Dancer Yuanyuan Tang and actor Joan Chen honored for breaking ‘bamboo ceiling’

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Twelve famous Asian American women who excel in their fields were honored for their career achievements and for breaking the “bamboo ceiling”, including San Francisco Ballet principal Yuanyuan Tang and actress Joan Chen.

The China Institute, a 97-year-old New York nonprofit dedicated to US-China relations, held an event in South San Francisco Thursday night.

“In a time of growing anti-Asian hatred, I want people to know that we Asian women have made a huge contribution to American society,” said Yue-Sai Kang, co-chair of the China Institute.

Kang, a prominent fashion icon who is also famous in China, said she was stunned that so many prominent Chinese-American women live in the Bay Area. She said her visit encouraged her to acknowledge and honor their contributions.

The ten recipients represented a wide variety of fields including business, politics, arts and entertainment.

Tang, a Shanghai immigrant, made history by becoming the youngest prima ballerina of the San Francisco Ballet in 1997 at the age of 20. She attended the event on Thursday and immediately returned for another performance.

Another immigrant from Shanghai, Chen began her Hollywood career after rising to prominence in China in the late 1970s. She rose to fame by starring in an Oscar-winning film. The last Emperor in 1987 and received top awards in Asia for her acting and directing work.

Other recipients include businesswoman Stella Lee, Sarah Go and Margaret Wong, cultural ambassador Phoebe Chen Huang, and philanthropist Gorretti Louis. Hollywood actress Maggie Q Divergent a series of films has also been honored.

“I’m flattered,” Chen said, “to be among so many wonderful, special women.”

The Chinese Institute is opening a new Chinese Culinary Center to promote Chinese cuisine in America and around the world. His consultants are celebrity chefs Martin Yang, Ho Chi Boon, George Chen and Larry Chu.

Retired San Francisco Chief Justice Lillian Sing, another recipient, praised efforts to improve relations between the two countries through food.

“Chinese cuisine touches everyone’s heart and soul,” Sing said. “I don’t care if you’re a Republican or a Democrat. We all love Chinese food.”

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