St. Paul, Minn.—The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (the Council) has selected seven individuals who will be recognized for their contributions to Minnesota’s Asian Pacific community. Awards will be presented at the Asian Pacific Leadership Award Dinner this September. 

 

This year’s award recipients are: 

• The Honorable Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung—Lifetime Service Award

• Gregory J. Hugh—Outstanding Service Award

• PaSee Yang—Outstanding Service Award

• Ramon and Sara Puerto—Humanitarian Award

• Phramaha Chamnian Bunma—Humanitarian Award

• The Chinese American Chamber of Commerce—Frontline Worker Award

• Dai Vu—Frontline Worker Award

 

After a hiatus of several years, this September’s award ceremony will bring together leaders from across Minnesota’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities for a celebration themed “Democracy in the Time of COVID.” In a time marked by ongoing political division, public health and safety concerns, and bias toward Asian Pacific individuals, the Leadership Awards Dinner celebrates the many contributions made by Minnesota’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities, and the courage they have demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

“This year’s award recipients are far and away the most outstanding individuals we have ever met,” said Council Board Chair Dave Hoang. “Their demonstrated service, humanitarianism, and bravery during the COVID-19 pandemic are a guiding light to us all, and a reminder of what leadership looks like.”

 

Awards will be presented at the Asian Pacific Leadership Awards Dinner, to be held Friday, September 9 from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center, 6155 Earle Brown Dr., Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Sarah Lancaster, the 2022 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, as well as the award recipients and the Council.