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More Than Three Decades of Women Empowerment

Our History

The Miss Asian Global & Miss Asian America Pageant started as the Miss Asian of California Pageant in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1985 by Rose Chung at the Asian Arts Festival in Santa Clara, California, the Miss Asian Global Pageant is now the longest running Asian pageant in the United States.

Recognizing the increased representation of delegates from across the United States, the title of Miss Asian America was added in 1991. Two decades later, the Miss Asian Global title was introduced in 2012 to reflect the participation of international delegates.

Since its inception, the pageant has provided a platform for nearly a thousand impactful Asian women representing a wide range of industries.  Titleholders and delegates have worked tirelessly to lead in a variety of underrepresented career fields and paving the way for others. Our pageant alumni include former Washington state first lady Mona Lee Locke, actress Gwendoline Yeo, actress Fala Chen, news anchor Julie Luck, broadcast journalist Stephanie Lin, actress Amrapali Ambegaokar, actress Jennifer Field, entrepreneur Trisha Bantigue, journalist Emily Tang, author Samantha Mui, and executive coach Amy Chanthaphavong.

SINCE 1985

Miss Asian California

Formerly named Miss Asian of California
SINCE 1991

Miss Asian America

SINCE 2012

Miss Asian Global

Miss Asian Global Pageant

Our Pageant

More than celebrating Asian culture, beauty, and intelligence, the Miss Asian Global Pageant provides a platform for delegates to champion critical issues affecting their communities.  From de-stigmatizing mental health, to combating anti-Asian racism, to encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), pageant delegates are speaking up about issues facing modern Asian women. The pageant provides a unique platform for delegates to advocate for social change, while strengthening their professional skills and expanding their network.

A portion of the proceeds from the pageant event benefits nonprofit organizations supporting the Asian and Pacific Islander community including:

  • APA Family Support Services, a nationally recognized child abuse/domestic violence prevention program
  • SF HepB Free, provides free and low-cost hepatitis B testing and vaccinations for at-risk Asian and Pacific Islander (API) adults.

We crown young Asian women with visibility & social responsibility. Take a look back at our inspiring past queens, titleholders, & delegates.

Asian America Foundation

Since 2014

Asian America Foundation

Our Nonprofit Organization

The Miss Asian Global Pageant is presented by the Asian America Foundation (AAF), 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the diversity, strength and resilience of extraordinary Asian women. We are committed to the personal and professional growth of young Asian women by creating spaces for community learning, connecting young professionals and aspiring leaders, and amplifying transformative ideas.

To further these objectives, AAF hosts two signature events: the annual Miss Asian Global Pageant (MAG) and Imagine Talks. In addition, AAF mentors Asian women and supports community events throughout the year. The success of the Pageant reflects the dedication of 200+ AAF volunteers and support of the community.

Building a strong community of Asian women depends on your generous support. Please make a donation today.

Imagine Talks

Since 2014

Imagine Talks

Our Asian American Leadership Conference

Imagine Talks was created in 2014 as an added platform to achieve the mission of the Asian America Foundation. Imagine Talks has grown to be one of the most respected Asian American leadership conferences. This annual event showcases prominent Asian Americans who work hard to further our representation in politics, entrepreneurship, mainstream media, and the celebration of our cultures. With its mission to advance women’s empowerment, social impact, and entrepreneurship and the goal to inspire people to break through personal boundaries and transcend cultural borders, Imagine Talks honors innovators, philanthropists, educators, entertainers, and thought leaders in the Asian American community.

The Asian America Foundation with its Miss Asian Global Pageant and Imagine Talks Conference strives to further develop programs to address the interests and needs of this new generation of Asian women leaders. Tech industry magazine featured Asian America Foundation’s work in Wired Magazine: Bikinis and TED Talks: Can This All-Asian Competition Truly Disrupt Beauty Pageants?

Meet the Team

Our Pageant Committee
Vincent Ma

Vincent Ma

President

Rose Chung

Rose Chung

Founder

Francis Kong

Francis Kong

Leadership Director

Production Team

  • Alex Fong – Program Book Coordinator
  • Amanda Lee – Program Support
  • Brian Louie – Program Support
  • Crystal Lee – Operations Director
  • Darae Jun – MAGineer
  • Eranthe Mitome – Media Production Director
  • Ernestine Siu – MAGineer
  • Ethel Reddy – Make-up Consultant
  • Fernando Mendoza – Administrative Assistant
  • Francis Kong – Leadership Director
  • Jonathan Lee – Photography
  • Kimberly Tom – MAGineer
  • Melanie Wardhana – Social Media Assistant
  • Samantha Mui – MAGineer
  • Sidney Siu – Social Media Director
  • Susie Lee – Me:Moirs Curator
  • Thomas Li – Creative Director
  • Russell Fung – MAGineer
  • Ryan Fung – MAGineer
  • Stephen Chan – Social Media Coordinator
  • Valerie Foo – Program Support
  • Vincent Ma – President
  • Yoonah Lee – Graphic Designer

Legacy Acknowledgments to our Longevity Officers:

  • General Advisor – Edwin Hom
  • Rose Chung – Founder
  • Janice Hom – Pageant Director
  • Penny Wong Belleza – House Mother
  • Julunda Gean Mendoza – Administrative Director

Special Recognition:

  • Edge Interns
  • PDX Productions
  • The Driveway

Tabulators:

Mah & Associates

Our Legacy

A Look Back at Our Past Queens & Delegates