Third Annual Gold House Gold Gala Celebrates Asian Pacific Icons with Star-Studded Event in Los Angeles

The third annual Gold House Gold Gala took place at The Music Center in Los Angeles on May 11, earning its reputation as the “Asian Met Gala.” This notable event honors icons and trailblazers from the Asian and Pacific Islander communities across various industries.

The evening was a memorable celebration of the most impactful Asian Pacific leaders featured on Gold House’s ‘A100’ list, recognizing their achievements over the past year. The gala was hosted by Bing Chen, co-founder and CEO of Gold House.

Among the prestigious honorees were Lucy Liu, Bang Si-hyuk (noted for launching BTS among others), Padma Lakshmi, and Karan Johar, who received the Gold Legend Awards. Other notable figures, such as Saweetie, Cynthia Erivo, and Hoa Xuande, were also acknowledged for their contributions.

Rohini Iyer, head of Hindi film PR at Raindrop Media, made a notable appearance on the gold carpet. She was one of the few Indian entrepreneurs invited to the exclusive event, fresh from her high-profile appearances at prestigious New York events. The gala also saw attendance from major icons and emerging talents from Hollywood and Asia, including Michelle Yeoh, Ok Taecyeon, Miky Lee (vice-chair of CJ Group and producer of the Oscar-winning film Parasite), Lilly Singh, Jay Shetty, Maithreyi Ramakrishnan, Darren Barnet, Halsey, Avantika, Poorna Jagannathan, Rupi Kaur, and Bela Bajaria.

Forbes highlighted the expansive reach of Gold House, stating, “Gold House has always been cross-industry, cross-generational, and cross-continental. However, our roots are in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Our flagship events like the Gold Gala increasingly reflect our expansion to be even more inclusive of various industries and communities. We know it takes several industries to rebalance true socioeconomic opportunities, and we are here to welcome, partner with, and invest in those who have been doing remarkable work in their own fields,” shared Bing Chen.

Chen further elaborated, “The amount of heart layered in every detail is endless; nothing went untouched. Our priority is not just to continue delivering the seminal Asian Pacific gathering but to create a seminal cultural gathering that moves and ignites with every step. Every element of the Gold Gala is inspired by an experience or identity of our community: from my personal favorites of honoring Hello Kitty (and having her on the carpet) to the Michelin South Indian cuisine from Semma’s Vijay Kumar and Padma Lakshmi, to the first time the 2022 Gold Olympians will be recognized for their reclamation, to having Saweetie perform just days before she releases her first single in years, to opening the Billboard Founders Party dance floor with RuPaul’s Drag Race’s recent winner Nymphia Wind and Steve Aoki, to the karaoke room and late night Panda bites. It is heart over hand to every corner of this Golden New World.”

This year’s Gold Gala continued to build on its legacy of honoring significant contributions and achievements from the Asian Pacific community. Lucy Liu, a celebrated actress and advocate, received accolades alongside Bang Si-hyuk, the mastermind behind BTS, who has revolutionized the music industry. Padma Lakshmi, known for her culinary prowess and advocacy, and Karan Johar, a film industry titan, were also honored, receiving widespread applause.

The presence of prominent figures such as Saweetie and Cynthia Erivo added to the evening’s prestige. Hoa Xuande, recognized for his work in entertainment, further highlighted the diverse talent celebrated at the gala.

Rohini Iyer’s presence underscored the global reach of the event, as she represented a significant figure from the Indian entertainment industry. Her inclusion among the attendees emphasized the gala’s inclusivity and recognition of diverse entrepreneurial contributions.

The Gold Gala’s guest list featured a mix of established stars and emerging talent. Michelle Yeoh, an acclaimed actress known for her work in both Hollywood and Asian cinema, graced the event. Ok Taecyeon, a South Korean actor and singer, represented the growing influence of K-pop and Korean entertainment on the global stage. Miky Lee, a notable figure in the entertainment industry, highlighted the evening’s star power.

Other influential attendees included Lilly Singh, a renowned comedian and content creator, Jay Shetty, a motivational speaker and author, and Maithreyi Ramakrishnan, a rising star in Hollywood. Darren Barnet, known for his roles in popular series, Halsey, a chart-topping musician, Avantika, a young actress, Poorna Jagannathan, an accomplished actress, Rupi Kaur, a celebrated poet, and Bela Bajaria, a significant figure in the entertainment industry, also attended the gala.

Gold House CEO Bing Chen emphasized the event’s commitment to inclusivity and cross-industry representation. “Gold House has always been cross-industry, cross-generational, and cross-continental. However, our roots are in Hollywood and Silicon Valley,” he stated. Chen’s remarks highlighted the gala’s evolution into a broader celebration of diverse communities and industries.

Chen’s detailed overview of the gala’s elements showcased the event’s dedication to honoring Asian Pacific culture. The inclusion of Hello Kitty on the carpet and the Michelin-starred South Indian cuisine from Vijay Kumar and Padma Lakshmi exemplified the cultural richness celebrated at the gala. The recognition of the 2022 Gold Olympians for their achievements added a significant milestone to the event.

Saweetie’s performance, just days before the release of her new single, brought an exciting musical element to the evening. The opening of the Billboard Founders Party dance floor by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Nymphia Wind and DJ Steve Aoki added a vibrant and energetic atmosphere to the gala. The karaoke room and late-night Panda bites further enhanced the celebratory mood, making it a night to remember.

The Gold House Gold Gala not only celebrated the achievements of the Asian Pacific community but also highlighted the cultural contributions that resonate across various industries. With its inclusive approach and dedication to recognizing diverse talents, the gala continues to be a significant cultural gathering that honors and inspires.