ASIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VISITS TAIWAN WITH INTERNATIONAL TRADE DELEGATION
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larence Low, President and CEO of the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) recently participated in the 5+2 Innovative Industry Delegation to the Republic of China (Taiwan). Hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan, community and business leaders from various US cities traveled to the cities of Taipei, Taoyuan and Kaohsiung and met companies such as Gogoro (renewable energy), Asia Silicon Valley Development Agency (IT), Yeshealth iFarm (vertical farming), TOPPER SUN Energy Technology Co. (solar panels), and CHO and Sinew Pharma (pharmacology development). The delegation was received by Deputy Director General, Douglas Hsu, Department of North American Affairs, MOFA, Hon. Tang Feng, Minister without Portfolio, Executive Yuan, Legislator Wan-Ju Yu and Mayor Wen-tsan Cheng, City of Taoyuan. Under Taiwan President Tsai’s leadership, Taiwan is embarking on ambitious and progressive initiatives to market its emerging technologies to neighboring countries and abroad. ACC commends the representative companies’ energy and vision to increase international economic development opportunities for their country and citizens.
Electric scooters from Gogoro
Organic produce from Yeshealth iFarm
A journey of hope
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By Stacey Shigaya
n Feb. 11, the deep snowfall melted as the sun peaked out of the clouds, making way for a warm discussion of change, adjustment and inclusion from an extraordinary family. “Living In Hope: A Mother and Her Transgender Son’s Journey,” presented by Sakura Foundation, featured Marsha and Aiden Aizumi and their journey of unconditional love and acceptance as Aiden transitioned from female to male at age 20. Their circumstances have organically resulted in a life of activism to support transgender individuals and their families and build understanding, tolerance and empathy within the hearts of community members. Listening to Marsha read from her book and seeing her with Aiden – smiling, teary, joyful – emphasized the similar qualities that all families have, regardless of the issues they encounter. Two Spirits, One Heart, authored by Marsha and Aiden, is available at www.amazon.com and is highly recommended
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March 2018 | On Scene
reading, regardless of one’s connection with the LGBTQ community. Among the many gifts that have resulted from Marsha and Aiden’s journey are compassion, courage, patience, gratitude, pride, honesty and, most of all, love. Marsha continues her activism as a newly appointed member to the Biden Foundation’s LGBTQ Equality Advisory Council (www.bidenfoundation.org). Aiden will graduate from the University of La Verne this semester with a master’s degree in education. He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with his wife Mary and their furbaby, Kuma. As with all families, the Aizumi’s continue to experience happy times, challenges and joy as they navigate their lives, share their story and spread the message of inclusion and acceptance around the country. We are deeply grateful to Marsha and Aiden for the tremendous work they do and their dedication to the Denver Japanese American and LGBTQ communities.