Election Disinformation,' UCLA's Voter Turnout Study, Japan's Wooden Satellite Launch, Statelessness in Thailand

Good Morning – November 6, 2024

Your daily update on stories impacting the Asian and Asian American community, along with key insights into business, culture, and trends.

TOP STORIES

Chinese Americans hit with culturally specific election disinformation

Chinese American communities are facing intensified election disinformation targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, including misogynistic attacks that have reached over 100,000 views on WeChat. False claims depict Harris as a “mistress” of a former mayor, with derogatory labels translating to offensive terms in Chinese culture. Jinxia Niu of Chinese for Affirmative Action notes that 80% of these attacks are “very misogynistic,” and Dorothy He from the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans explains that disinformation aims to discourage voter turnout among Chinese Americans. With influence operations from Russia, Iran, and China growing, protecting democratic engagement is crucial. Social media’s inconsistent content moderation exacerbates this issue​.

UCLA study makes recommendations for increasing Asian American voter turnout

A UCLA study suggests more in-person voting options could boost turnout for Asian Americans, who face accessibility challenges in existing voting options. The study revealed that 35% of respondents prefer in-person voting, despite widespread awareness of mail-in options. Improved language resources and expanded voting locations in Asian American neighborhoods could encourage both high- and low-propensity voters to engage. With reliable sources, like local registrars, supporting culturally specific outreach, turnout may improve significantly​.

ELECTION INSIGHTS

Thailand takes historic step to end statelessness

Thailand has announced a plan to end statelessness, offering citizenship to 483,000 long-term residents and ethnic minorities born in the country. The policy, launched by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, will streamline processes and grant political rights after five years of residency. This policy, which UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi called “the largest reduction of statelessness by any country,” addresses decades of unresolved citizenship issues and exemplifies Thailand's leadership on inclusive citizenship​.

BUSINESS AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS

Asian business owners targeted in high-tech burglaries in Colorado

Asian business owners in Colorado are being targeted in sophisticated burglaries that employ Wi-Fi jammers, tracking devices, and diversion tactics to steal cash, luxury items, and designer goods. Believed to be South American Theft Groups, these burglars use high-tech methods to monitor victims and ransack homes while owners are out. Authorities advise the public to safeguard valuables and stay alert​.

World's first wooden satellite launched into space by Japan

Japan has launched the first wooden satellite, LignoSat, made from honoki wood. Orbiting Earth for six months, it will test wood's resilience in extreme space conditions, opening new sustainable avenues for space exploration.If durable, wood could provide a sustainable material for future space infrastructure, potentially supporting habitats on the moon or Mars​.

Clean air travel in the future? Japan sees its first test of flying taxi

Toyota-backed Joby Aviation completed its first air taxi test flight in Japan, with the electric vehicle reaching 200 miles per hour. This air taxi could significantly reduce travel times in urban Japan. This clean, emission-free technology offers an eco-friendly solution to Japan's traffic congestion, potentially transforming transportation with Toyota’s support​.

CULTURE AND TRENDS

Anime is so popular that the Vatican has created its own anime-inspired mascot

To connect with younger audiences, the Vatican has introduced Luce, an anime-style mascot symbolizing hope for the 2025 Jubilee Year. Designed by Tokidoki founder Simone Legno, Luce embodies Christian values in a chibi anime form.
Reactions online were both amused and delighted, with some noting the Vatican now has “the power of God and anime on its side”​.

Malaysian man runs 10-kilometer marathon with 16-pound cat on his shoulders

A Malaysian man gained attention for completing a marathon with his 16-pound cat, Jibek, perched on his shoulders. The two completed the race in Kedah with Jibek enjoying the sights along the way. This heartwarming video has gone viral, capturing attention on TikTok and highlighting a unique pet-owner bond​.

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Jon M. Chu reveals he initially sought non-famous actors to lead “Wicked”

Director Jon M. Chu initially planned to cast unknowns for the lead roles of Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked. However, auditions revealed the need for seasoned talent, leading to the selection of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Chu will be honored at the upcoming ACE Eddie Awards for his achievements, ahead of the film’s Nov. 22 release​.

Lana Condor weds longtime boyfriend

To All The Boys star Lana Condor married her partner of nine years, Anthony De La Torre, in a private ceremony in Malibu. Condor described the weekend as “the happiest of our lives,” attended by close friends and family​.

QUICK HITS

• Astronaut Sunita Williams votes from space
  NASA astronaut Sunita Williams continued the tradition of voting from space, casting her ballot from the International Space Station. This milestone voting process, first enabled in 1997, allows astronauts to participate in U.S. elections from orbit through a secure electronic system​.

• Moo Deng, Thailand’s famous baby hippo, predicts Trump’s win in 2024
  Thailand's adorable baby hippo, Moo Deng, captured hearts by "predicting" Donald Trump’s 2024 victory. During a playful livestream, the hippo selected a fruit bowl with Trump’s name, sparking fun commentary across social media​.

• San Diego Asian Film Festival celebrates 25th anniversary
  The San Diego Asian Film Festival marks 25 years with a lineup of over 170 films from 35+ countries, screening Nov. 7-16. This year's festival, hosted by Pacific Arts Movement, will feature premieres, panels, and free screenings for high school students​.

• Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival returns for 16th year
  Philadelphia’s largest Asian American film festival is back, showcasing more than 100 films from 25 countries. Running until Nov. 17, this year’s lineup centers around the theme of "reflection" and includes short films, documentaries, and panel discussions across various venues​.

Stay informed, stay inspired. We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories that matter to the Asian and Asian American community.