Asian Avenue Magazine - December 2023

December 2023

Volume 18 | Issue 12

BEST OF

Readers’ Votes & Asian Avenue’s Picks

Chef Thoa Nguyen competes on Holiday Baking Championship

Kenny Nguyen joins Broomfield City Council as first Asian American

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ASIAN AVENUE - PRESIDENT’S NOTE We are excited to present you this year’s “Best of 2023” edition. After much consideration, we decided to do things a little differently this year. Instead of all the “Best of 2023” awards being voted upon by our readers, we chose seven categories to collect your votes. Then our Asian Avenue staff selected winners for an additional dozen plus categories.

The reasoning behind this is that some categories result in the same winners every year. They are certainly deserving, but this eliminates the opportunity to share about lesser known businesses in our community, who are also doing great work. Here are some that have won annually, since we started “Best of” editions in 2009.

Annie Guo VanDan, President Asian Avenue magazine Connect with us! hello@asianavemag.com @asianavemag 2024 welcomes the Year of the Dragon. We are currently looking for vendors and performers for Lunar New Year events taking place next February. Please reach out to me if you are interested.

Best Sushi: Sushi Den Best Pho: Pho Duy and Pho 95 (goes back and forth) Best Dim Sum: Star Kitchen Best Asian Supermarket: HMart in Aurora Any surprises? The seven categories selected by voters saw new businesses within them that shook things up. As a whole, this was an exciting year for us in the Denver metro area with many new Asian businesses opening up and bouncing back from the pandemic. Building upon this, we created a list of new Asian businesses that opened in 2023 that we hope you will give a try (see page 17).

We wish all of you a nice holiday season and look forward to seeing you next year!

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Celebrate our 5th anniversary by being the first to try our new drink menu

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December 2023 | President’s Note

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fresh taro, green tea

ASIAN AVENUE TEAM Publisher & Founder CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO President ANNIE GUO VANDAN Editorial Director MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ Graphic Designer/Videographer LIJIN ZHAO Web Designer JASON ZHANG Staff Writer JESSALYN LANGEVIN Staff Writer PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG

on the cover Our Best of 2023 lists recognize local businesses and organizations for their achievements and talents this past year.

IN THIS ISSUE 7

ON SCENE: CU Denver celebrates AANAPISI designation

8 9

EVENT CALENDAR ART EXHIBIT: Perfectly Imperfect: Korean Buncheong Ceramics at Denver Art Museum

10 13

FEATURE: Try pop-up holiday shopping this winter by going to local markets and community events SPOTLIGHT: Kenny Nguyen gets sworn into Broomfield City Council

Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

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December 2023 | Table of Contents

20 21 22

BEVERAGES: Holiday cocktails spreading cheer with Asian ingredients FOOD: Thoa Nguyen showcases her skills in holiday baking FOOD: Check out food and beverage gift ideas for this holiday season TAIWAN UPDATES: Time to let INTERPOL work with Taiwan for a safer world

21

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COVER STORY: Best of 2023 lists take us down reflection lane as we reminisce over our favorites of the year

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Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine.

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For more information, call 303.937.6888 or e-mail us at hello@asianavemag.com for our media kit and ad rates. Send story ideas to hello@asianavemag.com.

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CU Denver Celebrates AANAPISI Designation and Its AANHPI Community

Associate Professor Faye Caronan Photo Credit: Paul Wedlake

First University in the Rocky Mountain region to obtain federal status supporting AANHPI students The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) celebrated its new Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designation with the broader community on October 10.

The federal status is granted to institutions with at least ten percent of their undergraduates identifying as Asian Americans or Native American Pacific Islanders and who meet other Pell-eligible requirements. The universities must also demonstrate their commitment to supporting these students through sustained academic and comprehensive services.

CU Denver is the first university in Colorado, and the six-state Rocky Mountain region, to attain this designation which includes a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The status allows the university to apply for additional grant funding only available to institutions with the designation.

The event began with a Hawaiian chant by Shauna Medeiros-Tuilaepa and included cultural performances by the Philippine American Society of Colorado.

Among the speakers were: CU Denver Chancellor Michelle Marks, CU President Todd Saliman, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.

In addition, Lynx alumna Nga Vương Sandoval (’98, MCJ ’02) shared her

powerful personal story as a child refugee from Vietnam and the impact CU Denver’s quality education and diverse and inclusive environment made in her life. Today she serves as a U.S. Refugee Advisory Board Project Manager.

Jaslyn Nguyen, a student pursuing a degree in accounting at CU Denver, shared her family’s story that her parents met as students at CU Denver, and why the federal designation matters.

“We are delighted to become the only university in the Rocky Mountain region to earn this important AANAPISI designation, which will allow us to boost our student success programs,” Chancellor Marks said.

This grant money that comes with the designation will be used to boost academic programs for students on campus and across the community, increasing the visibility of AAPI learners needs as well as enhanced peer coaching and campus mental health resources.

Faye Caronan, an Associate Profes­ sor of Ethnic Studies and Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sci­ences and lead for the AANAPISI grant, presented information about the ongoing work in this area and about pilot programs already underway during the event. Among the programs: • Outreach to local high schools, which exposes diverse students to college-level courses and the transformative power of higher education

The value of AANAPISI goes beyond the designation and financial support.

As one of the most diverse universities in Colorado, CU Denver students benefit from a campus community with diverse cultures and perspectives, as they prepare for an increasingly global workforce. Creating a sense of belonging through diversity, equity and inclusion is a centerpiece of CU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan.

Supporting Denver’s Asian American and Pacific Islander students is part of the university’s mission to create an equity serving institution that makes education work for all.

“I’m a firm believer that CU Denver is committed to serving all students, especially those from traditionally underserved groups,” said Associate Vice Chancellor for DEI Sam Kim. “To me, the federal designation cements the fact that CU Denver has been working diligently to become a true equity serving institution and the funding we receive through this grant project will allow us as an institution to serve Asian American and Pacific Islander students in ways that weren’t possible before.

Jaslyn Nguyen, an accounting student at CU Denver, shared her family’s story and why the federal designation matters.

Alumna Nga Vương Sandoval spoke about the impact of CU-Denver’s education on her as a child refugee from Vietnam.

AANHPI community leaders attended the event on October 10 to celebrate the university’s AANAPISI designation.

• Academic support, leadership training, and career exploration services for CU Denver students

On Scene | Asian Avenue Magazine

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upcoming events ‘Letters of Suresh’

Runs thru Dec. 9 | 6pm to 8pm Curious Theatre Company 1080 Acoma Street, Denver Tickets: $28 to $50 Tickets are available at curioustheatre.org or by calling 303-623-0524. curioustheatre.org/event/lettersofsuresh

Curious Theatre Company continues the 26th season with Letters of Suresh

by Rajiv Joseph. Directed by Julie Rada, this production brings a quartet of souls together through a series of letters that cross oceans in search of connection.

Onstage artists include Desiree Mee Jung and Peter Trinh. Allow yourself to get swept up in the mystery, the yearning, and the beauty of this award-winning, poetic tale from a truly original storyteller. A quartet of souls are brought together through a series of letters between strangers, friends, daughters, and lovers. Sending their hopes and dreams across the oceans and years, they share a hunger for human connection.

This is a moving and engaging play of second chances.

Author Talk with Curtis Chin Saturday, Dec. 9 | 2pm to 3pm

Anythink Wright Farms 5877 E 120th Ave, Thornton Tickets: Free to attend Space is limited; registration required. events.anythinklibraries.org Meet the author! Hear about Curtis Chin’s captivating memoir, “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant.” The author talk will be moderated by local author, journalist and blogger, Gil Asakawa.

Gain insight into Chin’s personal journey and invaluable life lessons as well as the broader themes of culture, identity and universal wisdom found in unexpected places. Don’t miss this enlightening event that blends storytelling with cultural exploration. Appropriate for adults.

Chin is a writer and co-founder of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop in New York City. His new memoir is about his life story of growing up in 1980s Detroit — infusing his focus on diversity and community, and how they affected his upbringing.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

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Send community events to us at hello@asianavemag.com.

Winter Wonderland

by Lunar Liftoff

Sunday, Dec. 17 | 10am - 1pm Happy Living and Wellness 14015 E Evans Avenue, Aurora Tickets: $10 per child (adults free) cacendenver.org

Join the magical winter fun for a bouncy castle, crafts and activities, and snacks/ goodies for kids ages 8 years old and younger. Enjoy holiday treats, read books by Asian American authors, and take photos with Santa while sharing your Christmas wishes.

Organized by Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network’s Lunar Liftoff, families and kids of all ages welcome, but this event will be most fun for children under age 8.

Come for the: bounce house, toddler zone, holiday arts and crafts, photos with Santa, storytime and songs, and hot chocolate and holiday treats.

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December 2023 | Event Calendar

Denver Art Museum presents Perfectly Imperfect: Korean Buncheong Ceramics this winter The museum launches three-year collaboration with Republic of Korea, featuring exhibitions, programs and a new Fellowship of Korean art at the DAM The Denver Art Museum (DAM) proudly presents Perfectly Imperfect: Korean Buncheong Ceramics, co-organized with the National Museum of Korea (NMK), from Dec. 3, 2023, to Dec. 7, 2025. Perfectly Imperfect will be on view in the museum’s William Sharpless Jackson Jr. Gallery and the Korea Gallery on level 5 of the Martin Building and will be included in general admission.

positioned to contribute to a new era of Korean art growth and appreciation.”

Sophisticated, playful and engaging, buncheong ceramics became a quintessential Korean art form in the late 14th to 16th centuries. Elements of the buncheong style have remained relevant in modern and contemporary Korean art and have influenced other artistic expressions. Its refined and rustic aesthetic has been admired by generations of potters and artists in Korea and across the world.

Barrel-Shaped Bottle with Peony Motif, Joseon dynasty (1392–1897) Korea. 8 3/4 x 6 1/4 in. dia. Buncheong with inlaid and stamped design. Bequest of Lee Kun-Hee, 2021. National Museum of Korea © National Museum of Korea.

Perfectly Imperfect is the first of a series of planned exhibitions and programs focused on Korean art, thanks to a grant of more than $900K from the National Museum of Korea under its Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program. Curated by Hyonjeong Kim Han, Joseph de Heer Curator of Arts of Asia, and Ji Young Park, National Museum of Korea Fellow of Korean Art at the Denver Art Museum, along with curators at NMK, Perfectly Imperfect inaugurates meaningful programs, exhibitions and collaborations between the NMK and the DAM over the next three years.

“The DAM is fully committed to highlighting arts, exhibitions and programs that showcase Korea’s rich arts and culture,” Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the DAM, said.

“With the generous grant from the National Museum of Korea and our expert curatorial team, the museum is uniquely

five painters. Created and organized by the DAM in partnership with the NMK, this innovative exhibition will illustrate why this historical art form continues to resonate with Korean ceramists, as well as with other contemporary artists and viewers worldwide.

Bottle with Fish Motif, Joseon dynasty (1392–1897) Korea. 11 7/8 x 6 3/4 in. dia.

Buncheong with iron-painted design. Bequest of Lee Kun-Hee, 2021. National Museum of Korea © National Museum of Korea.

KIM Whanki, 14-XI-69#137, 1969. Oil paint on canvas; 61 5/8 x 36 3/4 x 1 5/8 in. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea collection. © Whanki Foundation-Whanki Museum. Korea/Courtesy of MMCA, Korea.

Perfectly Imperfect will feature more than 40 exquisite works of Korean buncheong ceramics from the 15th century to today, renowned for their white slip and adorned with diverse surface decorative techniques. The exhibition will also include four 20th- and 21st-century paintings as well as 16 drawings by

“The establishment of a new Korean art fellowship is a demonstration of the Denver Art Museum’s commitment to training young professionals to become experienced curators of Asian art in the world,” Han said. Ji Young Park, who joined the DAM in summer 2023, will oversee projects in collaboration with the NMK and conduct research on Korean art history during her threeyear tenure.

Subsequent projects will be a reinterpretation and reinforcement of the meaning of Korean art in Denver with contemporary artists, including Korean American artists Sammy Seung-min Lee and Jaye Rhee in 2023-2024.

The Perfectly Imperfect: Korean Buncheong Ceramics exhibit is included in the Denver Art Museum general admission and located in the Martin Building on, Level 5.

Art Exhibit | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Soap Charmers enhances every bathing experience

Pop-up retailers are a fantastic way to discover unique products and experiences. These temporary stores, often set up in vacant spaces or at community markets, allow entrepreneurs to showcase their offerings in a fresh and exciting way. Here are reasons why pop-up retailers are so popular, especially during the holidays: • Exclusivity: Pop-up stores feature limited-time collections or one-of-a-kind products, creating a sense of exclusivity for shoppers. It’s a chance to find something truly special.

• Engagement: Pop-up retailers are known for their immersive experiences. They go beyond traditional shopping by incorporating interactive elements, workshops, tastings, or live demos.

• Locally owned: These temporary storefronts or weekend markets are often filled by local businesses to gain exposure and connect with shoppers. By supporting these pop-up retailers, residents are supporting the local economy and fostering a vibrant community.

Here are three pop-up retailers in the Denver area that can be found at local markets, galleries, and holiday events.

Buying boutique soap can be a wonderful experience.

First, boutique soaps are often handcrafted in small batches, which means they receive extra attention and care during the production process, resulting in high-quality products that are made with love and precision.

They tend to use natural and premium ingredients such as essential oils, organic extracts, and nourishing oils, which can provide added benefits, and are often free from harsh chemicals and artificial additives. Plus, boutique soaps often come in unique and artistic designs, making them great for adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the bathroom or to give as gifts.

Emily Mowrer and Amber Edwards with Soap Charmers would agree! Together, the co-owners operate an online boutique soap company. Their products include a handmade collection of artisanal soaps, bath salts, and body scrubs.

The duo discovered soap making in 2020. “The pandemic inspired us to find connections with each other and stay positive with such chaos around us through all of the uncertainty that COVID brought,” said the partners.

“We found soapmaking to be a creative outlet for us both and we were getting together and just having a lot of fun.”

The pop-up retailer debuted at the Cultural Roots Night

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December 2023 | Feature

Market at History Colorado and has been at the Dragon Boat Film Festival and Asian Girls Ignite ElevAsian Night Market.

Their website, soapcharmers.com, provides detailed product descriptions and photos, allowing customers to browse their diverse selection. With price points from $8 to $20, Soap Charmers provides convenient shipping options.

“Our most popular product is lavender,” said Mowrer.

Soap Charmers prioritize using high-quality ingredients to create products that are gentle on the skin and provide a luxurious bathing experience. They offer a variety of scents and formulations to cater to different preferences and needs, including options for those with skin allergies.

When the partners are not working at their other full-time jobs or creating soaps, Edwards, who grew up in Colorado, can be found enjoying nature, either working in her garden or hiking in the Colorado mountains.

While Mowrer, who is from Durham, NC, enjoys listening to podcasts and reading books. Both love to try new restaurants and to travel, with plans to go to Mexico together and pick up some soap ingredients while there. Mowrer and Edwards envision a storefront where they can create a space devoted to soapmaking and sharing their products. In the meantime, they can be found at holiday markets around Denver this winter.

Nimbus Makes offers ceramics for every occasion Elaine Kwan of Nimbus Makes discovered the joy of ceramics during high school. “The freedom to explore and my intrinsic enjoyment of handling clay helped ignite a spark of artistic inspiration,” Kwan said.

After completing a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology in San Francisco, she embarked on a sabbatical to explore her creativity through ceramics. Her mentor, Lindsay Langsdale, encouraged her to explore the techniques used by the artistic community as she developed her own style.

“I found myself engrossed in ceramics during this time, and my passion for creating art was reignited,” she said. “I spent my waking hours learning and refining my craft. To my surprise, I began selling my pieces, which helped me realize the potential for a future creating art.”

Growing up in Colorado and observing the sunsets of the Rockies has greatly inspired her art. She also pulls inspiration from her Chinese American heritage and has expanded her technical knowledge while working with talented artists both in San Francisco and Denver.

“I’m grateful to have worked alongside so many talented artists as I started my ceramics journey,” she said.

With a practical sensibility, Kwan creates functional homewares. “I started my journey by making pieces I wanted to use myself, such as spoon rests, mugs, bowls, and plates,” said Kwan. “By opening myself up to suggestions from friends, I expanded my repertoire to different forms and styles.”

Her products include jars, matcha bowls, vases, and lamps.

She admits mugs are her favorite pieces to create because of the complexity throughout the process.

“There is a great deal of consideration that goes into determining the size, shape, and weight of the body, along with the handle that makes the piece functional as intended,” she said. “I enjoy watching folks handle my mugs at events, seeking out one that feels right, and knowing that my pieces

will be part of other people’s lives fills me with joy.”

Currently, she is exploring how to create watering bells, vessels that when submerged in water, aid in watering plants with a rainy effect. “These have pushed my creative boundaries as I’ve sought to incorporate sculptural elements inspired by pop culture brands.”

The most unique request came from one of her best friends, who requested a mug inspired by ‘Togepi’ (a wellknown Pokémon).

“There’s never a day where I lack interesting creative challenges, and I always feel like I’m improving at my craft,” Kwan said. “The best feeling as an artist is seeing a beautiful, finished piece that I’m proud of. Ceramics requires a lot of patience and attention, and the feeling that my efforts have paid off never gets old.”

When she isn’t working on her ceramic products, she is baking and cooking. She loves exploring the cultural diversity of food and sharing her creations with family and friends.

For 2024, her goals include selling more products online, meeting curious artists and entrepreneurs for collaboration, and showcasing her pieces in a café or restaurant setting.

Her next pop-up event is on December 10 at the RedLine Contemporary Art Center from 11 am to 5 pm. Sign up for her newsletter at nimbusmakes.com or follow her on Instagram @nimbusmakes for upcoming events and new products.

Support Local | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Colorado Cocoa Pod presents the real deal on chocolate

Colorado chocolatier Liane Pensack-Rinehart attended Johnson & Wales University for a degree in baking and pastry arts, after pivoting from software engineering into artisanal chocolates.

She was instantly hooked after her first course on chocolates and confections. “I absolutely loved it,” she said. “I fell in love with real chocolate, not the fake, sugar-filled, storebought ‘chocolate.”

Pensack-Rinehart credits her passions to her teacher and chef. “He would let me come in to practice more chocolate techniques, providing points on flavors,” she said.

After interning with a local chocolate shop, she was hired! With a specialized niche, she wanted to create Asian-inspired chocolates. In 2019, she opened her home-based business, Colorado Cocoa Pod. “My inspiration for flavors come from my Japanese and Chinese cultures, making chocolates that are flavorful, but not too sweet,” she said. “Chocolate is the perfect medium for me to be both creative with colors, designs, and flavors, as well as technical with the precision of tempering and flavor balancing.”

She is widely known for her chocolate bonbons—a small bite of

chocolate with a thin chocolate shell filled with an assortment of ganache, caramel, or praline).

Originally from Southern California, her Signature Zodiac Animal Bonbon Collection is a 12-piece bonbon set that represents an animal from the Chinese Zodiac. Each piece reflects the animal and uses an assortment of Asian and traditional chocolate flavors.

Colorado Cocoa Pod also offers: • lucky cat (Maneki-Neko) hot chocolate spoons • chocolate-covered Oreos, • giant peanut butter cups, • pumpkin caramel crunch bars, and • chocolate-dipped apricots.

When Pensack-Rinehart isn’t creating decadent treats, she loves to travel with her husband and explore chocolate and coffee shops. They intentionally visit boutique artisanal chocolate retailers to support the chocolate community.

In 2021, she committed to running her business full-time.

With a finished basement and an area she calls her Chocolate Lab, Pensack-Rinehart not only makes her chocolates here, but she also packs her products, posts to social media, and handles all the administrative work.

Colorado Cocoa Pod currently does not have a store front, but they offer local delivery, shipping, porch pick-up, and pop-up pick-up. This December, find them at holiday markets in Denver, Cherry Creek, Breckenridge, Parker and more!

“It doesn’t feel like work when I am making chocolate treats for others, so being able to enjoy what I do each day is how I want to live the rest of my life.”

Visit ColoradoCocoaPod.com to shop her products or see her schedule of pop-up events.

Connect on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @coloradococoapod

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December 2023 | Feature

Kenny Nguyen sworn into Broomfield City Council Nguyen becomes Colorado’s first Vietnamese American elected official and Broomfield’s first Asian American official.

On November 29, Kenny Nguyen was sworn into his new position as Broomfield’s Ward 1 Councilmember.

“I am honored to serve and represent Broomfield,” he said.

“Thank you to my friends, family, neighbors, supporters and everyone who contributed to me getting into office.”

After receiving 55% of the vote for Broomfield City Council Ward 1, he became Colorado’s first Vietnamese American elected official and Broomfield’s first Asian American official.

“Representation is very important to me and to this community. My parents were refugees from the Vietnam War; and being the son of refugees, I strive to foster a community that supports and empowers its diversity,” said Nguyen.

He is also the third youngest person to be elected to the City and County of Broomfield.

Nguyen was born and raised in Colorado to Vietnamese refugees from the Vietnam War. He graduated with a double degree in Political Science and Communication from the University of Colorado Boulder, becoming the first in his family to complete an undergraduate degree. He is currently completing his Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver.

Professionally, he has served as an AmeriCorps Service Member for the “I Have a Dream” Foundation at Boulder and as a community organizer for the Jared Polis for Governor campaign in 2018.

Dressed as “Ken” for Halloween, Kenny Nguyen shares his campaign sign ahead of the election.

Nguyen worked at the Executive Assistant to Colorado’s Lieutenant Governor, Dianne Primavera, who he considers a mentor and friend.

“Dianne Primavera inspired me to run for local office,” he said.

“And the support of my family and friends got me through it.”

Nguyen has also been involved in the city for years, serving as Secretary of the Broomfield Democrat Party and Chair of the Broomfield Boards and Arts Cultural Council. Additionally, Nguyen was the Vice Chair to the Colorado Democratic Party Asian American Pacific Islander Initiative. He also a part of Colorado’s anime and cosplay scene.

On November 8, he held a watch party as he anticipated the election results. He admits that he felt shock and pure joy when he learned he had won.

“Broomfield is a special community and has a significant AAPI population in our state. Having a watch party at an AAPI restaurant and to be a direct public face for this community is humbling and powerful for me,” Nguyen said.

His vision for Broomfield’s City and County is focused on: (1) affordability and supporting the growth of Broomfield. His plan of action is to support urban developers and promote affordable and efficient homes to better support Broomfield’s growing population; (2) inclusion and diversity. As an AAPI, his goal is for the city to be welcoming to all, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or political background; and (3) small businesses and sustainable growth. Nguyen supports the city’s rich and powerful history with small owned businesses.

Follow or connect with Kenny Nguyen on Instagram @kennynguyenco or at twitter.com/Kennyboulder.

Spotlight | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Best of 2023 READER VOTES

Over time, creating year-end lists has become a tradition. Asian Avenue readers and subscribers enjoy weighing in on the best food and restaurants of the year. When we first began our “Best of” editions in 2009, there were only a handful of options for each category. Now, we can’t keep up with all of the new Asian-owned businesses. For this year’s “Best of 2023,” we narrowed down the categories and asked our readers to vote online for their favorites.

Congrats to all of this year’s winners!

Yabby Hut

3355 S Yarrow St E-131 Lakewood, CO 80227

yabbyhut.com | @yabbyhut

Best Crawfish/ Seafood Boil Yabby Hut

Honorable Mentions Seafood Empire Crawling Crab

Yummy Hot Pot

2500 W Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80219

denveryummyhotpot.com

Best Hot Pot Yummy Hot Pot

Yuan Wonton

2878 Fairfax St. Denver, CO 80207 @yuanwonton

Best Dumplings Yuan Wonton

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December 2023 | Cover Story

Honorable Mentions Happy Dumpling Masons Dumplings

@yummyhotpotnm Honorable Mentions Aki Asian Hot Pot Old Town Hot Pot

Tí Cafê

30 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 www.ti.cafe | @ti.cafe

Honorable Mentions Moonflower Coffee Banh and Butter Bakery Cafe

Best Coffee Shop Tí Cafê

Mukja (Korean Fusion)

mukjafoodtruck.square.site | @mukjafoodtruck

Best Food Truck Mukja

Honorable Mentions Ninja Ramen Mobile Adobo Food Truck

Ramen Star

4044 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211

ramenstar.com | @ramenstardenver

Best Banh Mi Vinh Xuong Bakery

Honorable Mentions Sukiya Ramen Tokio

Best Ramen Ramen Star

Vinh Xuong Bakery

2370 W Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80223

vinhxuong.square.site | @vinhxuongbakery

Honorable Mentions New Saigon Bakery Banh Mi Station

Best of 2023 | Asian Avenue Magazine

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Best of 2023

The end of the year is a natural time for reflection. This month, Asian Avenue staff shares this list of “best” food, people, and everything else, which includes some of the mile-high area’s best kept secrets.

We celebrate the achievements of Colorado’s growing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Happy new year!

ASIAN AVENUE Staff Picks LOCAL FOOD

LOCAL PEOPLE

EVERYTHING ELSE

Asian Breakfast: Onefold (Denver) | @onefold_denver

Author: Andrea Wang

Asian Exhibit: 松風園 Shofu-en Japanese Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens

Asian Dessert: Sweet Rice Flour (Aurora Pick Up Location) @sweetriceflourllc

Burmese: Urban Burma (Aurora) @urbanburma

Catering: Zin Zin’s Burmese Cuisine @zinzinburmesecuisine

Filipino: Adobo (Denver) @adobodenver

Indian: Smoky Hill Indian Cuisine (Aurora) @smokyhillindiancuisine

Korean Fried Chicken: Dagiya (Aurora) | @dagiyaofficial Long-standing establishment: Kokoro Restaurants (since 1986) (Denver and Arvada) @kokorobowl

Pho: Jennie Pho (Westminster) @jenniephocolorado

Pop up shop: Taeko-san Takeout Gourmet mochi

@taeko_san_takeout

Schezuan: Noodles Express (Denver) Sushi: Matsumotto Sushi & Grill (Westminster) Taiwanese: Tasty Pot (Aurora) @tastypotcolorado

Thai: Lucky Noodles (Denver) @luckynoodlesdenver

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December 2023 | Cover Story

Award-winning Chinese-American children’s books author

@andreawhywang

Artist (Sculptor): Elaine Bordeaux

Received “Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World” award this year

@eabordeauxart

Chef: Long Nguyen

Vietnamese-American chef who opened two locations for Pho King Rapidos (in Avanti) and Thuy by PKR this year

@pho_king_rapidos | @thuybypkr

Elected Official: Kenny Nguyen, Broomfield City Councilmember Colorado’s first Vietnamese-American elected official

@kennynguyenco

Asian Supermarket: MMart (Aurora) Only Korean independently owned international grocery market in Colorado @denver_mmart Farm: Minoru Farm (Brighton) Multicultural Asian vegetable farm

by Jade Soto, who identifies as hapa @_minoru_farm_ Event - Long Running 48th annual Denver Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square (June) @sakurafoundation Event - New! Filipino American History Month Celebration at History Colorado (October) Colorado’s Fil-Am organizations collaborated on this first-time event

Musician: Grace Clark

Neighborhood for All Things Asian: Little Saigon Denver in Westwood @littlesaigondenverco

@grace.c.clark

Organization Making Moves Golden Lotus Foundation (Colorado Springs) Developing a botanical garden, tea house, and international cultural center goldenlotusfoundation.org

Bluegrass vocalist and guitarist, South Korean adoptee

Poet: Meta Sarmiento

Guam-born, Denver-based Filipino award-winning poet and rapper

Thespian: Peter Trinh

Organization - New! Asian Vibes in Denver Creating a community to build a braver, safer, place for all AAPI Identities @asianvibesindenver

@petertrinhartist

Performance: Japanese Arts Network’s Zotto Folklore @zottofolk | @japaneseartsnetwork

@metasarmiento

Vietnamese-American actor and writer, performing in shows across Denver

Performing Arts Group: Kalama Polynesian Dancers @kalama_polynesian_dancers

TOP New ASIAN businesses Here’s a list of news businesses that opened in 2023 that our Asian Avenue staff recommends checking out! We are loving all the diversity!

Bakery: Paris Baguette

Hot Pot: Hot Pot Spot

Bubble Tea: Die Die Must Try

Japanese Izakaya: Leezakaya

Bubble Tea Truck: Sweet Daruma

Korean BBQ (AYCE): KoBA

10601 E Garden Dr #105, Aurora, CO 80012 parisbaguette.com 25 Steele St, Denver, CO 80206 diediedenver.com | @diediedenver

sweetdaruma.com | @sweet.daruma

Chinese: MAKfam

39 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223 makfam.co | @makfamdenver

Coffee: Moonflower Coffee

4200 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204 moonflowercoffee.co | @moonflowercoffee.co

Dental Office: The Dental Bar

24272 E Prospect Ave #B, Aurora, CO 80016 thedentalbar.com | @thedentalbarco

Dessert: Bober Tea & Mochi Dough

700 Ken Pratt Blvd Suite 312, Longmont, CO 80501 mochidoughusa.com | @mochidoughlongmont

Dim Sum: Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings 3316 Tejon St #102, Denver, CO 80211 nanasdumplingsdenver.com | @nanasdimsumdenver

Dumplings: Linglon Dumpling House 2456 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222 linglon.com | @linglon_denver

Event Space: Over Flyte

3120 Uinta St #300, Denver, CO 80238 overflytedenver.com | @overflytedenver

Food Hall: CoArk Collective

15775 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80016 coarkcollective.com | @coark_collective

Hmong: The Banana Leaf

1637 Miner St, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 the-banana-leaf.com | @thebananaleaf_restaurant

13567 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80241 @hotpotspot.co 2710 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014 leezakaya.com | @leezakaya.co

1225 S Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219 aycekoba.com | ayce.koba

Korean Pub: K Pocha

2648 S Parker Rd Unit 11, Aurora, CO 80014 kpochaco.com | @kpocha_aurora

Korean Soup: Tofu Story

2060 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014 thetofustory.com | @thetofustory

Nepalese: Momo House

7729 W 92nd Ave, Westminster, CO 80021 therealmomohouse.com | @therealmomohouse

Sandwiches: CôNu’s Corner Cafe & Bánh Mì Sandwiches 4400 W 29th Ave. Denver, CO 80212 conuscorner.com | @conuscorner

Supermarket: Indorado (Indonesian Market) 16748 E Smoky Hill Rd #9E, Centennial, CO 80015 indorado.com

Sushi (Omakase): Hana Matsuri Omakase 658 S Colorado Blvd, Glendale, CO 80246 hanamatsuridenver.com | @hana.matsuri.glendale

Thai: Liang’s Thai

155 Nickel St Broomfield, CO 80020 liangsthaifood.com

Vietnamese: Sắp Sửa

2550 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206 sapsua.com | @sapsuarestaurant

Best of 2023 | Asian Avenue Magazine

17

Holiday cocktails spreading cheer with Asian ingredients and flavors

By Frank Schultz

‘Tis the season for festive sips! How about a classic eggnog with a dash of nutmeg, or maybe a peppermint mocha martini to shake things up? What flavors get you into the holiday spirit?

Overall, holiday cocktails bring together a combination of flavors, presentation, social elements, and tradition that contribute to the enjoyment and fun of the cheerful season.

Denver’s vibrant cocktail scene features festive drinks, some of which incorporate Asian and Pacific Islander flavors. This winter, explore some of the city’s popular distilleries and bars known for their craft cocktails.

Check out their seasonal menus to find unique and festive concoctions that capture the holiday joy in the Mile-High City.

ADRIFT TIKI BAR

218 S Broadway, Denver | @adriftdenver adriftbar.com Snowdrift is here! One of Denver’s best seasonal pop-up bars, here you will find colorful holiday-inspired cocktails plus a unique food menu to warm your belly. This massive holiday takeover, located at Adrift Tiki Bar, gives all of the Polynesian winter feels with towering holiday totems, powdery white snow, and an igloo beach bar.

Not to mention, the tiki bar offers fire throwing entertainment. At the top of each hour, bartenders ring a bell and blow fire across the bar. It’s great fun and sets the stage for tons of excitement in the air. Make your reservations before the bar ends on December 30.

Enjoy the following themed food and drink menu that will be sure to bring holiday fun and merriment: The Black Flag: Rum blend with Black Miso-infused Cynar, dashed with mole and umami bites.

Cranberry Mojitho-Ho-Ho: A refreshing cranberry mojito that brings a holiday twist to a rum-based classic.

Look closely for the glitter inside the shaken drink.

Ho Co-Co Gingerbread Nog: Served in a punch bowl, this offering which can serve 2-4 people, includes a blend of rums, Raspberry Liqueur, Coconut Cream, Gingerbread Syrup, lemon juice and is topped off with nutmeg and clove. For the order of two, this drink is poured in a sleigh vessel and feels like a never-ending bottom to this sweet cocktail.

Hot Buttered Prum-Pum-Pum-Pum: This Hot Buttered Cocktail is served warm with a select Rum Blend,

18

December 2023 | Beverages

Allspice Liqueur, Butter, and Cinnamon Mai Mai, What a Wonderful Thyme: This riff on the classic Mai Tai includes Homes Cay Heritage Blend, Rhum Agricole, and Walnut Orgeat, as well as Cranberry Thyme Demerara Syrup, Petite Shrubb, lime, and orange juice Tutu’s Boozy Pie: This take on a spiked blueberry cobbler features Chai-infused Whiskey, Rum, Coconut Cream, Blueberry Cobbler Syrup, and lemon.

Food Yuletide Loco Moco: House-made Gochujang-glazed Meatloaf served in a pool of scratch brown gravy with a side of white rice, drizzled in Jalapeno Serrano Cranberry sauce, topped with a fried egg and crispy shallots.

Holly Jolly Hawaiian Chili: Ground Beef, Pineapple Pulled Pork, Black and Kidney Beans, served over white rice, topped with freshly shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced jalapenos, and scallions.

Titi’s Sweet Potato Soup: Scratch-made sweet potato coconut curry soup topped with Cilantro and a dash of coconut milk.

But these options are just the specials. Their regular menu favorites include Spam Musubi, Big Island Rice Bowl, Coconut Shrimp, Pork Belly Lettuce Wrap Board, Edamame Hummus, just to name a few. It’s the best place to escape for dinner and drinks, while enjoying the island vibes.

Photo Credit: Joni Schrantz

Sesame State of Mind

DEVIATION DISTILLING 1821 Blake St #130, Denver | @deviationdistilling deviationdistilling.com Heading to downtown for happy hour? Check out Deviation Distilling in the alley of Dairy Block to sample their mixed beverages. This seasonal drink menu includes innovative house made ingredients.

Apple Spiced Tiki: With Spice Train Gin, the beverage comprises slowcooked apples, cinnamon, lemon, pineapple, falernum and all-spice dram.

Blood Orange Sour: Refreshing, tart, and tangy all at once, this libation showcases the unique and rich hue of blood oranges, topped with a dried fruit to finish it.

Mango Lassi with Pistachio-Washed: An infusion of mango puree, lime juice, cardamom bitters, and saffron rose water completes this cocktail, topped with a white foam.

Peanut Butter Old Fashioned: This mixed drink includes peanut butter washed bourbon, mocha whiskey, walnut bitters, Aztec bitters, orange bitters, and a toasted marshmallow as a bite of sweetness.

Pumpkin Chai: This beverage is blended with Deviation’s ZinFin Bourbon and Aztec Whiskey, chair, cold brew, lemon juice, pumpkin parmesan foam, nutmeg, and pumpkin cookie.

Sesame State of Mind: Made with Spice Trade Gin and infused with a house made sesame oil wash, coconut milk, in-house ginger liqueur, house made Thai chili tincture, plus cucumber makes the perfect concoction.

THE FAMILY JONES SPIRIT HOUSE 3245 Osage St, Denver | @thefamily.jones

Jones’n For A Fungi Integrating Asian ingredients into holiday cocktails can bring a unique and flavorful twist to traditional seasonal drinks. Here are some to consider adding to your next drink: Coconut: Coconut milk or coconut cream can add a creamy and tropical element to cocktails. It pairs well with fruits and spices.

Five Spice: A blend of five-spice powder can bring a warm and aromatic quality to cocktails. It’s a common spice blend in many Asian cuisines.

Ginger: Fresh ginger or ginger syrup can add warmth and a spicy kick to cocktails. It pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors.

Kumquat: Kumquats are small citrus fruits with a sweet and tangy fla-

thefamilyjones.co Located in the LoHi area, this distillery offers sophistication and elegance in its setting and craft cocktails.

Jones’n For A Fungi: With Ella Jones Bourbon, this cocktail is mixed with passionfruit, lemon, and butterfly pea float.

Tang Dynasty: Featuring Annika Jones Vodka as the main drink, this libation contains matcha cucumber syrup and lime. vor. Muddle them or use kumquat-infused syrup for a burst of citrus in cocktails.

Lychee: Lychee offers a sweet and floral flavor. Lychee syrup or puree can add a tropical and festive touch to cocktails.

Matcha: Matcha powder can be incorporated into cocktails for a vibrant green color and a mild, earthy taste.

It’s especially popular in winter for its comforting qualities.

Pandan: Pandan leaves impart a sweet and fragrant flavor. Pandan-infused syrup can add a distinctive tropical twist to cocktails.

Sake: Instead of traditional spirits, consider using sake as the base for a cocktail. Sake can bring a unique and

delicate flavor profile.

Sesame: Toasted sesame syrup can add a nutty and rich flavor to cocktails. It pairs well with darker spirits like whiskey.

Thai Basil: Thai basil can bring a unique herbal and slightly spicy note to cocktails. It works well in both sweet and savory drinks.

Yuzu: The citrus fruit has a bright and tangy flavor. Yuzu juice adds a refreshing and aromatic kick.

Experimenting with these ingredients allows you to create holiday cocktails that are not only delicious but also showcase the diverse and exciting flavors found in Asian cuisine.

Stay safe during this holiday season. Cheers! Kanpai! Salud!

Holiday Drinks | Asian Avenue Magazine

19

The new season of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship began to air last month, and Colorado’s Asian American community has been thrilled to cheer on a familiar face.Thoa Nguyen, owner of Bánh & Butter Bakery Café in Aurora, participates as a contestant on the eight-episode show. In this competition, a group of bakers display their immense baking skills, including in a challenge inspired by chocolatier Wonka.

Jesse Palmer hosts and, along with judges Carla Hall, Duff Goldman and Nancy Fuller, decides which baker wins the title of Holiday Baking Champion to take home the grand prize of $25,000.

Follow the competition on social media using #HolidayBakingChampionship or learn more about at FoodNetwork.com/HolidayBakingChampionship.

Thoa Nguyen showcases her skills in holiday baking

In this season of Holiday Baking Championship, contestant Thoa Nguyen sprinkled aspects of her Vietnamese American culture and food into the baking challenges, in order to stay true to who she is.

“For the rolls challenge, I made a milk bun instead of a cinnamon roll, which was my way of bringing in the same Asian fusion and culture I do at Bánh & Butter,” she said.

Nguyen, owner of Bánh & Butter Bakery Café, said, “Asian Americans, we live with this double identity. And in baking, how do you put yourself into something and onto the plate? I had trouble distinguishing this growing up, but I have found a middle ground of being American enough and Asian enough through Bánh & Butter.”

Since opening the cafe, which is located on East Colfax in Aurora, the Asian American community has packed her store and are now excited to cheer her on each week as new episodes air.

20

December 2023 | Food

“I see a huge support from the Asian American community, so I do want to say thank you. Asian Americans love to support and uplift each other and I feel the love,” she said.

“It meant a lot to me to represent Aurora on the show because it’s such a diverse area and I hope to help bring more people into our Aurora community to support the multicultural and Asian businesses.”

Nguyen’s favorite part of the show was becoming friends with the other contestants, some of which she still talks to every day.

“There was a lot of chemistry between the contestants. They are a huge part of my life now and will be my long time friends.”

Her proudest moment was in episode four, when she leaned into her skills and found her confidence.

“This episode was a huge turnaround as I went into it on the bottom two, but won the preheat and was top

two for the main heat,” she said.

“It showed that I was in it to win it and I was able to redeem myself.”

Activating her creative side, she felt comfortable executing the two desserts on this episode: a Mont Blanc French dessert and a whimsical Willy Wonka cake.

Nguyen has already began presenting her desserts from the show at her bakery. During Thanksgiving, she offered her Thai tea opera cake, and plans to give her customers more sneak peeks of the desserts and flavors she made on the baking show.

“For the holidays, we will offer our Christmas yule log and top selling crepe cake, made with matcha raspberry that gives it the green and red.”

Tune in to Holiday Baking Championship on Food Network on Mondays 8pm ET/PT to see how far Thoa makes it in the competition!

Follow her at @PlatedCulture and @banhbutterbakerycafe.

Photo Credit: Food Network

Food & Beverage Holiday Gift Ideas Subarashii Kudamono Asian Pear Gift Boxes

Bokksu Kawaii Gift Box

Subarashii Kudamono, the Pennsylvania-based grower of gourmet Asian Pears, is offering its unique fresh fruit gift boxes directly to consumers this holiday season. Subarashii pears are picked at the perfect moment with the intention of being delivered at peak ripeness for optimal flavor and texture. Subarashii also offers great stocking stuffer or hostess gift options: an array of Asian Pear-based products including dried fruit, spreads, and aged vinegar.

Give the cutest gift with the most adorable snacks and specialty items from Japan! The Kawaii Gift Box contains the following: • Infused White Chocolate Strawberry (4 Pieces) Sweet and sour flavors come together in this snack made with freeze-dried strawberries and soaked in white chocolate.

• Animal Donut Strawberry Rabbit - Made with almond pudding mixed into the dough, this moist donut boasts a strawberry flavor and a mini rabbit at its center.

• Amaou Strawberry Chocolate Tart (2 Pieces) - This crispy strawberry-shaped tart is baked with two layers of cream: strawberry chocolate and white chocolate.

• Jyunkissa Gummies: Pudding a la Mode - These gummies are reminiscent of a famous dessert: pudding a la mode! Chew through our two flavors of thick pudding and refreshing fruit.

See the full list of gift box items and order the box for $79.99 at bokksu.com.

Gift box options include: • Fruit du Jour: Sweet, incredibly juicy, crisp, and flavorful Asian Pears are hand-picked from the orchard’s beautiful Asian Pear trees. ($26.95-$59.95, depends on box size) • Artisan’s Choice: A singular expression of the orchard’s exclusive patented varieties of gourmet Asian Pears will be hand-selected and packed not only for you but for to share this wonderful gift. ($26.95-$59.95, depends on box size) • Exclusive Variety Gift Collection: The Asian Pear enthusiast’s dream gift--a sampler collection featuring several individual varieties of these special Asian Pears. ($39.95 for box of 7 pears) • The Chef Box: Indulge yourself with the finest ingredients from the orchard, beloved by chefs nationwide.

Box includes 3 petite Asian pears, a 375 ml bottle of aged Asian Pear vinegar, a jar of Asian Pear spread and a 3 oz. package of dried Asian Pears ($39.95)

Ku Cha Tea Holiday Blends Support local and give a gift of Ku Cha House of Tea seasonal tea blends this holiday! Rudolph the Red Nose Rooibos ($19.95 for 4oz) is a seasonal holiday blend with shiny flavors! This is a sweet and fruity, caffeine-free rooibos blend with the flavors of rich cinnamon and peach, and is grounded with the earthiness of St. Joh’s wort.

Pick up from one of their five locations: Boulder, Fort Collins, Cherry Creek North, Park Meadows, or Denver Pavillions or order at kuchatea.com.

A curated selection of hand-picked, hand-packed Asian Pear varieties including LilySan, AnaSan, EliSan, New Pear, and JunoSan, are available in beautifully-packaged gift boxes on the Subarashii Kudamono at wonderfulfruit.com.

Food | Asian Avenue Magazine

21

Time to Let INTERPOL Work with Taiwan for a Safer World From November 28 to December 1, the 91st General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) is being held in Vienna, Austria. It brings together chiefs of police and senior officials from around the world to address current and emerging threats, including the significant growth of transnational organized crime. In particular, 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the Organization, so the four-day conference is supposed to be productive and meaningful.

In the ever-more interconnected world, it is clear that close collaboration among like-minded countries is indispensable in combating cross-border crime. However, Taiwan with a population of 23.5 million is not included in the mechanism and activities of the INTERPOL due to unreasonable and unjust obstructions from China.

Without Taiwan, INTERPOL is incomplete and insecure International organizations serve as important platforms for global governance. As transnational crime flourishes, Taiwanese passports, which enjoy visa-free access to 145 countries and territories, have become prime targets.

The issue should not be underestimated.

Taiwan’s capacity to combat transnational crimes such as terrorism and human trafficking is severely hampered due to lack of access to real-time criminal intelligence shared through INTERPOL’s I-24/7 system and its stolen and lost travel documents database. Furthermore, without direct contact and connections, exchanges of intelligence are often out of date and incorrect.

Hence Taiwan’s inability to participate in associated INTERPOL meetings, activities, and training has created a significant gap in the global security and antiterrorism network. To make the global network of combating transnational crimes complete and more secure is to include like-minded partners such as Taiwan.

Taiwan is a trustworthy and reliable partner Taiwan serves as a pivotal link between Northeast and Southeast Asia and as a hub for the flow of people, goods, and capital. According to 2023 safety and crime rankings by the database website Numbeo, out of 142 countries, Taiwan ranked third for safety and had the third-lowest crime rate

of all countries evaluated—better than all other Asian countries. Additionally, the US Department of State has ranked Taiwan as a Tier 1 country for combating human trafficking among over 180 countries. Taiwan is more than willing to share these success stories with the world through INTERPOL’s platform, so as to fight cross-border crime together.

“Taiwan can help and Taiwan is helping” is not just a slogan, but a call to action. I sincerely call on U.S society to continue its staunch support of Taiwan’s meaning participation in INTERPOL as an observer. It’s time for INTERPOL to work with Taiwan for a safer world.

This article was written by Bill S.C. Huang, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver.

Jointly combating new forms of transnational crime through real-time cooperation Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people lost their jobs because of the lockdowns and have been desperately looking for financial support. The harsh reality for those traveling overseas for work, however, is that they risk falling victim to human trafficking, a new form of transnational crime that is preying on people around the world.

Fraud is a crime with a long history. It emerged in parallel with the advent of human language and the development of human civilization. In modern times, with the advancement of information and communications technology, this age-old crime is gaining new dimensions and posing an incalculable threat to global security.

As INTERPOL Secretary-General Jürgen Stock has said, the need for solid international police cooperation is more vital than ever in order to deal with new forms of transnational crime such as human trafficking and fraud.

22

December 2023 | Taiwan Update

Criminal organizations are now operating under highly organized corporate-style models that are based on sophisticated divisions of labor, information exchange, peer learning, and collusion and complicity. To combat transnational crime, law enforcement officers from around the world must unite and come together. The world should not exclude Taiwan, as this is letting criminals have their way. Instead, in line with the founding purpose of INTERPOL—to ensure and promote the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities—Taiwan’s police authorities are taking the initiative of engaging with their counterparts around the world to fight crime. Their aim is to close the gap in the global security network and work toward a safer world.

This article was written by Chou Yew-woei, Commissioner of Criminal Investigation Bureau, Republic of China (Taiwan). See the full article at asianavemag.com.

Taiwan working with the world toward a net-zero future Climate change is impacting the world at an unprecedented rate. The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continues to rise and global average temperatures have reached record highs. But it is not too late.

If we act now, we can still achieve a livable and sustainable future. Taiwan is working together with the international community toward the common goal of net-zero emissions.

It is looking for opportunities to contribute its strengths in green and other technologies.

With the world facing the threat of climate change and the challenge of supply chain restructuring, Taiwan is a reliable, secure, and trustworthy partner.

This February, President Tsai Ing-wen announced the enactment of the Climate Change Response Act, codifying the 2050 net-zero emissions goal into law. By elevating the net-zero target from a policy declaration to a legal requirement, Taiwan has demonstrated its determination to cut emissions. The government is setting up a carbon pricing mechanism and introducing financial incentives to guide businesses toward sustainable, low-carbon development. In 2022, Taiwan published its Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050 and announced 12 key strategies for net-zero transition. Based on the twin governance founda-

tions of technology research and development and climate legislation, Taiwan is stepping up energy, industrial, lifestyle, and social transition. The first phase (2023 to 2026) of the net-zero science and technology program will focus on five main development areas—sustainable and future-oriented energy sources, low-carbon and carbon reduction, negative carbon emissions, the circular economy, and humanities and social sciences. The program will promote net-zero technology research, development, and applications.

Taiwan has achieved outstanding results in energy transition. For the past 10 years, energy intensity has improved by an annual average of 2.9 percent.

According to a 2022 report published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Taiwan’s energy efficiency has risen to eighth in the world, second only to Japan in Asia. Over the last five years, Taiwan’s installed capacity of renewable energy has grown by an average of 21.9 percent each year. The global average is 9.1 percent.

This article was written by Shieu Fuh-sheng, Minister of Environment, Republic of China (Taiwan). See the full article at asianavemag.com.

Taiwan Update | Asian Avenue Magazine

23

Lunar New Year On Havana Street Sunday, February 4, 2024

Stampede | 2430 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014

Learn more at: onhavanastreet.com

Celebrate the year of the dragon with live music and performances, lion dancing, taiko drums, international cuisines, a global market, and cultural activities and education!

Presented By On Havana Street with co-hosts Asian Avenue Magazine, Bonfire Event Co, and Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.