Asia Matters for America

A battle of the bands… with a Japanese twist! 🎶🏆 Denver’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen has been keeping Japanese musical traditions alive for 50 years. Find out how this singing competition bridges Denver and Japan here: https://bit.ly/43kOHK3

🌱 🌾 The US Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s first-ever trade mission to Thailand reinforced trade ties with one of our oldest allies in the Indo-Pacific. This mission signals the United States' commitment to expanding exports and unlocking new Southeast Asian opportunities: https://bit.ly/4ifJ5VB

Are you looking to expand your writing portfolio while working on issues related to US ties with the Indo-Pacific? See if you are a fit for the summer 2025 Young Professionals Program at the East-West Center in Washington: https://bit.ly/46VKOK7

🤝Australia and the United States are strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific! Australian Secretary of Defense Greg Moriarty’s visit to Hawai‘i and the US Indo-Pacific Command highlights the deepening US-Australia alliance: https://bit.ly/41swgla

To support a free and prosperous #IndoPacific, the US is strengthening its defense cooperation with Pacific Island countries across Oceania. Learn more about the ways the two are coming together here: https://bit.ly/4hTNRsb

Explore a rising Malaysian artist's work in the heart of the Big Apple! Azzah Sultan’s colorful art, based on her Malaysian heritage, explores the intersection of art with culture and tradition: https://bit.ly/4gSLLHL

Did you know: In 1969, a group of Peace Corps volunteers teamed up with the Korean Tuberculosis Association to create an album called "Tomorrow Without TB!" 🎶 Their catchy tune shared a powerful message and became part of a campaign to fight the tuberculosis outbreak caused by the Korean War. Today, the Peace Corps Revisit Program is a reminder of the everlasting spirit of friendship and cooperation forged between South Korea and the United States by Peace Corps Volunteers. Learn more about this inspiring program: https://bit.ly/4hFxKOM

For over six decades, Houston, Texas and Taipei, Taiwan have built a strong sister city partnership through educational exchanges, economic collaboration, and cultural ties—now extending into the semiconductor industry. Discover how these connections continue to shape both cities' futures here: https://bit.ly/3X2GEh9

As US President Donald Trump begins his second term, Indo-Pacific leaders are taking a swing at diplomacy—on the golf course!⛳ From Vietnam’s delegation to Mar-a-Lago to Japan’s long tradition of golf-driven diplomacy, leaders are using the sport to build stronger ties with the US. Can a round of golf shape international relations? Read more about how “Golf Diplomacy” is influencing US-Asia engagement: https://bit.ly/41fd0HV

Elephants in Bhutan, tracked from space! 🛰️🐘 NASA and the Kingdom of Bhutan collaborate on STEM projects to promote environmental conservation through satellite data and innovative tracking! By combining technology and nature, this partnership not only safeguards these incredible animals but also supports Bhutan’s development goals. 🌍💚 Explore this groundbreaking partnership here: https://bit.ly/4hVGuzX