On Saturday, February 21, four days following the start of the 2026 Lunar New Year, the Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses (AAAB) will host its eighth annual “East Meets West Arkansas Lunar New Year Luncheon” from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in Hot Springs.
The keynote speaker will be Arkansas Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald, who will recap the state’s recent economic development mission to Asia, which included stops in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Secretary McDonald will also share insights on how Arkansas attracts and supports business investment and job creation in our state from around the world.
The honored guest will be internationally renowned sculptor and painter Longhua Xu of Hot Springs. A native of Shanghai, Xu moved to Hot Springs in 1990, and many pieces of his art are featured throughout Arkansas and internationally. Xu was named 2019’s “Arkansas Treasure” by the Division of Arkansas Heritage. Several pieces of Xu’s works will also be displayed at the luncheon.
Guests will also experience Chado, “The Way of Tea”, presented by the Tea Horse of Hot Springs. Chado is a time-honored Japanese tradition of hospitality, culture, and history. Both Ryūrei and Ryakubon rituals will be performed.
The coming Lunar New Year is the “Year of the Horse,” symbolizing ambition, progress, and transformation while encouraging bold actions and forward momentum. In that spirit, the AAAB will unveil a new strategic direction for the organization. According to Executive Director Jayesh Ramnani, the announcement is a culmination of months of work by the AAAB Board of Directors and its members and partners to increase and track the impact of the association’s work at the local, state, and regional levels. “The East Meets West Luncheon is more than a celebration; it is a catalyst for economic growth. By bringing this landmark event to Hot Springs and unveiling our new strategic vision, we are sending a clear message: Arkansas is open for global business, and our Asian business community is a vital driver of that success. Our philosophy is simple—when Arkansas grows, we all grow.”
To celebrate those businesses, the AAAB will present the four finalists and winner of the second annual AAAB Business of the Year awards. Eighteen nominations were received for the competition, which recognizes an Arkansas-based business demonstrating a significant and authentic connection to Asian heritage through one or more of the following – products or services (offering goods, cuisine, or services rooted in Asian traditions or culture); a business model built on connecting Arkansas and Asian markets (e.g., import/export, technology, services); and company story – a brand and mission deeply intertwined with the founder’s or the community’s Asian heritage.
The luncheon is open to the public. Over 100 guests from the business and community sectors are expected to attend. Tickets and more information can be found at arkasianbiz.com. Discounted ticket prices for early registration will be available until 11:59 p.m. February 3.
Founded in 2017, the AAAB is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that strives to connect Arkansas and Asia in business. The AAAB also has a 501(c)(3) charitable arm, the Natural State Business Foundation (NSBF).
The AAAB aims to foster an inclusive business community where partnerships between Asian and Arkansas entrepreneurs and professionals are integral to the state’s growth. AAAB achieves this by providing the network, knowledge, and support that connect local and global opportunities, ensuring that prosperity and understanding flow both ways between Arkansas and Asia. As a membership-based organization, AAAB has different offerings for students, individuals, small enterprises, and large corporations. AAAB also hosts year-round events such as the annual “East Meets West” of Arkansas Lunar New Year luncheon and the online quarterly “Arkansas-Asia Briefing.”