Overview

The APAICS Technology Summit brings together community and corporate leaders, subject matter experts, as well as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) elected officials for bipartisan policy discussions that affect the AA & NH/PI community and the nation at-large.

Panel topics can range from challenges and opportunities in addressing the digital divide, digital skilling initiatives to increase technical literacy in underserved communities, the potential effects of new and evolving technologies and legislation, and what our partners are doing to adapt to these changing conditions.

The 2025 Technology Summit took place on October 21-22. Learn more about the featured speakers, panelists, and panel topics below.

Featured Speakers

The virtual Summit will feature remarks from various Members of Congress—including Sen. Andy Kim (NJ), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), and more—as they discuss top tech issues affecting the country.

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Panel Preview

Advancing Digital Equity in Our Communities

Disinformation campaigns targeting AA & NH/PI communities have surged, often exploiting language barriers, digital divides, and immigration narratives. From false stories about Southeast Asian refugees to in-language misinformation on platforms like WeChat, WhatsApp, and KakaoTalk, these campaigns erode trust and drive harmful policy outcomes. This panel will explore the intersection of national security, digital equity, and community resilience, highlighting strategies to close access gaps, strengthen in-language digital literacy, and amplify trusted voices to combat mis/disinformation across our communities.

Panelists:

Dr. Aisha Wahab, California State Senate, 10th District
Anni Chung, President and CEO, Self Help for the Elderly
Jenny Liu, Senior Manager of Disinformation and Misinformation Policy, Asian Americans Advancing Justice
(Moderator) Shreya Singh Hernandez, Senior Manager, Empowered Communities, Aspen Digital

Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship

AA & NH/PI communities have the highest rate of entrepreneurship in the U.S., yet access to digital financial tools and literacy remains uneven. This panel will explore how technology—from AI-driven banking to crypto innovation—can empower small businesses, ensure equitable access to credit, and prevent bias in financial decision-making. It will also highlight strategies to bridge the digital divide for cash-reliant communities and ensure AA & NH/PI entrepreneurs thrive in the digital economy.

Panelists:

Rep. Mike Yin, Wyoming State House of Representatives, 16th District
Yuga Cohler, Engineering Lead, Coinbase
Victoria Din, Senior Vice President, U.S. Public Sector, Mastercard
Sam Hyun, Content Creator, TikTok & Co-founder of 1587 Sneakers
(Moderator) Liliana Rañón, Board Member, APAICS Board of Directors

Future of Work: Upskilling for the Digital Economy

As workplaces and civic systems become increasingly reliant on digital tools, 46% of AA & NH/PI communities report lacking the technical skills to fully participate. This panel will explore workforce development solutions, including short-term training, upskilling, and digital literacy initiatives tailored to diverse populations. The conversation will highlight successful models that boost economic mobility and equip communities for the jobs of the future.

Panelists:

Assemblymember Mike Fong, California State Assembly, 49th District
Victor Yang, Director, Public Policy, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging
Cheryl Young, Head of Policy Research, Doordash
(Moderator) Linda Pham, Manager, Government Affairs and Public Policy, S&P Global

Closing the Digital Divide: Broadband Infrastructure and Access

Broadband access is not just about connectivity—it’s about safety, economic opportunity, and civic participation. Rising incidents of network vandalism have created large-scale outages affecting hospitals, schools, and public safety networks. This panel will explore the state of broadband infrastructure, the unique challenges facing rural and underserved communities, and policy solutions to ensure equitable access to reliable high-speed internet.

Panelists:

Rep. Cindy Ryu, Washington State House of Representatives, 32nd District
Saul Hernandez, Vice President of Government Affairs, Charter
John Nakahata, Chair, HWG LLP
(Moderator) Thu Nguyen, Executive Director, OCA National

Streaming, Culture, and the Next Wave of Entertainment

Streaming has become the dominant form of content consumption for AA & NH/PI audiences, shaping cultural narratives and representation. This panel will examine how streaming platforms are driving modern entertainment, creating new opportunities for our community, and influencing policymaking around digital media. The conversation will explore both cultural impact and business models in a streaming-first landscape.

Panelists:

Mariko Carpenter, Vice President, Community Engagement and Inclusive Insights, Nielsen
Donald Young, Executive Director, Center for Asian American Media
(Moderator) Susan Jin Davis, Social Impact Officer, AI Roker Entertainment

Wi-Fi Forward: Spectrum Policy, Innovation, and Equity in America’s Digital Future

Wi-Fi carries the vast majority of America’s mobile data and is the foundation for innovation in streaming, smart devices, virtual reality, telehealth, education, and more. As demand from next-generation technologies accelerates, forward-looking spectrum policy is essential to prevent congestion that could impact tens of millions of Americans and slow economic growth. This panel will convene policymakers, technology leaders, and community advocates to discuss how protecting and expanding unlicensed spectrum can fuel U.S. competitiveness, generate billions in economic value, create millions of jobs, and ensure all communities—including AA & NH/PI populations—have access to the opportunities of a connected future.

Panelists:

Monisha Ghosh, Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame
Stuart Strickland, Wireless Chief Technology Officer, HPE
(Moderator) Mary Brown, Spectrum and Technology Policy Consultant, Salt Point Strategies

AI and Emerging Technologies: Innovation and Impact

Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are profoundly reshaping every sector, from healthcare to finance and entertainment. This panel will explore and showcase the latest breakthroughs, innovative products, and strategic initiatives—particularly focusing on applications of generative AI and advanced productivity platforms. Panelists will share insights into how companies are developing ethical AI models, driving significant efficiencies, and actively creating opportunities for our communities to access and benefit from these transformative technologies.

Panelists:

Rep. Hoan Huynh, Illinois State House of Representatives, 13th District
Danyelle Solomon, Senior Director, U.S. AI Policy, Microsoft
Suguna Subramaniam, VP of Payments, Fraud, and Global Governance, Walmart
Andres Wolberg-Stok, Managing Director, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Citi
Rebecca Yang, Senior Director, Visa Economic Empowerment Institute
(Moderator) Joyce Liu, Principal, The VENG Group