News

NJ community demand justice, police reform in 3rd rally for Victoria Lee

A third rally was held for Victoria Lee, a 26-year-old fatally shot by police in her apartment during a mental health crisis in July, on Wednesday morning as community members and Korean American organizations gathered at Fort Lee Borough Hall. 

Cries for justice: Organized by the Human Rights Committee of the Korean American Association of Greater New York, the rally called for a “speedy and transparent investigation” into Lee’s death. Lee’s family and their lawyer, Henry Cho, are pushing for the release of her autopsy report and full body camera footage. The family is also advocating for reforms in how law enforcement handles mental health crises to prevent further tragedies. 

Catch up: Lee, who had bipolar disorder, was having a crisis when her brother called 911 for medical assistance. Despite emphasizing her mental state and the presence of a small pocket knife, police forcibly entered the apartment at The Pinnacle complex and shot Lee, who had allegedly dropped the knife and was holding a water jug. Lee later died at the hospital. Community leaders, including representatives from AAPI, the People’s Organization for Progress and Black Lives Matter, have expressed solidarity with the Asian community and called for accountability for the officers involved.

Special Events

Mabuhay!

Filipino American History Month is here, and it’s time to celebrate the rich culture, history and contributions of the Filipino community across the U.S. From food and cultural festivals to community gatherings and art exhibits, we've got a list of exciting events happening in different cities nationwide. Whether you're in Los Angeles, New York, Hawaii or anywhere in between, get ready to unleash your Pinoy pride and experience the best of Filipino American heritage in style!

News

Indian American prof is 1st Dalit person to receive $800K MacArthur "genius grant”

Indian American historian and University of Cincinnati professor Shailaja Paik has been named one of 22 recipients of the 2024 MacArthur Fellowship, which celebrates individuals with extraordinary creativity and potential. Paik, recognized for her groundbreaking research on Dalit women and caste discrimination, is set to receive $800,000 over five years as part of the prestigious award.

About her work: Paik, a distinguished research professor, focuses her work on the experiences of Dalit women, who face entrenched social and economic marginalization. Her recent book, “The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India,” discusses the Tamasha art form, a traditional folk theater performed predominantly by Dalit women in Maharashtra, which has often been marginalized as "vulgar." The project explores how societal perceptions affect the dignity and opportunities of these women.

The first Dalit grantee: Born into a Dalit family in Maharashtra, Paik told NPR that she was able to overcome numerous obstacles thanks largely to her father's emphasis on education. She credited her upbringing and educational journey with shaping her commitment to documenting the experiences of marginalized communities. As the first Dalit person to be named a MacArthur fellow, she joins a prestigious group that has included notable figures across various fields. The MacArthur Foundation praised her research for "elucidating the enduring nature of caste discrimination" and its impact on Dalit women’s dignity and personhood.

Crime

Expectant father fatally shot by his cousin in Minnesota

Thai musician Nichanon Kittikroekphon, 34, was tragically shot and killed during a family gathering in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on Sept. 21. Kittikroekphon, also known by his stage name Tswb Moua, was allegedly shot by his 32-year-old cousin, Lue Chang. 

What happened: According to police, the two were in the backyard of a home celebrating family births when Chang pulled out a gun and shot Kittikroekphon multiple times, hitting him in the abdomen and back. Witnesses say Kittikroekphon tried to crawl away but was shot again. Other family members restrained Chang until police arrived. When asked why he committed the act, Chang reportedly said, "Because he disrespected me." Chang is currently being held on a second-degree murder charge with a $1 million bond. 

About the victim: Kittikroekphon, who moved to the U.S. from Thailand in 2021, dreamed of building a future together with his newlywed wife, YaNee Yang Moua, and their unborn daughter, who is expected to arrive in December. “This precious child will never have the chance to meet her father, who was taken from us far too soon," reads a part of the GoFundMe campaign to support his grieving wife and unborn child. Family and friends described Kittikroekphon as “calm” and “the sweetest and most caring person on earth.”

News

Arrest of Cambodian investigative journalist sparks global outcry

The arrest of renowned Cambodian investigative journalist Mech Dara on Monday has drawn condemnation from international governments and rights organizations. Dara, known for his work on exposing human trafficking and corruption, faces incitement charges over social media posts.

About Dara and his arrest: Dara, currently a freelance journalist, is known for reporting on Cambodia’s burgeoning cyberscam industry, which sees victims lured into the country under false pretenses before being forced into criminal labor in “scam farms.” His work has earned him international recognition, including the U.S. State Department’s 2023 Trafficking in Persons Hero Award. His arrest came after he posted images on Facebook of a rock quarry and the sacred Ba Phnom mountain, suggesting environmental destruction in Prey Veng province. Local authorities denounced his posts as misleading and accused him of intending to “cause social disorder.” He was reportedly taken into custody without his family being shown a warrant. He now faces up to two years in prison for incitement “to provoke serious social chaos.”

International outrage: Dara’s arrest has sparked a global outcry. The U.S. Embassy in Cambodia expressed deep concern, highlighting him as a “leading voice against human trafficking and online scams” and an advocate for free expression. The European Union and Australian Embassy in Cambodia also issued statements emphasizing the importance of press freedom. Rights groups have also voiced alarm, with Amnesty International stating that the arrest is part of a broader campaign to suppress independent journalism in Cambodia. The Southeast Asian country, which ranks 151st out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index, has seen a sharp decline in media freedom under its current regime.

News

Rich Asian countries are now eager for foreign workers

Wealthier Asian countries are increasingly looking to foreign workers to address their growing labor shortages, driven by shrinking native populations. These nations, including Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, are taking unprecedented steps to ease immigration policies, recognizing that the influx of foreign labor is critical to maintaining economic stability.

Key figures: In South Korea, the E-9 visa quota, which governs non-professional workers, surged from 120,000 in 2023 to 165,000 in 2024, while the E-7-4 visa quota, which applies to professional or “skilled” workers, is up from 2,000 to 35,000. This year, foreign job seekers were also allowed to begin extending their stay for an additional year. Similarly, Japan saw a 12% rise in its foreign workforce in 2023, reaching 2 million workers. Companies like Hizatsuki Confectionery are now hiring foreign workers out of necessity. “To be able to survive, we need to accept foreign workers,” its president Takeo Hizatsuki said. In Taiwan, new laws allow mid-skill migrants with relevant experience to become residents, while Singapore is loosening visa restrictions to align with its strategic economic priorities. Despite these reforms, immigration remains controversial in countries where some citizens prize cultural homogeneity.

The big picture: These efforts come amid widespread concerns over aging populations and declining birth rates in Asia's wealthiest countries. Economist Michael Clemens predicts South Korea will need to increase the foreign share of its workforce to 15% over the next four decades to stabilize long-term growth, an ambitious goal given that foreign labor currently makes up only 3% of its workforce. Japan, too, is under pressure, needing an additional 2.1 million foreign workers by 2030 to maintain its economy. Japan's low unemployment rate contributes to labor shortages, further emphasizing the necessity of foreign workers. Sustaining these high inflows could prove difficult as migrant workers’ countries of origin — like China and Indonesia — are also facing demographic challenges. Moreover, societal tensions remain, as evidenced by demonstrations in Taiwan against plans to bring in more Indian workers.

News

Thai animal rights group defends zoo against PETA’s Moo Deng abuse claims

The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) is defending Khao Kheow Open Zoo against the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) accusation of animal abuse against Moo Deng, an internet-famous baby pygmy hippo. In multiple Facebook posts, PETA alleged that the zoo based in Chonburi province has been exploiting the 2-month-old female hippo for entertainment and profit.

What PETA is saying: In a Sept. 20 post, PETA Asia published a statement from its senior vice president, Jason Baker, who condemned Moo Deng’s captivity and called on zoos to prioritize conservation efforts that protect animals in nature. “Breeding [hippos] for public display perpetuates their suffering,” Baker said in part. In a Sept. 23 post on its main page, PETA noted that “the zoo in Thailand is exploiting her for profit, parading her around like an attraction.” It also cited incidents in which visitors reportedly threw objects and poured water on Moo Deng to get her attention, raising concerns about her safety. Born in July, Moo Deng has captivated visitors with her expressive personality since she was first introduced to the public on Sept. 6.

What the zoo is saying: Khao Kheow Open Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi refuted PETA’s claims, explaining that the zoo has implemented measures to ensure the welfare and quality of life for its animals. On Monday, TSPCA secretary and director Dr. Sathit Pratchaya-ariyakun told reporters that information about Moo Deng may be incomplete. Sathit also pointed out that PETA is employing the same tools it uses in boycott campaigns against other countries. He highlighted the organization’s worldwide campaign to boycott Thai-produced coconut milk after it alleged that Thailand’s plantation industry used monkey slave labor to gather coconuts — claims that then-commerce minister Jurin Laksanawisit refuted. Sathit called for a dialogue between the zoo, TSPCA and PETA to clear up misunderstandings and resolve the issue.

Final Bites

🏫Yale to offer Tagalog language course in Fall 2025: Yale will be offering a course on the Tagalog language starting next fall, following months of student advocacy from Tagalog @ Yale, an initiative within the university’s Filipinx club, Kasama. Previously, students could only study the language through the Directed Independent Language Study program, which did not offer course credit or professional instruction. The new course, made possible by collaboration with faculty and the Yale College Council, comes in response to growing student interest, including a petition with over 380 signatures. The appointed lector will be teaching six courses annually and work with other instructors to further develop Southeast Asian studies. Advocates hope this course is just the beginning of broader Southeast Asian studies at Yale, with a push for more Filipino languages like Ilokano, as well as additional Filipino studies courses. This development comes after Harvard introduced its first-ever Tagalog language course in its nearly 400-year history for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

📕Sandra Oh voices new audiobook edition of “Pachinko”: Award-winning actress Sandra Oh did the narration for the audiobook edition of Min Jin Lee's acclaimed novel “Pachinko.” The audiobook, released on Tuesday via Hachette Audio, marks the 53-year-old star’s first solo book narration. “Pachinko” tells the multigenerational story of a Korean family, beginning with Sunja, a young woman who faces life-altering decisions after an unexpected pregnancy. Oh, whose parents immigrated to Canada from South Korea, connects personally with the story's themes of family history, immigration and resilience. The National Book Award finalist has also been adapted into a successful Apple TV+ series.

🏆Never too old! Keanu returns to racing at age 60: Keanu Reeves is set to compete in the Toyota GR86 Cup at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend, marking his return to professional racing after a 14-year hiatus. The 60-year-old star, a self-proclaimed motorsport enthusiast with an impressive car collection, previously participated in the Long Beach celebrity race in 2009 and as a pro in 2010. Reeves announced on X on Wednesday that he's taking on the highly competitive GR Cup, a series featuring modified Toyota GR86 sports cars. Reeves will be driving the #92 car for Eagle Canyon Racing, sporting a livery inspired by his graphic novel, BRZRKR. The first race is scheduled on Saturday and the second scheduled on Sunday.