, leadership, and martial arts. Learn more or schedule a coaching session at www.elitepublications.org.
Elite Publications
Dr. Jessie Bowen, Founder Elite Publications & AMAA
Are you ready to write your story? Contact us! For more information, visit www.ElitePublications.org or calI/text (919) 618-8075
Stocking Asian Foods for Christmas (Holiday Season): A Guide for Grocery Stores
By Winneram International
As the winter season sneaks up on us, many Asian communities across North America are getting ready to celebrate a variety of traditional holidays. From the cozy Dongzhi Festival to the lively Lunar (and Western) New Years, these celebrations bring families together for a time of connection, reflection, and—most importantly—feasting!
We’re talking dumplings that symbolize wealth, sticky rice cakes that promise longevity, and dishes that bring a sense of home to the table.
For many Asian-American families, food is the heart of these winter festivals. Whether cooking up family recipes passed down from grandma or whipping up something new with a twist, these meals mean a lot more than just filling bellies, they’re about keeping tradition alive.
Now, here’s where Asian grocery stores and Asian markets really come into play. These stores are the go-to spots, stocked with all the special ingredients families need to bring their favorite festive dishes to life. Whether it’s the perfect rice for Lunar New Year or the key spices for a heartwarming Dongzhi soup, stocking these must-have products ensures families can celebrate with the flavors they love most.
Must-Have Asian Foods for the Holiday Season
The holiday season brings a desire for more specialized products (and an increased demand for year-round staples), allowing families to recreate the beloved dishes that mark their celebrations.
To truly meet the needs of customers during the holiday season, Asian grocery stores and Asian markets should be stocked with the essential ingredients that make these festive meals possible.
From essential ingredients to special treats, here are the must-have products for your shelves this season:
Mori-Nu Tofu – Tofu may be a year-round staple, but its demand shoots up during the holidays. It’s essential for dishes like Chinese hot pot, Japanese nabe, or Korean soondubu jjigae, making tofu a must-have for holiday feasts.
Koda & Golden Crane Sweet Rice – While rice is a daily staple, it becomes even more important during holidays like Chinese New Year or Vietnamese Tet. Traditional meals like sticky rice dumplings and family-style feasts increase the demand for these high-quality rice varieties.
Golden Phoenix White Glutinous Rice & Red Cargo Rice – These rice varieties are essential for traditional holiday desserts like Chinese sticky rice cakes, Filipino suman, and Thai mango sticky rice, making them must-have ingredients for celebratory dishes.
Taokaenoi Crispy Seaweed (Various Flavors) – Popular in snacks and as garnishes, crispy seaweed in flavors like spicy, mala, and seafood is always a favorite at festive gatherings, especially in Korean or Japanese households where they might appear alongside other appetizers.
Pavilion Shao Xing Cooking Wine – This Chinese cooking wine is crucial for braises, stir-fries, and other traditional dishes such as Chinese braised pork, adding depth and flavor to holiday meals.
Ox & Palm Chunky Corned Beef – A versatile ingredient used in Filipino-style hearty stews like mechado and caldereta, this is perfect for large family gatherings during the holidays.
Ligo Sardines (Various Flavors) – With options like calamansi and sriracha, these sardines are perfect for Filipino holiday meals like tortang sardinas or Spanish-style sardine tapas served at Noche Buena (Christmas Eve celebrations).
Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce – No holiday kitchen is complete without these essentials. Both soy sauce and oyster sauce are critical for creating
SWEET & Savory
rich, savory dishes across Asian cultures, including stir-fried noodles for Chinese New Year or the Filipino dish pancit.
JuFran Banana Sauce & UFC Spaghetti Sauce – These Filipino sauces bring a unique flavor to holiday meals like Filipino-style sweet spaghetti, a classic dish served during Christmas and birthday celebrations.
SFC Fruit Soda (Plum, Calamansi, Mango, Watermelon) – For festive beverages, these fruit sodas add a fun and refreshing twist to any holiday gathering, popular in Southeast Asian celebrations or as a refreshing drink during Lunar New Year festivities.
Knorr Chicken, Beef, and Pork Bouillon Mixes – These bouillon mixes are staples for building rich, flavorful broths, which are perfect for soups and stews served at holiday feasts such as Japanese miso soup or Vietnamese pho.
Kara Coconut Milk & Coconut Cream – Essential for rich holiday dishes and desserts, Kara Coconut Milk and Cream are key ingredients for traditional recipes like Indonesian rendang, Thai curries, and Filipino bibingka (rice cakes).
Meiji Hello Panda (Caramel, Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla) – These fun treats are a hit at any gathering, particularly in Japan or during holiday gift exchanges, making them a perfect snack or addition to holiday treat baskets.
Milkita Milk Candy (Assorted Flavors) – With flavors like banana, honeydew, and strawberry, these creamy candies are often given as gifts or enjoyed as sweets during Chinese New Year and other holiday celebrations across Asia.
Koda Sweet Rice & Mochico Sweet Rice Flour – Essential for making Japanese mochi and Filipino kakanin (rice cakes), these ingredients are crucial for festive dessert preparations in holidays like New Year’s and special occasions in various Asian cultures.
Irvin’s Salted Egg Salmon Skin and Potato Chips – A unique, savory snack originating from Singapore, these chips are becoming a trendy holiday treat, perfect for adding something different to the holiday snack table.
Buenas Tapioca in Syrup & Coconut Gel – Popular in Filipino desserts like halohalo and other festive sweets, these toppings are essential for holiday treats across Southeast Asia.
How to Stand Out This Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, it’s essential for Asian grocery stores and Asian markets to not only stock key products but also present them in ways that emphasize their unique value and festive significance.
Highlighting these specialty items can differentiate your store from competitors, making it a go-to destination for holiday shoppers. Here’s how:
Festive Displays: Showcase colorful displays featuring holiday essentials like mochi rice flour, banana sauce, and corned beef alongside festive decor to draw attention and celebrate cultural dishes.
Recipe Cards: Offer free recipe cards featuring key ingredients like coconut gel, Knorr tamarind soup base, and Tao Kae Noi crispy seaweed to inspire customers to prepare traditional dishes like Filipino halo-halo or Thai tom yum soup.
Gift Sets: Offer pre-made gift sets featuring snacks like Meiji and Salted Egg Chips, perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving.
Highlight Traditions: Use signage to educate customers on the cultural significance of products, like how ShaoXing Cooking Wine and sticky rice play key roles in holiday celebrations.
In-Store Tastings: Host tastings of holiday favorites like sticky rice cakes or sardine tapas to encourage shoppers to try new products and buy them for their celebrations.
Social Media Spotlights: Promote your festive offerings through social media with cultural tips and recipes, engaging holiday shoppers with inspiration for their feasts.
The Bottom Line
With holidays like Christmas, Dongzhi, and Lunar New Year approaching, it’s essential for Asian grocery stores to stock both traditional staples and festive treats.
This season, stand out by offering the ingredients that make celebrations special.
At Winneram, we take pride in helping communities across North America stay connected to their traditions through food. By partnering with us, you’ll have shelves stocked with the authentic, high-quality Asian foods your customers need to prepare their favorite holiday dishes.
Reach out today to make sure your store is ready to meet the needs of families during this festive time.
TRAILBLAZERS
Steven Chu: The Physicist Who Dared to Change the World
By Layne Imada
Source cited: Wikipedia
When Steven Chu walks into a room, he brings with him the weight of science — not just equations and theories, but a conviction that intellect, innovation, and moral responsibility can reshape the planet’s future. A Nobel Prize-winning physicist, former U.S. Secretary of Energy, and relentless advocate for clean energy, Chu has spent a lifetime proving that science isn’t just about discovery — it’s about stewardship.
Born on February 28, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, Chu grew up in a family where education was a tradition and curiosity a given. His father, Ju-Chin Chu, was a chemical engineer with a doctorate from MIT, and his mother studied economics there as well. His extended family included engineers, biophysicists, and scholars — a lineage that valued intellect as deeply as others value legacy.
After attending Garden City High School in New York, Chu pursued both mathematics and physics at the University of Rochester, earning dual degrees in 1970. He went on to complete his Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley, under Eugene D. Commins in 1976. It was at Berkeley that his deep fascination with the precision of nature began to crystallize — a fascination that would later revolutionize atomic physics.
CATCHING LIGHT: THE BIRTH OF A BREAKTHROUGH
After a postdoctoral stint at Berkeley, Chu joined Bell Laboratories, where he conducted the research that would earn him the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics. Alongside Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and William Daniel Phillips, Chu pioneered techniques to cool and trap atoms using laser light — a method that made it possible to hold and study atoms with unprecedented accuracy.
Their work was elegant and deceptively simple: six laser beams arranged at right angles, using light itself to slow down atoms to near absolute zero. The discovery opened doors to new atomic clocks, quantum technologies, and experiments probing the very fundamentals of matter.
“It was one of those rare moments in science,” Chu would later reflect, “where nature suddenly reveals itself in a way you didn’t imagine possible.”
FROM LASERS TO LIFE SCIENCES
In 1987, Chu returned to academia as a professor at Stanford University. His intellectual restlessness led him to explore the frontiers of biological physics — using tools originally developed for atomic research to study enzymes, proteins, and DNA at the single-molecule level. He helped launch Stanford’s Bio-X program, fostering collaboration between physicists, engineers, and medical researchers.
Chu’s official portrait as United States secretary of energy, January 21, 2009
Chu lecturing
TRAILBLAZERS
Later, as director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Chu turned his focus toward one of humanity’s greatest challenges: sustainable energy. Under his leadership, the lab spearheaded research in biofuels and solar energy, launching the ambitious “Helios Project” — an initiative to harness sunlight as a renewable source for global energy.
THE SCIENTIST IN THE CABINET
When President Barack Obama appointed Steven Chu as the 12th U.S. Secretary of Energy in 2009, it was a moment of rare convergence between science and policy. Chu became the first scientist to hold the position — and the first Nobel laureate ever to serve in a U.S. Cabinet.
In Washington, he championed innovation through programs like the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) and the Energy Innovation Hubs. His tenure coincided with a push for clean energy technologies, greater efficiency, and international collaboration — including the U.S.–China Clean Energy Research Center.
But Chu’s candor occasionally drew controversy. A comment made before his appointment — that gas prices should rise to European levels to encourage conservation — resurfaced during debates over fuel policy. He later clarified his position, emphasizing his commitment to lowering energy costs while accelerating the shift to sustainable sources.
Still, Chu’s legacy at the Department of Energy was unmistakable. He modernized the nation’s approach to science-driven energy policy and used his platform to warn of the dangers of climate change, famously saying, “The Stone Age did not end because we ran out of stones; we transitioned to better solutions.”
VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Even after stepping down in 2013, Chu’s scientific imagination remained boundless. He proposed what he called a “glucose economy” — a vision of a world powered by bio-derived energy, where glucose from tropical plants could replace oil as a global commodity. He also championed reflective white rooftops to reduce global warming, comparing the effect to “taking every car in the world off the road for 11 years.”
His voice has remained influential in both scientific and environmental circles. In 2019, he was elected president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, continuing his lifelong mission to connect rigorous science with public good.
HONORS AND HUMANITY
Over the decades, Chu has accumulated a constellation of honors: membership in the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the Royal Society of London, among others. He has received numerous honorary doctorates from universities around the world — from Harvard and Yale to Amherst and Dartmouth — recognizing not only his scientific brilliance but his moral leadership.
Yet behind the laurels is a deeply human story. Chu taught himself tennis from a book in middle school, pole-vaulted with bamboo poles from a carpet store, and still enjoys cycling and swimming. He has often said that despite his Chinese heritage, he never learned the language — his parents insisted on English at home, believing it was the key to their children’s future.
SCIENCE AS A MORAL IMPERATIVE
Today, as a professor at Stanford University, Steven Chu continues to teach, research, and advocate for science-based climate solutions. His career — spanning fundamental physics, biology, government, and energy innovation — reflects a single unbroken thread: the belief that science carries an ethical obligation to serve humanity.
“Understanding the world,” he once said, “isn’t enough. We have to use that understanding to make it better.”
Chu with his medal as a Pontifical Academician, 2018
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Asian Americans & Boundary Setting Over the Holiday Season
By Yellow Chair Objective November 9, 2024 • Online Therapy
For people with loving families where everyone just somehow gets along, the holidays is usually something to look forward to that brings a smile to your face thinking about the fun, love and laughter usually shared over a table of warm, delicious food. If this resonates, this article is likely not for you.
For the rest of the population though, holiday gatherings can instead feel more nuanced, complicated, like a dreaded obligation, or even, the worst time of year. This can be especially true for Asian American families where the word “boundaries” may not mean what you think it does, and strong family cultural values encourage togetherness even if it feels forced for everyone. Asian cultures often prioritize collectivistic values over individual ones where boundaries are often blurred and personal needs dismissed. The assumption is often, “When will I see you for Thanksgiving/Christmas?” vs. “Will I see you this Thanksgiving/Christmas?”
What are boundaries and how are they different for Asian American families?
A healthy personal boundary involves setting limits for yourself with regard to your space and resources. These limits serve as guidelines that let you know when your identity and autonomy are being crossed. They help to prevent burnout and manage stress, and at the very core, they ensure your sense of safety and wellbeing in the world. If someone is touching you in a way you’re not comfortable with, your boundaries should tell you to move away. If someone is oversharing and you are feeling emotionally overloaded, your boundaries would tell you to change the conversation or cut it short. We all need some level of boundary in relationships in order to maintain mental wellness and a healthy sense of self. Put another way, boundaries are essential to all good relationships and fundamental to your health and wellbeing.
In Asian American contexts however, strong collectivist culture can sometimes create a family boundary around the members of the household instead of at the individual level. In other words, the boundary starts at the family level and not at the individual level. This can help to explain why sometimes your mom just can’t understand why you insist on doing things on your own for the holidays. It is not uncommon for people in Asian cultures to give up their own personal desires in pursuit of the best interest of the family unit. This difference in east meets west is what often creates tension
during the holidays as multigenerational, multicultural members of families face social pressure to gather.
It can be confusing to navigate your family’s expectations of you while maintaining your personal desires and staying true to how you feel about seeing them. You are probably oscillating between the tensions of how to avoid disappointing your family while also doing what you want.
So how can you navigate these tricky dynamics of the holidays ahead with grace and empowerment?
1. Start with an honest assessment of your needs:
• Reflect on your physical and mental health, are you in a good place right now? Would seeing these family members help you or hurt you?
• Think about your own boundaries and set some limits (What, where and how will you engage? What’s ok? What’s not ok?)
• Think about what you might like to do without the family pressure. Maybe you’d like to hang out with friends instead? Maybe you really need to go
away on your own? Maybe you’d just like to keep it simple and do dinner at your place with a few people that bring you joy? Cut the expectations out of your assessment and be honest with yourself about what you’d like to do. Get connected to yourself first.
2. Consider your family’s needs:
• What do your family members want from you this holiday season?
• Evaluate if there is a middle ground or compromise you can find between what they want from you and what you are able to give; for example, if dinner is what enjoy but your family wants you around all day Christmas eve and Christmas, maybe just offer to stay for dinner instead
• If there’s just no middle ground, consider if there are other ways you can make your family feel loved/appreciated even if not directly related to giving in to what they want; for example, could you send a thoughtful gift? or suggest spending another time outside the holiday season doing something they might like?
3. When you’ve identified everyone’s needs and areas of common interest, think about how you might communicate boundaries with your family.
• Know your audience: who are you speaking with? Will this person respect your limits or are they likely to invalidate, dismiss, or even manipulate?
• Be firm but respectful: you might want to practice saying your boundaries out loud in front of a trusted friend, partner or therapist. Work on vocalizing the boundary a few times and get comfortable saying it in a way that doesn’t put the receiver on defense. You do not need to over explain or make up lies to excuse yourself from unwanted gatherings. Simply offer up your plans and kindly communicate when/how you would like to engage instead.
4. Be prepared for some pushback, resistance, or guilt trips:
• It is natural for some family members to express hurt feelings like sadness, disappointment, disapproval, judgment, anger, or even manipulation when you set a boundary they are not happy with, expect this and don’t be surprised!
• Accept the fact that you cannot and do not owe them your time and need to protect yourself if time with them is not helpful this holiday season
• Handling guilt trips: do not let your family members guilt trip or manipulate you into compromising your boundaries. You are responsible for your own feelings and they are theirs. You want to be authentic in your limits and stand firm.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage boundaries during the holidays in a way that respects both your individual needs and the cultural values of your Asian American household. If you know you will have trouble with boundaries, get accountability and support from friends and other loved ones who understand your struggles as you practice getting more confident. With time and practice, you will find it easier and easier to stick up for what you want in a respectful manner. Remember, you are not responsible for managing their feelings when setting your own limits.
When you struggle with the push and pull of your own wants against your family’s expectations, remember that setting healthy boundaries with them during the holidays is your right as an individual and helps to preserve the relationship. Boundaries preserve your energy and emotional resources while being respectful and considerate of the other party’s needs. While the Asian American context presents some unique challenges to boundary setting during the holidays, you can work towards a win-win situation as best as possible with practice.
GENERATIONAL LIFESTYLES
Younger Asian Americans navigate something new to their generation: Taking up space
By DEEPTI HAJELA
Updated 9:08 PM PDT, December 16, 2024 • AP
AP Photo: John Minchillo
NEW YORK
(AP) — The chairs stay occupied at
12 Pell.
Client after client, they come through the tiny barbershop on a narrow side street in Manhattan’s Chinatown. They come for the cuts, sure. But really, they’re coming for the cool.
From New York City, from the metro area, from many states away, they’re coming for what they see on 12 Pell’s lively social media accounts, where the young, predominantly Asian American barbers offer advice to teens and men of all ages and ethnicities with humor, quips, confidence and ease — and not a hint of hesitation.
Karho Leung, 34, embodies that. A son of Chinatown and one of the founders of 12 Pell, he wanted to start a business that reflected him – his creativity, his longstanding interest in fashion and style, his desire for “building the world that I want to live in … not asking for permission.”
About as American an idea as it gets, right? The hunger to make your own path, to find your own way, make your voice heard? In some ways, Leung is a case study for the latest incarnation of this. A look at social media and pop culture shows plenty of other Asian Americans of his and younger generations doing the same — in business, in politics, in content creation, in entertainment, in life.
If the space isn’t already there, they’re determined to create it.
This hasn’t always been
the reality for many Americans
Any look at the country’s past shows that such an American reality hasn’t always belonged to everyone, including previous generations of Asian Americans. That American notion of having the freedom to stake out your own space? Oftentimes, that has meant less space for others.
Earlier generations of Asian Americans, some of whom have been here for well over a century and others whose roots trace to recent decades, have lived in Americas where their immigrant-origin communities were smaller and regarded as intrinsically, unceasingly foreign. Americas where there was little mainstream familiarity with the countries Asians and Asian Americans traced their ancestries to, where there was no Internet or social media culture that encouraged people to define their own lives.
Instead, there were stereotypes that persist to this day — of otherness, of broken-English speaking and passiveness, at times sneaky or suspicious, often eating some kind of strange, pungent food. Other iterations included nerds and geeks who could be assumed to ace the math test more readily than score the winning point in the game or being fashionable enough to offer style guidance.
But even as those stereotypes still do harm, they don’t have the same power in a country and time when many Americans now eat from a global plate; where yoga studios and henna tattoos, temples and cultural festivals are everywhere; where Asian American creators have some room to tell their own stories; and where the size, variety and geography of Asian American communities have increased dramatically in the last 20 years even as they remain a small part of the overall whole.
Those stereotypes don’t touch Leung — born in Maine and raised since childhood in Chinatown — the same way they impacted generations before him.
“It’s funny because even though I watched this type of stereotype and portrayal happen growing up, it never really resonated or hit me that that was what I was
Barbers work on their clients at 12 Pell, a local barbershop in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in New York. Clients are drawn by 12 Pell’s social media, in which the young, predominantly Asian American barbers are making a study of cool, offering consultations on style and cut, what’s fashionable and not. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
up against,” he says. “There’s a stigma that existed, but I always drove in my own lane.”
To claim space requires moving past old assumptions
Just ask Jeff Yang, 56, a writer who has spent decades chronicling Asian American communities and culture. When he’s asked if the cultural space that Leung inhabits and makes his own sounds like the world of Yang’s childhood, he laughs.
“I grew up in a world where I felt like everything about me was projected on me by other people,” Yang says. “The stories that were being told were all told by non-Asians about what I could do, who I could be, what I could look like.”
It’s not as if that world doesn’t still exist. Simran Anand, 27, was still part of just one of three South Asian families in Reading, Pennsylvania, growing up in the 2000s. She can relate, she says, to the sense earlier generations had of feeling culturally isolated in her day-to-day life when she stepped out of the family home.
But she had something they lacked — large-scale South Asian communities, like in Edison, New Jersey, where her parents went at least quarterly. A Sikh gurdwara about an hour away where she could learn about her faith. And the option, when she got to college, of choosing a school where she could join thriving South Asian student groups.
For her, it’s both-and, not either-or, a sensibility she takes to her jewelry company, BySimran, which she started a couple of years ago to create pieces that drew inspiration from South Asian designs but have been adapted to fit her sensibilities as a young American woman as well.
“I am American, but I’m also South Asian,” she says. “And I don’t have to be one or the other.”
Demetri Manabat, 23, agrees. Born and raised in Las Vegas to a Filipino father and Mexican mother, the spoken word artist readily acknowledges “it sounds like a different world” to hear his parents’ experiences growing up.
They didn’t teach him or his brothers Tagalog, one of the languages of the Philippines, or Spanish because “they grew up in a time where that was kind of frowned upon to be speaking a different language. And so they were under the assumption that that kind of perception would continue throughout my years, which it didn’t.”
“I always used to get so mad at my parents like, ‘Why don’t you teach me a language?’ And it wasn’t until recently that I was finally kind of able to grasp, it was nothing like it is now.”
A new generation emerges, with less self-consciousness
Alex Paik remembers. The 43-year-old Korean American artist came of age in a predominantly white suburb outside of Philadelphia and now lives in Los Angeles. “When I was growing up, it was like I either was not Korean enough
or too Korean” — caught between his immigrant parents’ standards and the America around him, he says. “I felt like I was trying to measure up to these always moving goalposts.”
Today, he’s intrigued watching his 11-year-old daughter. “She loves to read, and there’s so many stories now that are written by Asian American women that center Asian and Asian American girls as protagonists and I think that’s so cool,” he says. “I don’t know how it would affect your sense of self, but it must affect it somehow, so I’m really curious to see how she grows up … It’s just normal for her.”
He, Yang and others point to multiple factors that have impacted the lives of Asian Americans over time, including the demographic reality that there are more, and bigger, communities across the country largely due to the 1965 reform of immigration laws. Globalization has played a hand as well, introducing cultures to each other as the world has gotten smaller. And there’s no overstating the role of the internet and technology.
Of course, there have always been those in America’s communities of Asian descent willing to be the groundbreakers, the pioneers in politics, protest, business, entertainment and art. DJ Rekha is among them. In 1997, Rekha started Basement Bhangra, a monthly party at a Manhattan club that would last for 20 years and was the introduction for many to the beats and rhythm of Bhangra, a musical style originating in the Indian subcontinent.
“What I was thinking is not dissimilar from what anyone else who’s trying to create something is,” Rekha says. “You want to hopefully do things that feel authentic to you, that have an audience who connects with it.”
Paik thinks some of what he’s seeing in younger generations is also the natural outpouring that comes from a connection to the country that looks different to those born here than it does for immigrants.
“When you start with the assumption that you belong in a space, I feel like that changes how you approach things,” he says. “Whether or not that space actually wants you is kind of beside the point. There’s an attitude you carry, like, yeah, of course this is my house, this is my country. I grew up here.”
And that last statement — “I grew up here” — is the operative engine as new generations of Asian Americans rise and claim their own space — even if the assumptions they make about what’s possible for them could be a bit unsettling for other generations.
“Previous generations, of course, they’re going to have that kind of like ‘what is going on’ moment,” Manabat says. “I do think that is the goal, to kind of have that moment of ‘This is insane,’ but it’s everything that you kind of hoped would happen.”
In short: building the world they want to live in. And not asking for permission.
Japan’s parliament elects Sanae Takaichi as nation’s first female prime minister
By Mari Yamaguchi October 21, 2025 • Asian Weekly
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s parliament elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister Tuesday, a day after her struggling party struck a coalition deal with a new partner expected to pull her governing bloc further to the right.
Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political vacuum and wrangling since the Liberal Democratic Party’s disastrous election loss in July.
Ishiba, who lasted only one year as prime minister, resigned with his Cabinet earlier in the day, paving the way for his successor.
Takaichi won 237 votes—four more than a majority—compared to 149 won by Yoshikoko Noda, head of the largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, in the lower house, which elects the prime minister. As the results were announced, Takaichi stood up and bowed deeply.
The LDP’s alliance with the Osaka-based rightwing Japan Innovation Party, or Ishin no Kai, ensured her premiership because the opposition was not united. Takaichi’s untested alliance is still short of a majority in both houses of parliament and will need to court other opposition groups to pass any legislation—a risk that could make her government unstable and short-lived.
The two parties signed a coalition agreement on policies underscoring Takaichi’s hawkish and nationalistic views.
Their last-minute deal came after the Liberal Democrats lost its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, which has a more dovish and centrist stance. The breakup threatened a change of power for the LDP, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades.
Tackling rising prices and other economic measures is the top priority for the Takaichi government, LDP Secretary General Shunichi Suzuki told NHK public television as he apologized over the delay because of the party’s internal power struggle since the July election. He said the new coalition will cooperate with other opposition parties to quickly tackle rising prices to “live up to the expectations of the people.”
Later in the day, Takaichi, 64, will present a Cabinet with a number of allies of LDP’s most powerful kingmaker, Taro Aso, and others who backed her in the party leadership vote.
JIP will not hold ministerial posts in Takaichi’s Cabinet until his party is confident about its partnership with the LDP, Yoshimura said.
Takaichi is running on deadline, as she prepares for a major policy speech later this week, talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and regional summits. She needs to quickly tackle rising prices and while she is the first woman serving as Japan’s prime minister, she is in no rush to promote gender equality or diversity.
Takaichi is among Japanese politicians who have stonewalled measures for women’s advancement. Takaichi supports the imperial family’s male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.
A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to emulate his policies including a stronger military and economy, as well as revising Japan’s pacifist constitution. With her potentially weak grip on power, it’s unknown how much Takaichi will be able to achieve.
Also an admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi was first elected to parliament in 1993 and has served in a number of senior party and government posts, including as ministers of economic security and internal affairs, but her diplomatic background is thin.
When Komeito left the governing coalition, it cited the LDP’s lax response to slush fund scandals that led to their consecutive election defeats.
The centrist party also raised concern about Takaichi’s revisionist view of Japan’s wartime past and her regular prayers at Yasukuni Shrine despite protests from Beijing and Seoul that see the visits as lack of remorse about Japanese aggression, as well as her recent xenophobic remarks.
Takaichi has toned down her hawkish rhetoric. On Friday, she sent a religious ornament instead of going to Yasukuni.
Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)
SPONSORS
Galaxy Solution
CBM Wealth Mana gement
Herber t and Inez Yee Foundation
Thank You!
Dear Readers, Sponsors, and Partners,
As the year draws to a close, we at The APA Living Today, would like to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared and to express our sincere gratitude for your continued trust and support. The past year has been one of growth, collaboration, and renewed purpose — a testament to what can be accomplished when a community of readers, creators, and partners work together toward a common vision.
In a time when information moves faster than ever, your engagement has reminded us of why our work matters. Every story read, every feature shared, and every conversation sparked has reinforced our belief that meaningful media still has the power to inform, connect, and inspire. Whether you’re a long-time reader, a new subscriber, or a partner who has helped us expand our reach, your involvement fuels our mission to deliver journalism and storytelling that reflect the heart and diversity of the communities we serve.
This year, we were proud to produce stories that not only captured major moments but also elevated voices that too often go unheard. We deepened our coverage across [key topics or beats—e.g., arts and culture, community issues, innovation, and identity], and continued to highlight individuals and organizations making a difference in their fields. Our editorial and creative team worked tirelessly to uphold the values of accuracy, curiosity, and integrity — values that remain central to who we are as a publication.
Our achievements this year were made possible through the steadfast support of our sponsors and partners. Your collaboration has allowed us to pursue new initiatives and reach broader audiences while maintaining the editorial independence that defines our work. From innovative campaigns to community-driven projects, your partnership has been invaluable in helping us continue to tell stories
that matter. We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us and for your shared belief in the impact of thoughtful, quality media.
To our readers, your loyalty and feedback are what keep us moving forward. Each message, comment, and interaction — whether online or in person — has shaped the evolution of our publication. You remind us daily that good journalism is a dialogue, not a monologue. Your enthusiasm pushes us to be more ambitious, more creative, and more connected to the world around us.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we are energized by the opportunities that lie before us. We are investing in new platforms, strengthening our digital storytelling, and building even more avenues for collaboration and engagement. Our goal is to continue evolving with the times while staying true to our core — to inform, to inspire, and to serve as a trusted voice for our readers and partners alike.
None of this would be possible without you. Your continued confidence in our publication makes our work meaningful and sustainable. On behalf of our entire team — from our editors and writers to our designers and contributors — we thank you for being an essential part of our story.
As we enter a new year filled with promise and possibility, we look forward to deepening our partnership with you and continuing to create content that enlightens, empowers, and connects.
With our warmest regards and best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a successful year ahead.
