Bay Area Council Board Member Xu Peng- Collaboration is the strength of Asians

In a recent interview, Kevin Xu, a board member and executive at the Bay Area Council, shared his thoughts on the considerable challenges and opportunities facing the Asian American community in San Francisco. With Asian Americans making up over 30% of the city’s population, the region has witnessed a troubling increase in anti-Asian hate crimes in recent years. This disturbing trend has prompted the movement to “Stop AAPI Hate,” positioning San Francisco as a critical hub for initiatives aimed at protecting and supporting the Asian American community.

Xu provided valuable insights drawn from his work at the Bay Area Council, which stands as one of the region’s most influential nonprofit organizations. The Council advocates for public policy across nine counties and is bolstered by the support of over 300 international corporations, whose executive leaders sit on its board.

Addressing a common stereotype that suggests Asian Americans lack potential for leadership in professional and social environments, Xu emphasized his belief in the qualifications and capabilities of Asian individuals and communities. Reflecting on his upbringing in California, he noted, “Asian leadership is characterized by inclusivity. Our pace may not be the fastest, but we’re definitely a cornerstone driving our community forward.”

Xu highlighted the importance of bridging gaps between communities to resolve conflicts often rooted in miscommunication. He stressed the need to understand each other’s aspirations and seek common ground for collaboration. “Only by establishing this understanding can we effectively chart pathways for personal and community growth,” he explained, while advocating for nurturing trust and open dialogue between Asian Americans and other groups.

The Bay Area Council’s commitment to safeguarding the Asian community is evident on multiple fronts. Early in the pandemic, Xu collaborated with Florence Fang, who made history as the first Asian American inductee into the Bay Area Council’s Business Hall of Fame, to facilitate consultations between Chinese and American medical experts to devise critical strategies for combatting the outbreak.

Through this initiative, Xu recognized the importance for Asian Americans to continuously assess where they can make impactful contributions that meet societal needs. While teamwork is one of the strengths of the Asian community, he pointed out the challenge of prioritizing community interests over personal gains.

To dismantle the stereotype of Asian Americans as overly self-driven, Xu advocated for setting long-term goals centered around societal contribution and community support. “As members of a larger community, we must speak out courageously and foster a sense of self-worth,” he asserted. “We have the right, the capability, and the obligation to drive community development, establishing long-term objectives that will earn societal respect and promote better integration.”

The Bay Area Council remains committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a particular emphasis on the contributions and growth of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders within the community.