The all-new 2018 Rio sedan and 5-door hatchback are the latest additions to the world-class Kia Motors America (KMA) model lineup. Delivering a new eye-catching design that is decidedly European, this subcompact duo will bring an exciting combination of fuel efficiency, innovative technology, advanced safety technology4, everyday convenience and fun-to-drive character to value-conscious consumers when the cars arrive at Kia retailers in …

The Lexus NX, one of the boldest luxury-utility vehicle designs on the road, makes all-weather handling a bigger part of the picture by making all-wheel drive standard on the NX 300h hybrid for 2017. That’s a boon to value, and so is the newly standard Scout® GPS Link, for the standard Display Audio system. With the app on the driver’s smartphone, …

Mazda3 has always been a car focused around its driver and passengers, putting them first. For 2018, Mazda3 receives newly standard features that continue to reinforce the philosophy of putting people first. More safety features throughout Mazda3’s model range provide occupants with enhanced peace of mind. Available as a sedan or a hatchback, this compact car can handle all sorts …

Singers Rabbi Shergill, Gurmeet Bawa, Jasbir Jassi, director Imtiaz Ali, headline fifth annual Punjabi festival   By Geeta Goindi   New Delhi, February 14, 2018 — The resplendent art, culture and handicrafts of Punjab thrived at the fifth annual ‘Mela Phulkari’ drawing high-ranking government officials, exceptionally gifted artistes and a discerning audience to the lush and sprawling grounds of the …

  International money transfers in countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are typically conducted via bank accounts. For example, a study conducted by Global Findex, World Bank found that Singapore has the highest adoption of bank accounts and credit cards at 96% and 35% respectively. Malaysia is second in line at 81% and 20%, while Thailand comes in third at …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Immigration, including the fate of some 750,000 Dreamers who entered the U.S. as undocumented children or minors, the healthcare law, voting rights, the midterm elections in November, and the 2020 Census top this year’s concerns among Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), according to major advocacy leaders.   “These are Mainstream issues as well, because they affect all …

With more than 20 years under its belt, Toyota’s popular RAV4 continues to set the stage for the compact sport-utility segment, bringing high doses of value, style, and safety to discerning drivers. In 1996, the RAV4 – an acronym for Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD – was positioned as Toyota’s “new-concept sport utility vehicle” that blended conventional passenger car elements …

Mazda6 established its strong presence by directly expressing the KODO—Soul of Motion design language. Its first update in 2015 evolved its exterior design to become bolder and more masculine and made a leap forward in quality refinement of the interior design. One of the focuses of this update is the further improvement of interior quality. Along with the latest design …

   By Jennie L. Ilustre   Asian American women joining the Women’s March, running for public office and posting historic wins, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and immigration issues in general, and the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Filipino and Filipino American World War II Veterans – these were among the top news in 2017 affecting Asian Americans, …

The 2017 Yaris iA sports sedan, has been hailed for its sleek styling, sporty driving dynamics and standard safety systems. It’s a subcompact sedan loaded with premium features, but offered at an affordable price. While the visual impact of the 2017 Yaris iA is dramatic, beneath the daringly curved sheet metal lies a tight, agile machine that re-defines “entry level.” …

The Committee of 100 (C100) is saddened by the sudden passing of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee due to cardiac arrest. According to a statement made by the Mayor’s office, Lee passed away early Tuesday, December 12, just after 1 a.m. at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Mayor Lee was 65.   Mr. Lee was one of six children born to Chinese immigrant parents who came to …

By Jennie L. Ilustre   Only in America can dreams like this come true. Kathy Tran came to the U.S. as a Vietnam refugee when she was less than two years old. Kelly Convirs-Fowler was the first in her family to graduate from college. Last November 7, these inspiring women made history when they were both elected to the Virginia …

Twenty-three US lawmakers and three envoys address attendees in Senate office building By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, November 9, 2017 – Some two dozen US lawmakers, joined by three ambassadors, graced the fourth Diwali celebration in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room of the US Senate. Looking on were about 400 guests, mostly members of the Indian-American community and some Congressional …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Kelly Convirs-Fowler is a Virginia Beach local running for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 21st District. Women make up half (51%) of the U.S. population, she noted, adding, “But they comprise a much smaller percentage of representatives throughout our nation’s statehouses and the U.S. Congress. I am proud to be one of 43 women …

Mayor Muriel Bowser proclaims October 25 as ‘Diwali Day’ in Washington, DC By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, October 27, 2017 – The DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA) held its third annual Diwali celebration at one of the finest venues in the nation’s capital: the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery of Art. On a Wednesday evening, the 240-seat …

“I greatly value my very strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi”, Trump says By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, October 18, 2017 – ‘Diwali’, the festival of lights, came early at the White House as President Donald Trump lit the ‘diya’ (traditional Indian lamp) in the Oval Office on a crisp afternoon for early Fall. “We wish all of America’s Hindus …

Month-long Suite of Performances Led by Kennedy Center Artistic Partners Highlights Range and Versatility of Space Kennedy Center Artistic Director for Hip Hop Culture Q-Tip Kicks Off the Inaugural Hip Hop Season Alongside Artistic Director for Jazz Jason Moran in a One-Night-Only Collaboration, October 6 Artwork and Performances Pay Tribute to Japan Design Highlights Include Commissioned Work by Artist Dale …

Saturday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. Featuring Instrument Petting Zoo Sunday, from 2-2:30 p.m. The National Philharmonic’s 2017-2018 season at The Music Center at Strathmore commences with star-studded performances by some of today’s most famous classical musicians. The concert on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m., will feature the famous former child prodigy …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Asian American advocacy groups are unanimously condemning President Trump’s executive action on September 5, ending the 2012 Deferred Action for Children Arrivals (DACA) program signed by President Obama. They also strongly urged the 115th U.S. Congress to pass the 2017 DREAM Act, or a similar legislation protecting DACA. Remarked OCA National Vice President of Public Affairs …

By Jennie L. Ilustre If and when she prevails in the November 7 general election, Kathy Tran would be the third Asian American delegate to the Virginia State Assembly. She would also be the first Vietnamese American elected at any level in Virginia.   But this is not the reason Tran is running for public office for the first time. …

20-foot idol of Lord Ganesha, 1,000-pound Laddoo, fireworks among highlights of festival By Geeta Goindi Lorton, Virginia, August 25, 2017 – In one of the largest festivals of its kind in the national capital region, the Hindu god of beginnings, Ganesha, is at the heart and center of celebrations at the Workhouse Arts Center in the Washington area. The event …

Asian American organizations are united in their condemnation of the hatred and violence at a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 12, which resulted in the loss of an innocent life. At press time, these organizations include the Migrant Heritage Commission MHC), OCA, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA), South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), and the National …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Advocates are urging Congress to approve the 2017 DREAM Act, introduced last July 20 by Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican from South Carolina, and Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat from Illinois, in the 115th U.S. Congress. The bipartisan bill seeks to provide legal status, as well as a pathway to citizenship, to undocumented children or minors raised and …

SALDEF’s SikhLEAD class of 2017 raises 10,000 dollars, packages 500 meals for the needy By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, July 25, 2017 – The fourth annual Langar on Capitol Hill was co-sponsored by Indian-American lawmakers, Senator Kamala Harris and Congressman Ami Bera, both Democrats of California, and drew over 200 attendees on a Monday evening.  The event was held ahead …