AAPI Economic Summit 2025
Opening / Welcoming Remarks: California Grown Globally Known
Panel 1 – Anchoring the West: California’s Economic Role in the Global Market
Morning Keynote – Karan Kunjur, Founder & CEO, K2 Global Ventures
Panel 2 – AI for Good: Empowering Communities and Innovation
Fireside Chat – Hosting the World: The Economic Impact of International Events in California
Panel 3 – Growing Local Communities: How California Prioritizes AAPI Small Businesses
Closing Remarks – Reflections from Assemblymember Mike Fong & Dr. Kirin Macapugay
About the Summit
Hosted by the California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), this summit highlights how AAPIs power California’s economy through global trade, innovation, and small business leadership. Attendees will hear from elected officials, entrepreneurs, and policy experts on how AAPIs are driving global trade, innovation, and local business growth.
Why Attend?
- Hear directly from policymakers and industry leaders.
- Learn strategies to grow your business and navigate global markets.
- Gain insights on AI, innovation, and California’s global leadership.
- Connect with community leaders, chambers, and entrepreneurs.
- Be inspired by stories of AAPI resilience, leadership, and innovation.
Program Schedule
Thank you for joining us! California, the world’s fourth-largest economy, is fueled by the innovation and resilience of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, which generates over $200 billion in economic impact.
The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), through its AAPI Economic Policy Summit, brings together state leaders to examine the transformative power of investing in California’s AAPI communities. Under the theme “California Grown, Globally Known,” the summit showcases the vital role AAPIs play in driving innovation, strengthening local economies, and shaping policies that amplify their contributions statewide.
Welcoming Remarks
The Summit will open with welcoming remarks from CAPIAA Chair Jason Paguio, CSU San Marcos President Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and CAPIAA Executive Director Khydeeja Alam, setting the stage for a day of dialogue on California’s global economic leadership and the vital role of AAPI communities in shaping the state’s future.
9:15 AM – 9:27 AM
Jason Paguio
Chair, CAPIAA
Dr. Ellen Neufeldt
President, CSU San Marcos
Fiona Ma
California State Treasurer
Khydeeja Alam
Executive Director, CAPIAA
Panel 1: Anchoring the West – California’s Global Trade Strategy and Pacific Partnerships
The discussion will highlight how California, the world’s fourth-largest economy, is creating a strong future powered by the AAPI community through global trade, international partnerships, and navigating tariffs. Participants will also gain insights into the economic returns of investing in AAPI communities and learn about the State’s efforts to advance this growth, as well as the innovative role AAPIs play in enhancing the state’s capabilities. The audience will also discover how AAPI investments in strengthening local economies and California’s policies amplify AAPI contributions.
9:27 AM – 10:25 AM
Tahra Goraya – Moderator
Commissioner, CAPIAA
Margaret Wong
President & CEO, McWong International
Maria Onorato
Associate Deputy Director, GoBiz
The Honorable Darshana Patel
Assemblymember, District 76
Morning Break
10:25 AM - 10:35 AM
Morning Keynote: AAPI Innovation – Rising Star
Introduction By: Lance Toma – Secretary, CAPIAA
Karan Kunjur, CEO and co-founder of K2 Space, will share his personal journey in entrepreneurship, from scaling an AI company to pioneering the next generation of space innovation. He will highlight how emerging technologies and AAPI leadership are shaping California’s economic future on the global stage.
10:35 AM – 10:58 AM
Karan Kunjur
CEO & Co-founder, K2 Space
Morning Break
10:58 AM - 11:08 AM
Panel 2: AI for Good – AAPI Innovation Driving California’s Future
Introduction By: Khydeeja Alam – Executive Director of CAPIAA.
Panel Opening Remarks By: Christine Harada, Under Secretary, California GovOps
Introduction of Moderator and Panelists by: Rajan Gill – CAPIAA Commissioner
California’s global leadership in innovation is driven in part by AAPI entrepreneurs and business leaders who are demonstrating how artificial intelligence can advance economic growth, equity, and resilience. This panel will explore AI as a force for good, empowering small businesses, expanding financial inclusion, and creating new opportunities for Californians in a rapidly evolving economy.
11:11 AM – 12:06 PM
Amy Tong
Senior Counselor to the Governor
Zaki Barzinji
Senior Director, Aspen Institute
Darren Touch – Moderator
Public Policy Program Manager, Meta
Lunch Break
12:06 PM - 12:21 PM
Fireside Chat: Hosting the World – The Economic Impact of International Events in California
Fireside Introduction: Jason Tam – Commissioner, CAPIAA
This fireside chat will explore the economic impact of major international events coming to California, including the 2028 Olympics, the Super Bowl, and the FIFA World Cup. The discussion will highlight how these events will create opportunities and drive economic growth for local communities and businesses.
12:24 – 1:04 PM
Stephen Cheung
CEO, LAEDC
Ryan Becker
Senior VP of Communications & Strategy, Visit California
Panel 3: Growing Local Communities – How California Prioritizes AAPI Small Businesses
Introduction By: TaunuuVe’e – Commissioner, CAPIAA
Local and small businesses are the backbone of California’s economy, with AAPIs representing the second largest small business–owning population in the state. This panel will showcase how AAPI entrepreneurs are driving growth in communities across California and highlight how the State and local leaders are supporting small businesses through shared strategies and best practices.
1:11 – 2:06 PM
Jason Paguio
CEO, Asian Business Association of San Diego – Moderator
Chris Cate
CEO, San Diego Chamber of Commerce
Shakeel Syed
Executive Director, South Asian Network
The Honorable Jessica Caloza
Assemblymember, California State Assembly
Closing Remarks
The Summit will conclude with reflections from Assemblymember Mike Fong and CAPIAA Vice Chair Kirin Macapugay, who will offer final thoughts to carry forward the day’s discussions.
2:06 – 2:18 PM
The Honorable Mike Fong
Assemblymember, California State Assembly
Dr. Kirin Macapugay
Vice Chair, CAPIAA
Featured Speakers
California Grown, Globally Known
AAPI Economic Summit 2025
Save the Date! Join us on Add a task, event, or reminder for Friday, Oct 10, 2025 Friday, Oct 10, 2025, for an epic event in San Diego. CAPIAA will be hosting an Economic Policy Summit with an incredible lineup! Get ready to be inspired, connect, and celebrate the future economy of the AAPI community! Stay tuned for more updates.
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