US Asia Institute

Professional development programs: American Rule of Law. American law students traveled to China and Hong Kong for a two-week period in May 2024 to learn firsthand about Chinas legal system. This program found them meeting with law professors and students, government and non-government institutions, lawyers and businessmen in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. The interactive discussions provided them with a basic knowledge of China and Hong Kongs legal systems, allowing for comparisons to the US rule of law. This was the ninth year of this program. Chinese Rule of Law. The Chinese Rule of Law program brought Chinese law students from three top Chinese universities Tsinghua, Peking University School for Transnational Law and Shanghai Jiao Tongto the US as the program returned to an in-person format. The students were able to meet with Members and staff of Congress, judges at all levels, law students, practicing lawyers, think tanks and others to gain gain insight into the U.S. rule of law system This was the 17th year the program was held. Youth Development Programs The US-Asia Institute continued three youth development programs for Filipino American, Mongolian American, and, for the first time ASEAN Diaspora young leaders. The Thai American National Internship Program took a hiatus due to lack of budget from the Thai government. 3 Thai Americans were included in the ASEAN Diaspora program IMPACT! USAI continued a youth empowerment program for Filipino American young people to provide them the opportunity to build a stronger understanding of how the US government works and how they can make a difference by becoming actively engaged in their communities. The participants were placed in virtual internships around Washington DC to engage with policy and thought leaders firsthand. 8 participants were selected with all participating in person The ASEAN Diaspora welcomed 6 students, all in-person. The Mongolian-US National Civic Engagement Program (MUNCEP) brought 5 students to Washington DC to participate in the program. USAI Internship Program. 18 outstanding young people from around the globe participated in the US-Asia Institutes internship program in 2024. From special high school mentoring programs to short term mini-mester experiences to part and full-time internships, the USAI served as a unique training ground for aspiring young professionals to learn firsthand how government works and the interaction between the government, business, academic and diplomatic communities. The internship was bolstered by weekly Lunch and Learns where USAI trustees, advisors, and contacts offered their unique insights into various issues, career paths, and more. The USAI internship network coupled with the other professional development programs numbers more than 1,000 members. USAI x SGN Cultural Exchange and Community Building: A Path to Professional Success USAI and the Singapore Global Network (SGN) hosted virtual discussion for the ASEAN Diaspora. West Coast Event More than 300 people attended a star-studded special event in Los Angeles July 2, 2024 to celebrate USAIs 45th Anniversary and to address pathways forward from Asian Hate to positive community engagement. USAI Founding Family icon Nancy Tom was honored with a special award along with Congresswoman Judy Chu and community organizer and activist Bill Imada.

Networking Receptions: The US-Asia Institute kicked off 2024 and its 45th Anniversary Year of its founding with its annual Lunar New Year reception. More than 350 attendees participated from the government, business, academic and diplomatic communities. Courtyard Receptions. In July and September of 2024, the US-Asia Institute hosted Courtyard Receptions utilizing the outdoor space surrounding USAI Headquarters. More than 350 people stopped by. These receptions are integral to USAIs mission of people-to-people interaction to build understanding and keep the lines of communication open. Holiday Luncheon. An in-person holiday luncheon was hosted by USAI in December 2024 to show appreciation for USAI Board Members, Advisory Board counselors, Congressional Circle, and other friends and volunteers who support USAI. 63 people were able to attend in person.