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The Asian American Foundation and Wong Fu Productions Launch ‘The United States of Asian+America’ to Uncover the AAPI Trailblazers and Stories that Changed America

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Digital series premieres on YouTube ahead of America’s 250th anniversary featuring innovators who have shaped our nation’s story, including YouTube co-founder Steve Chen, USB inventor Ajay Bhatt, Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang, rapper MC Jin, music executive Sophia Chang, NBA champion Jeremy Lin, and culinary pioneer Martin Yan.

TAAF expands its award-winning “Asian+American” campaign with a new storytelling initiative inviting communities nationwide to reclaim overlooked AAPI history.

NEW YORK, June 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) is unveiling The United States of Asian+America, a digital series produced in partnership with Wong Fu Productions that tells the untold stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) firsts, inventors, and industry pioneers behind America’s biggest industries and cultural shifts (watch the trailer here and the premiere episode here).

From the music topping the charts to technologies powering our daily lives to the food enjoyed in every corner of the country, AAPIs have played an outsized role in the experiences that define America today. Yet as the country prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, much of the public still has limited knowledge of AAPI history and influence. According to TAAF’s 2026 STAATUS Index, more than half (53%) of U.S. adults cannot name a single major moment in Asian American history, and just 7% believe AAPI communities have “a great deal” of influence on U.S. culture.

The United States of Asian+America will take viewers on a journey to meet the AAPI trailblazers who have shaped modern American life, through a series of original and intimate interviews featuring guests like:

Ajay Bhatt (Chief Architect and Co-inventor, USB, PCI Express, Thunderbolt)Sophia Chang (first Asian woman in hip hop)Steve Chen (Co-Founder, YouTube)Dr. David Ho (Professor of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons)MC Jin (Asian American hip-hop pioneer)Dr. Kamal Kalsi (Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army Reserves; Chief Medical Officer, Victory Medical Institute)Jessica Koga (winemaker, Schramsberg Vineyards)Jeremy Lin (NBA champion, Co-Founder, JLIN LLC and Board Chair, Jeremy Lin Foundation)Chef Martin Yan (Founder, President and TV host of Yan Can Cook! on PBS)Jerry Yang (Co-Founder, Yahoo! and Founder, AME Cloud Ventures)Madelyn Yu (former president of Philippine Nurses Association of America)And more

Each changemaker is paired with a host carrying their legacy forward:

Jaeki Cho (Righteous Eats)Lois Cho (Founder of Cho Wines)Piper Curda (actress)Shruti Ganguly (award-winning filmmaker and writer)Jon Kung (Chef, Cookbook Author and Content Creator)Philip Wang (Co-Founder, Wong Fu Productions) 

Episodes will be released on a rolling basis through the end of 2026 on TAAF and Wong Fu Productions‘ YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram channels.

“From the Indian American engineer who helped connect the world through USB, to the Filipino nurses who cared for America during the COVID-19 pandemic, to the Chinese American chef who transformed how Americans experience Chinese food, AAPIs have had an outsized impact on the U.S.,” said Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF. “As America approaches its 250th anniversary, The United States of Asian+America brings these stories to the forefront—told by the people who shaped them. AAPI history is American history.”

“Wong Fu Productions has been a pillar in Asian American culture and media for over two decades. We made our own stories when there were no mainstream opportunities. We’ve been unapologetic and intentional in our mission to highlight our modern experiences and talent,” said Philip Wang, Co-Founder of Wong Fu Productions. “I’m honored to direct this series with my producer Benson Quach, and join TAAF in creating an empowering, and evolving, series that can preserve what previous generations have accomplished, while connecting with the next and hopefully inspiring them knowing that our community can, and has done, incredible things in this country.”

The United States of Asian+America is a major expansion of TAAF’s award-winning “Asian+American” PSA campaign, which launched in 2025 to foster dialogue around the beautiful complexity of being both Asian and American. To transform the series into a community-powered movement that uplifts AAPI history, TAAF is also announcing the TAAF Asian+American Storytelling Initiative, a program that invites creatives across the country to join in telling stories about our shared history.

Later this summer, storytellers can participate by visiting asianplusamerican.org and submitting a pitch around an important AAPI figure, movement, or moment in U.S. history. Pitches will be evaluated by a committee of acclaimed creators and filmmakers, and finalists will receive awards up to $10,000 and mentorship to develop their ideas into short-form videos.

In addition to The United States of Asian+America and TAAF’s Asian+American Storytelling Initiative, TAAF is celebrating local AAPI business owners and their businesses through limited edition collaborations. At launch, TAAF is partnering with Nostalgia, a Bay Area AAPI-owned streetwear brand, on a limited-edition Tang Denim jacket. 10% of proceeds support TAAF’s city-based initiatives. Pre-orders open today at enternostalgia.com; jackets release July 3.

The United States of Asian+America is streaming now on YouTube. TAAF invites the AAPI community to share their own stories using #AsianPlusAmerican and tagging @TAAForg.

To learn more about the TAAF Asian+American Storytelling Initiative, please visit asianplusamerican.org.

About The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)
TAAF serves the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community by promoting safety, fostering belonging, and advancing prosperity. Launched in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and to address the long-standing underinvestment in AAPI communities, we invest in initiatives to combat anti-Asian hate, integrate AAPI studies into school curricula, elevate authentic AAPI storytelling, and expand resources and representation for our communities. Through our high-impact initiatives, events, and investments in national and local nonprofits, we’re creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for millions of AAPIs in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit www.taaf.org or follow @TAAForg on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or Facebook.

About Wong Fu Productions
Wong Fu Productions is an independent digital production company specializing in commercial and film production, founded in 2003. Established as a YouTube channel reaching over 3 million subscribers and over half a billion views, the company has evolved into a full-service creative studio. With independent narrative work that has landed on streamers and theaters around the world, and award winning branded content and campaigns for leading companies, Wong Fu has become a beacon in Asian American media for generations. Through its commitment to representing the AAPI audience, as well has uplifting new AAPI talent in front and behind the camera, Wong Fu continues its mission from over 20 years ago. Learn more at wongfuproductions.com.

Media Contact: press@taaf.org

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SOURCE The Asian American Foundation

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-security–technology-summit-unveils-month-long-program-of-activities-ahead-of-december-event-302918695.html

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