The Asia Vision Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering greater cultural understanding between the East and West and helping the people of Asia build more open and peaceful societies in ways that honor their unique cultures and values. We bring together individuals, companies, and other non-profits who see the beauty and opportunities as well as the challenges of Asia with the purpose of creating greater peace, prosperity, and equable development for the people of Asia and the world.

Letter From the Founder

Dear Friends,

About twelve years ago I opened my home to a woman and her young daughter. They were refugees fleeing persecution in China. One morning the daughter picked up her little red shoe, pretended to dial a number, and put the shoe to her ear. “Daddy, daddy, it’s me!” She then looked at me with a strangely mixed expression of wonder, longing, and sadness. The breadth of emotion I felt at that moment left me speechless. How could I ever explain to her that her father, like thousands of others who practice Falun Gong in China, had been tortured to death when she was just 9 months old?

The connection I made with my young friend that day brought me back to my own childhood when I would sit on the floor of my room looking at maps of Asia, fascinated with this huge, mystical, diverse land. I had grown up in awe of Asia’s rich culture, but with passing years I also began to witness the great pains of some Asian peoples as I became close friends with those who had suffered persecution and oppression.

These friends showed me the beauty of their cultures, and through these relationships I came to understand that there really is no clash between the East and West; there is only our shared humanity. Over half of the world’s population lives in Asia, and history as well as current events show us that what affects people in one part of the world affects us all. As a global community, we can never be truly prosperous and free when vast populations lack the freedom to learn, express themselves, contribute to society, and fulfill their dreams.

For years now, I’ve been working with Asian NGOs, experts in different fields, and others like myself—and maybe you—who just want to help. Out of this work arose the vision of an organization that brings the beauty of Eastern arts and culture to the West while helping the people of Asia to build more just, open, and peaceful societies in ways that honor their unique cultures and values.

Today my vision has become reality, and I feel more empowered than ever to not just help others, but to provide a platform for cultural growth and exchange. All of us have the ability to change the world for the better. Each kind thought and every act of charity is like a stone being dropped into a pond, creating ripples that expand from heart to heart, country to country, continent to continent, transcending language, borders, and customs. This foundation is my stone, and the waves of our work are just beginning to spread.

Each of our stories, passions and circumstances vary, but in all our lives there are instances when we are called to help. I was called to action years ago by my friend’s young daughter. I hope that with this letter I can call you to action today.

Sincerely,