CIMPA Conversations

 

I have received a lot of queries and requests for extension of deadline for submission of the Asian Academy Hall of Fame Awards. Here are the answers: 

We are not looking for celebrities. We are looking for Asians who have distinguished themselves professionally but more importantly, who have given back to their communities thus serving as role models for other young Asians.

 

If you look at our past awardees, you will see that these people are not those whose images you will find in the covers of magazines and front pages of newspapers. They are people who worked quietly to climb up the professional ladder through education and then engaged in volunteer activities that helped other people. They deserve recognition, not just because of what they have made of themselves but because other people’s lives have been enriched by their knowledge, experience and caring.

 

Their achievements are much more significant when you consider that they are not people born into privilege. They are immigrants who had to overcome tremendous obstacles to get to where they are.

 

What we are doing is building a Hall of Fame where they can be recognized. By shining the light on them, we are shining the light on everyone of us. Inspiring the young to believe in themselves and their heritage. Discovering that we can remove the label of a second class citizen from a third world country. Intelligent. Hardworking. Achiever. Resilient. Caring.

 

That is why it is the responsibility of each of us to add to this list. What does it say about us when we have only a handful in our Hall of Fame? That there are only a few of us who have made it? Not true at all. World- class Asians are healing the sick, advancing science through their research, developing software, managing multinational corporations – being the best in their fields.

 

Sadly, the image we have in our adopted countries is not one of excellence. We must change this perception.  And you must help us do it.

 

On June 5, 2007, we are going to the White House and US Capitol, the seats of power in the
United States, to present our awardees. Will you join us?

 

All the best,

 

Andrea Sigler, PhD

Chairman of the Board

 

P.S.

Whoops! Before getting off my soapbox, I need to tell you that in order to give more people the opportunity to send in their nominations, the nomination committee has decided to grant the request to extend the deadline to 5:00 pm, April 6. They also decided to include those whose grandparents were born in an Asian country.

 

I want to thank all of those who have already sent in their nominations. We will get back to you no later than April 12.