On October 24, 2024, the Asia Society held its esteemed Asia Game Changer Awards at Cipriani in Manhattan, celebrating influential individuals from journalism, advocacy, music, film, and comedy who have strengthened global bonds with Asia. This annual event, held in collaboration with founding partner Citi, was hosted by Citi Private Bank’s Global Head, Ida Liu. Liu acknowledged the honorees, noting, “I am thrilled that Citi has been a founding sponsor of this event since its inception 11 years ago… Truly the most innovative individuals are here tonight, inspiring and motivating us to make a difference in our own communities.”
Ambassador Chan Heng Chee, Chair of the Asia Society Global Board of Trustees, introduced the Society’s new President, Dr. Kyung-wha Kang. Reflecting on Kang’s background, Chan stated, “Kyung-wha Kang brings to Asia Society a remarkable depth of experience in international diplomacy and human rights… since joining Asia Society, she has already begun charting an ambitious agenda for our organization.” In her remarks, Dr. Kang highlighted the honorees’ contributions to humanity, explaining, “Tonight’s honorees have each deepened our sense of humanity in very meaningful ways: reporting the issues of the day, making films that represent life and history, advocating for the Asian American community, elevating K-pop and Korean culture, and making people laugh.”
The night also paid tribute to Cynthia Hazen Polsky, an influential Asia Society Honorary Life Trustee. Former Asia Society Chair Henrietta Holsman Fore commemorated Polsky’s legacy, saying, “In every sense, she was the original game changer at Asia Society… a visionary who understood culture could bridge divides and transform understanding. Her wisdom shaped not only our arts programming but our entire organization.”
Honoring Christiane Amanpour, the first award recipient, Asia Society Board Vice Chair Lulu Wang recognized Amanpour’s impact on journalism. “For over four decades, Christiane Amanpour has brought us to the front lines of history… upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity,” Wang praised, acknowledging her substantial contributions to global journalism. Amanpour, moved by the recognition, pointed out, “There have been a lot of women at this podium this evening… that is a great thing.” Reflecting on the Asia Society’s mission, she added, “That has been my mission… I really wanted to tell the story of the world to Americans. The idea of [laying] the groundwork for peace and harmony and understanding is clearly needed now more than ever.”
The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), a significant force in fighting anti-Asian hate, received its Asia Game Changer Award from ABC News Nightline’s Juju Chang. Lauding the organization’s dedication, Chang said, “What’s truly inspiring is the common thread that goes through all of this… it’s a commitment to serving the most vulnerable in society.” Norman Chen, TAAF’s President, accepted the award with pride, stating, “We are Asian and we are American. We are Asian American. The narrative that we can only be one thing is false. Our shared future is something that should be celebrated.” He detailed TAAF’s achievements, including the establishment of a national anti-hate network, expansion of Asian American studies in schools, and substantial financial support for AANHPI-led initiatives across the United States, made possible with the help of corporate and private donors.
Korean music executive Bang Si-Hyuk, founder and chairman of HYBE, expressed his gratitude while addressing the importance of cultural diversity in music. Speaking in Korean, he said, “Embracing diversity not only strengthens us, it sparks our creativity.” Bang highlighted how Asia Society’s mission resonates with him, noting that their commitment to cultural uniqueness “deeply resonates with me, making it an even greater honor to be here tonight.”
Guests were treated to an energetic musical interlude featuring composer, drummer, and dhol player Sunny Jain, along with his band, Wild Wild East. Their performance combined soulful and upbeat rhythms, inviting the audience to join in a spontaneous Bhangra dance. Many attendees even took to the stage, immersing themselves in the lively music and camaraderie.
Academy Award-winning filmmakers Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin were presented with their award by producer Janet Yang, who highlighted the unique blend of artistry the couple brings to their projects. “Chai and Jimmy both in their own ways scale new heights and plug new depths in examining the human condition. It is a rare experience being in this level of absolute awe of what a couple can do,” Yang said, paying tribute to their cinematic achievements. Vasarhelyi, who grew up near the Asia Society, referred to it as “a beacon, where there are people who look like us, who have shared [stories and] backgrounds.” Chin praised their fellow honorees and recognized “unsung heroes who build bridges between cultures, many of [whom] embody the ideals of people like Asia Society founder John D. Rockefeller 3rd.”
The evening concluded with Academy Award-nominated actress Stephanie Hsu’s presentation of the award to comedian Bowen Yang. Hsu, who met Yang during their NYU days, reminisced about their early years in comedy, recalling, “Bowen was the only student stealing the show while studying pre-med… We had close to no role models to look to in this field we both sought to come up in.” She highlighted Yang’s multifaceted career as a writer, Emmy-nominated performer, and co-host of the podcast Las Culturistas, in addition to being the first Chinese American cast member on Saturday Night Live.
In his acceptance speech, Yang used humor to convey the significance of his cultural identity. Reflecting on his family’s experiences, he shared, “Growing up, whenever we would travel to other cities, we wouldn’t do any actual sightseeing because all my parents wanted to do was take us to various Chinatowns. I wanted to go to the Hard Rock Café and to where they shot Oprah. Now growing up I love them for doing that. I understand what they were doing was searching for community wherever they went.” Yang spoke earnestly about the profound connections within the Asian identity: “To be Asian is to immediately understand the expanse of all things. Being part of an identity that is so broad, you are very aware of how you are sharing the world with so many other people… One of my grandmothers had her feet bound, the other experienced atrocities by the Japanese leading up to World War II. In just two generations we have hurtled the expanse of the world… and I am the luckiest beneficiary of that journey.”
The 2024 Asia Game Changer Awards underscored the shared values and diverse contributions of individuals championing connection, inclusion, and cultural pride, reinforcing the Asia Society’s commitment to bridging global divides through artistic and social achievements.