7 Real AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Men To Watch

Asian American men have traditionally been emasculated and stereotyped in mainstream media. As Justin Chan writes in his PolicyMic article: “Despite iconic masculine Asian role models like Bruce Lee, Asian men are often portrayed as scrawny males who spend more time studying than lifting weights in the gym, appearing in popular culture as soft-spoken, reserved types who rarely take part in activities that people qualify as “masculine” like professional football or construction work, as characters played for laughs.”

At Asian Fortune, we thought that writing another article about Asian American men stereotypes would just serve to continue circulating the stereotype. Instead, we decided to profile a couple of the several wonderful Asian American men in the DC metropolitan area who are multi-talented, smart, and passionate.

Dong Xiang, Washington D.C.

Occupation: Executive Director of NTD (New Tang Dynasty) Television

Bio: As one of Washington, D.C.’s first Chinese-language newscasters, in 2001, Mr. Xiang began producing and hosting “Weekly Economic Review,” one of the few Chinese-language world financial programs in the United States. The 30 minute program covers economic news from the U.S., Europe and Asia, with in-depth analysis of current economic issues emerging from the U.S. and China. The program reaches 100 million viewers. Xiang is currently very involved in the community doing sharing traditional Chinese culture with Americans and works as the chairman of Asian American Chamber of Commerce. In his free time, he’s camping, horseback riding, sailing, and riding his motorcycle.

Relationship Advice: Be responsible and faithful in personal relationship. Traditional values such as truthfulness, compassion, tolerance, integrity, humility, fidelity, etc,  always pays in the long run.

JT Yaung, McLean Virginia

Occupation: Self-employed

Bio: JT Yaung is very aware of the stereotypes of Asian American men that is perpetuated by the media. He writes that growing up as a teenager growing up in a predominantly white environment, he “hated being Asian and different, and considered myself a “twinkie” or a “banana” and tried to assimilate (instead of integrate) for the longest time.” Since then, Yaung has worked to be a positive force in the Asian American community by organizing the hugely successful meetup.com group – “20’s and 30’s Asians Going Out Group” and speaking out against Asian American stereotypes.

Bilal Naved, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Occupation: Undergraduate Student at the University of Maryland College Park studying Bio-engineering.

Bio: Bilal is a hip hop artist and graffiti artist. He brings artistry to everything he does: from music, painting, writing, research, school, medicine, and strives for perfection in all of them. His work can be found at www.soundcloud.com/gray-matter-2

Relationship Advice: Empathy. Whether its a romantic relationship, a friendship, or even a business relationship, without understanding (or at least attempting to understand) what the other party desires and their perspective, there is no way to move forward.

Jomin Mujar, Richmond, Va.

Occupation: Nursing student

Bio: In 2013, Mujar was a 3rd place finalist in the Asian American talent competition, Kollaboration DC. Before Jomin did music, he was passionate about dancing. His musical and artistic sessions with his friends turned into performances. “I love connecting with an audience and showing them how much a song means to me,” said Mujar.

Relationship Advice: There is absolutely no need to stress out or worry about finding that one person. Everything is about timing. Just sit back, relax, and let love find you.

Joseph Nah, Gaithersburg, Md.

Occupation: Attorney with Fidelity Law Group

Bio: Nah has two daughters.  When he isn’t practicing law, he is running marathons. Nah started running marathons in April 2012.  He has completed 4 marathons and will run his fifth on March 16, 2014, averaging 2 marathons per year.  He finished his first International Distance Triathlon on September 8, 2013.  If he has free time after that…he plays the piano, the guitar, basketball and is into extreme fitness, such as P90x.

Relationship Advice: Keep an active and outgoing social life, allow your worlds to collide at times, and watch Oprah and Dr. Phil!

Attom Oshima, Gaithersburg, Md.

Occupation: Business student

Bio: Oshima is half Thai and half Japanese. He is a business student that is very passionate for non-profits, working with organizations like ENACTUS (Entrepreneurs Action in Us). ENACTUS works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. During his free time, Oshima plays volleyball and practices yoga.

Christopher Y. Chan, Washington, DC

Profession: Attorney, Law Clerk to Hon. Raymond T. Chen, Court of Appeals-Federal Circuit

Bio: Years ago in college, Chris rowed for Duke University and became an advanced open water scuba diver.  Now when he’s not working, Chris keeps very active with rock climbing, playing basketball, and competing in triathlons.  He has finished over 20 triathlons and recently completed an Ironman Triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run) with more to come.

Chris is passionate about local and national Asian Pacific American issues.  He served as President of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association in DC and is involved in several other nonprofits and community organizations.  As a former international business consultant, Chris mentors many young APA professionals about leadership, politics, and breaking stereotypes.  Chris has also worked on getting more APA faces in mainstream media.  He has conducted many TV interviews and even starred in a HGTV episode of “My First Place” about his search for his condo in DC’s Chinatown.

Relationship Advice: True confidence is sexy.  Accept who you are and be proud of it.  Good things come to people who have faith in themselves.

Know any guy who is also worthy of profiling? Nominate them by sending an email to editor@asianfortune.com and we might put them on our website!