“Asian & American”

The weekly series, created + produced + hosted by Connie, launched in 2019 on CGTN America.
Each piece profiles Asian Americans who are changemakers in their respective industries and beyond.
Hear their stories of passion, grit and determination to make a difference in modern society—
and how their Asian heritage makes up a key part of their identity.

Check out the individual stories below, including teaser videos and sidebar pieces of each profile.

Edward Lee (Chef & Restaurateur)

"America is truly a melting pot. Just because one group has been here longer doesn’t mean they own the definition of America.”

Edward Lee is not only an award-winning chef, but also an award-winning author with a 2019 James Beard Award for his book “Buttermilk Graffiti.”

How has growing up Korean American in New York affected the way he looks at food and different cultures?

Jeremy Lin (NBA champion)

"I'm just so proud to be able to represent Asians and Chinese basketball players… I'm hoping in the future I'm not the only one."

Jeremy Lin is the first Chinese American NBA player, and now the first Asian American to be an NBA Champion.

Meet the athlete who single-handedly generated a global craze that was summed up in one word: 'Linsanity.’

What’s behind his drive to succeed and be at the top of his game?

Maureen Fan (CEO of Baobab Studios)

“I really do believe people in general can do much more than they think they can. Maybe it’s my childhood growing up of feeling like ‘I can’t do art, but I can!’”

Maureen Fan runs her own VR animation studio called Baobab Studios. But it’s been a long road of disapproval and determination to get to where she is today.

How did she come out on top as a female leader in the tech world, and fulfill her childhood dreams of working in animation?

Mei Xu (Founder of Chesapeake Bay Candle)

“Nothing is given to you. Everything is about fighting for something.”

Mei Xu emigrated from China to the U.S. to study foreign diplomacy, but she ended up starting her multi-million dollar company Chesapeake Bay Candle.

The candles, which she started making in her home with Campbell soup cans, are now sold at major U.S. retailers.

With no background in business, how did she start and grow her company?

Tim Hwang (CEO of FiscalNote)

“I wanted to be at the forefront of change, and change came from technology.”

Tim Hwang is one of the youngest CEOs in Washington DC, launching FiscalNote at 21 years old with two of his grade school friends.

The start-up has now transformed into a global tech and news company, with plans to go public in the near future.

What’s next for this entrepreneur?

Philip Wang (YouTuber, Co-Founder of Wong Fu Productions)

“We’re not waiting, we’re not twiddling our thumbs—we’re going to create our own movement and our own community.”

Philip Wang is one of the early adopters of YouTube, creating original content with his two college friends in the early 2000s.

Nearly two decades later, their YouTube channel, Wong Fu Productions, speaks to a generation of online consumers with videos that get hundreds of millions of views.

Still, what’s the biggest challenge Philip faces in this digital media world?

Christine Ha (Chef & Restaurateur)

“I played the hand I've been dealt with to the best of my ability. I hope that reflects on other people— to show them that they can achieve the exact same things I have done.”

Christine Ha, also known as 'The Blind Cook’ was the first blind contestant to win the U.S. reality TV cooking competition show MasterChef.

She’s a master of her own kitchen and two restaurants, even without her sight.

What drives her to succeed and to never stop cooking?