Asian Hall of Fame honors Chinese-heritage figures

The Asian Hall of Fame honored its Class of 2025 on Saturday at The Biltmore in Los Angeles, California celebrating a distinguished group of leaders whose professional achievements and public profiles have reshaped mainstream American life and elevated Asian heritage voices across business, government, sport and culture.

This year's honorees — including Fiona Ma, William Wang, Yao Ming and Michelle Kwan — exemplify diverse paths to influence in the US, spanning state-level public finance, consumer-technology entrepreneurship, athletic excellence and diplomacy.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma was recognized for her stewardship of state finances and her visible public leadership, marking a milestone for Chinese Americans in government. She shared her heritage as the daughter of Chinese immigrants who settled in the United States.

"Both my parents came from China," Ma told China Daily. Born and raised in New York, she is the eldest of three children of Chinese immigrants.

A member of the Democratic Party, Ma was the first Asian American woman to serve as speaker pro tempore of the California Assembly, the second-highest position in the assembly.

"As an Asian American woman, I've had to overcome 'glass and bamboo ceilings' in my career. So I've also tried to do that for the next generation of leaders," said Ma, who is running for lieutenant governor in 2026.

As California's treasurer, Ma manages billions in public funds. Her long career through local and state offices has made her a symbol of Asian American civic leadership in a state with the nation's largest Asian population. Observers say her public service reflects how representation in government can foster public trust and inclusion.

William Wang, founder of Vizio, represents the economic and cultural influence that Chinese-heritage entrepreneurs have made in everyday US life.

Wang's leadership helped popularize affordable smart televisions and consumer electronics across US households, a contribution that reshaped how US people access and enjoy entertainment.

"My father is from Shandong, my mother from Hebei, and my wife is Indonesian Chinese," Wang said. "When I started my business, I had only one idea: to make television an affordable entertainment experience for more families."

Wang said his success stems from the combination of Asian thinking and Western entrepreneurship, and it's a product of the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. "I hope to let the world see the power of Chinese brands," he said.

Yao Ming, standing 7-foot-6, transformed basketball into a bridge for global understanding. Rising to fame in China, he joined the NBA's Houston Rockets in 2002 and became an eight-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection over eight seasons, helping globalize the league and strengthen China-US ties.

Michelle Kwan, born in Torrance, California to parents from Hong Kong, is the most decorated figure skater in US history and a symbol of excellence and grace. She is a role model for Asian American youth and a bridge between sports, culture and public service.

Although Yao and Kwan were not present at the ceremony, they both embody how athletic excellence and cross-cultural exchange continue to strengthen understanding between China and the US.

"We are proud to bring the best of Asia to the world," said Maki Hsieh, president and CEO of the Asian Hall of Fame and a voting member of the Grammy Academy Awards.