IRVINE, CA — The Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC), held their 27th Annual Awards Gala event last Saturday, November 10, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA.

The celebration was highlighted by recognition awards and the induction of the 2018 – 2019 officers and board members. This year’s gala is dedicated to Asian American Entrepreneurs who can work hand in hand towards bigger and better years to come, thus encapsulating the theme of the event, “New Heights.”

The successful event was gleaming with the awards and recognition of members and sponsors who have exemplified excellence in business and community service. Incoming officers and board members were inaugurated to their new positions, while past officers and board members were given due recognition for their efforts and contributions to ABAOC. Senator Ling Ling Chang, representing California’s 29th Senate District, was at hand conducting the induction ceremony.

Outgoing President Pramod Kunju passed the baton to Diana Zuñiga, Senior Country Development Manager at Western Union, as the next president who will serve her two-year term. Nineteen board members were also sworn into and expected to rise into their roles during their term.

The “New Heights” event also included a Casino Theme and the event kicked-off with a silent auction to raise financial support for ABAOC’s business community programs. The exciting silent auction items and packages were donated by board members and corporate sponsors such as South Coast Plaza and Southwest Airlines.

Entertainment commenced during the reception and silent auction presented by Southern California jazz pianist Ron Kobayashi, a String Trio from the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the first and only Filipino orchestra outside the Philippines, and a delightful dance performance by the Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts, a critically-acclaimed non-profit organization based in Los Angeles.

Further information on ABAOC Membership can be found on the website or by contacting Anna Kim, ABAOC’s Office Manager directly at officemanager@abaoc.org or at 949-222-2291.
About ABAOC

The Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC) was founded in 1992, as a nonprofit business under IRS 501(c) (6), to meet the needs of the growing Asian businesses in Orange County. Its vision was to build an organization that would provide all Asian Americans the opportunity to gain access to economic advancement through networking, education and community representation.

For more than 20 years, ABAOC has been a leader in community service in the Asian and small business communities in Orange County. Since its establishment, it has successfully organized many major events, including networking mixers, training workshops, procurement and business matchmaking events, and outreach programs through the support of its members, corporate supporters and sponsors, and community affiliates. ABAOC events and programs inspire and stimulate small business owners, start-ups and entrepreneurs to grow and prosper through the creation of new opportunities, education, networking and community participation.