A fundraising gala organized by the Asian Americans for Good Government (AAGG) recently concluded at California Northstate University College of Medicine, with the central aim of supporting California State Treasurer Fiona Ma in her campaign for lieutenant governor.

 

The event was coordinated by AAGG representative Amy, and hosted by Alvin Cheung, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees. Distinguished guests included Paul Hsu, National Vice Chair of APAPA (Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association ); Dr. Peter Wu and Dr. Pan Chaowen, members of the College’s Board of Medicine; Dr. Tom Bhe, a rocket scientist, and his wife, attorney Ma Tang Huijuan. The evening brought together leaders from across sectors to build a platform for supporting Asian American candidates and discussing California’s future.During the highlight of the evening, Fiona Ma and APAPA founder C.C. Yin delivered keynote speeches that underscored both a shared vision for the campaign and the broader mission of amplifying Asian American political participation.

 

Since its founding, AAGG has been dedicated to promoting Asian American representation in politics, helping community voices be heard. The organization has previously supported the election or advancement of more than ten Asian American candidates. In recent years, under APAPA’s advocacy, AAGG has emphasized the importance of “interethnic alliances.” This collaboration with California Northstate University not only continues AAGG’s tradition of civic engagement but also integrates a public welfare dimension, with part of the funds raised going toward state public health initiatives—an issue closely aligned with Fiona Ma’s priorities.

 

The event began at 6 p.m., with Alvin Cheung opening the ceremony and introducing the distinguished guests. Fiona Ma, elegantly dressed, began her speech by reflecting on her background as a “second-generation Asian immigrant.”

 

“Like my friends from AAGG and APAPA, I understand how hard Asian Americans have worked to build their lives in California,” Ma said. “I remember, when doing community outreach years ago, seeing elderly Chinese residents avoid hospitals because of language barriers and a lack of understanding of medical insurance. That was when I resolved to become a bridge between the government and the community—to ensure that policies truly benefit everyone.”

 

Reflecting on her tenure as State Treasurer, Ma continued earnestly:

 

“Over the past few years, we’ve helped tens of thousands of Asian American families better understand the tax system, and optimized tax relief programs for small businesses—benefiting more than 100,000 enterprises, about 30% of which are Asian-owned. We also promoted language-access programs in hospitals, so no one misses critical care due to communication issues.”

 

Outlining her vision as a lieutenant governor candidate, Ma stated:

 

“If elected, my first priority will be to launch an Asian American Civic Engagement Initiative, just as AAGG and APAPA once supported me, to help more young people enter public service. Second, I will continue to advance the ‘Interethnic Alliance’ framework, ensuring that the concerns of Asian Americans and other minority communities are heard. Third, I will advocate for greater investment in healthcare, education, and housing—because regardless of one’s background, every Californian deserves a sense of belonging.”

 

Her remarks drew warm applause, solidifying support among donors.

Following Ma’s address, C.C. Yin took the stage. A longtime friend and early collaborator of Ma’s, Yin recounted their shared history:

 

“When I first met Fiona, she was serving in local government, and AAGG had just been founded. We campaigned side by side in community neighborhoods. I remember her spending an entire week liaising between government and private agencies to secure housing for a senior living alone,” Yin said with a smile. “That kind of dedication—treating community issues as personal ones—is exactly what AAGG values and what a lieutenant governor should embody.”

 

Yin then spoke with conviction about California’s challenges and Asian Americans’ civic responsibility:

 

“In the 18 years since AAGG’s founding, we’ve gone from supporting local candidates to backing a lieutenant governor campaign, witnessing the steady rise of Asian American political influence. But issues like housing shortages and ethnic tensions remain. When I proposed the ‘Interethnic Alliance’ in 2021, it was to remind everyone that no community can thrive in isolation. Only by uniting all minority groups can our voices be truly heard.”

 

Turning to Ma, Yin added:

 

“Your work as treasurer shows that Asian American leaders can balance community needs with the broader interests of the state. I have full confidence that, as lieutenant governor, you’ll help California break barriers and achieve inclusive governance.”

 

Ma echoed the sentiment, pledging to maintain close ties with community organizations:

 

“In the future, I’ll continue to visit neighborhoods and listen to their needs—whether it’s education resources or small business support—so that every policy reflects the trust you’ve placed in me.”Yin concluded by reaffirming AAGG’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with APAPA and other civic groups, ensuring that advocacy efforts translate into concrete policy outcomes.

 

At 8 p.m., Alvin Cheung delivered closing remarks, praising the event’s success. The evening concluded on a warm and optimistic note. Beyond raising campaign funds, the gala reinforced a shared vision between Fiona Ma and AAGG—one centered on community service, interethnic cooperation, and the empowerment of Asian Americans in public life.(USACNNEWS)