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About the AABC —

Our Mission

The Arkansas-Asian Business Council (AABC) was established in 2017 as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization with a mission to connect Arkansas and Asia in business and in community. The AABC also has a 501(c)(3) entity, the Natural State Business Foundation (NSBF).

Our Vision

To see Arkansas flourish as a vibrant ecosystem where Asian businesses are an integral part of our community's success, and Arkansas businesses confidently engage with the global Asian market.

Our Mission

To foster an inclusive business community where Asian entrepreneurs and professionals are integral to our state's growth. We achieve this by providing the network, knowledge, and support that connect local and global opportunities, ensuring prosperity and understanding flow both ways between Arkansas and Asia.

Our Ecosystem Blueprint

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Our Pillars

Pillar 1: AABC Ascend

Goal: Build a sustainable talent pipeline for our businesses.

Key Initiatives:

  • Internship Program
  • Annual Job Fair
  • Innovation Challenge (Hackathon)

Pillar 2: AABC Connect

Goal: Drive measurable ROI for Business members via our central digital platform.

Key Initiatives:

  • AABC Connect Groups
  • AABC Connect Mobile App
  • “Doing Business With…” Series

Pillar 3: AABC Community Hub

Goal: Provide high-visibility connection and display our community strength

Key Initiatives:

  • Newsletter
  • Arkansas-Asia Briefing
  • Business Expo
  • AABC Signature Event - East Meets West

Pillar 4: AABC Global Landing Pad

The Service: A premium, concierge "soft landing" for new Asian companies, providing a "First 90 Days" roadmap, cultural navigation, and trusted guidance.

The Engine: Powered by a vetted network of our own AABC members (lawyers, bankers, realtors), creating a self-sustaining cycle of value.

AABC Membership

Membership in the AABC is open to all companies and individuals eager to be part of a community working together to energize and celebrate business and cultural synergy between Arkansas and the Continent of Asia.

AABC's Board of Directors

Yang Luo-Branch

Founder & President (ex-oficio)

Senior Manager of Digital Transformation, Tyson Foods

Jayesh Ramnani

Executive Director

Director of Engineering, Walmart

Michael Mourot

Director, Board Chair

Senior Vice President, The Sinclair Group

Director, Arkansas Economic Development Commission Asia Office

Co-Founder & CEO, FR8relay

Bliss Krucas

Director

Senior Sales Director, Little Rock Convention and Visitor Bureau

Chung Tan

Director

Deputy Director of Employment and Industry, City of Fayetteville

Deepali Lal

Director

Vice President of EB-5 Compliance, ACC Capital

Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Founder and CEO, SPACE ASEAN