APA Spotlight is a weekly interview of Asian Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) community leaders. It is a spotlight on individuals who have dedicated their careers to issues surrounding the APIA community with the goal of bringing much deserved recognition to their work and cause(s).
Ben Park is a serial entrepreneur and the marketing force behind two companies that he successfully sold to Broadcom and Netgear and he is an expert at targeting the right products to the right customers. Recently, Ben held the position as the President of the Korean American Society of Entrepreneurs (KASE) and he is a current board member of Korean IT Network (KIN). At KASE, Ben co-chaired the successful KINCon Conference. Ben has held management positions in product and marketing management for startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has a BS in Electrical Engineering from UC Davis and an MBA in Marketing from Golden Gate University.
Founded in 1979, Asia America MultiTechnology Association (AAMA), formerly known as Asian American Manufacturers Association, is Silicon Valley’s largest and most established non-profit organization dedicated to the Asia American high-tech community. Having deep roots and a wide reach in the local Silicon Valley community and across Pacific Rim countries, as well as a proven track record of success as a Silicon Valley-based organization, AAMA expanded into China by launching chapters in Beijing and Shanghai to better serve as the bridge between Silicon Valley and Asia. Each chapter hosts events to localize the effort to promote business relationships and works closely with Silicon Valley headquarters to ensure members realize the maximum benefit of the organization.
AAMA is a nexus that provides leading executives and other stakeholders cross-fertilization of ideas and best-of-breed collaboration, resulting in successful business ventures throughout the Asia-Pacific region and global economy. With a network of 10,000+ from over 2,000 companies and chapters in Beijing and Shanghai, AAMA’s membership roster represents a diverse and influential spectrum of technology industries, including the internet, wireless, telecommunications, multimedia, semiconductor, software, hardware, electronics and bio-tech industries, as well as financial and professional services industries that are integral to high-tech development. Through its diverse programs ranging from monthly Speakers Series to the annual Silicon Valley-Asia Technology Conference, AAMA provides a forum in which members can network, exchange ideas and share resources.
What is the mission statement of your life?
My personal mission statement is “Carpe diem, Carpe nocturn,” seize the day, seize the night. Life is too short to be not taking risks and living it out to the fullest. I believe that life’s most important learning lessons come from failure so taking risk and failing is better than not taking any risk at all.
How did you end up doing what you’re doing?
I have been a serial entrepreneur for over 10 years. During that time, I have been involved as a founder or key team member of three start-up companies. Two of those companies have been bought up by big companies, Broadcom and Netgear, and one was a failure. I was burned out from a start-up mode, so when the opportunity came to be involved with AAMA, it sounded like a great opportunity. The job entails dealing with similar issues and people as when I was in a start-up mode so it was a comfortable move for me.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?
That’s a tough question. Although there has been a large stride in opportunities for Asian actors lately, there are a small number of Asian actors who are well known. If I had to choose one, I would say younger Pat Morita.
How can people find out more about your organization or get involved?
They can find out more about AAMA via our web site.
If you had a crystal ball, what do you see for the future of the Asian Pacific Islander American community?
Here in California, we see a bright future for the Asian American community, especially in Northern California. We have two Asian American mayors in San Francisco and Oakland, two of largest cities in California. I see multiple cities with majority of the supervisors are Asian Americans. I think politically Asian Americans are finally getting the deserved due.
Beyond politics, the Silicon Valley is a great place to see the advances Asian Americans in business. More and more companies in Silicon Valley are run by Asian Americans. I see an increasing number of Asian Americans in senior management positions in big companies as well, such as Yahoo, Google and Facebook. I am very optimistic about the future of Asian Americans in the future.
Bonus Question: What advice do you have for young professionals? Would you give different advice for young Asian Pacific Islander American professionals?
I think one thing I can say to young Asian American professionals is to repeat what I said above, take risks in life and in business. Get outside of your comfort zone and learn from life. There is nothing like a life experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Go and do something, just don’t stay in the same place.
Bonus Question: What are your comfort foods and what memories do you have associated with them?
Although I haven’t met any food I didn’t like (Andrew Zimmern, eat your heart out), my comfort food is mostly what I call “peasant” food: stew, soup (especially noodle soup) and fried food. I mean, who doesn’t like anything that’s deep fried?
Bonus Question: What’s your guilty pleasure?
Definitely food, something sweet.
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