February 10, 2003

USAsia Today Begins Publication in Houston

For immediate release
Contact: Sue Davis
February 10, 2003
713-723-6011/713-392-6011 (cell)

USAsia Today has begun publication of a new English language newspaper that covers all Asian communities in Houston.

“Our mission is to unite the different ethnic Asian groups into one community,” Editor Ave Basa said, “by providing a forum to harness its collective talents and promote the advancement of Asian American issues in greater Houston and the state of Texas.

We seek to champion Asian American issues and help develop Asian American leaders in the Houston political, educational and social area,” Basa said.

Houston has dozens of publications that serve Houston’s many Asian populations, usually in their own language. USAsia Today chose to publish in English because it is the common language among Houston’s Asians.

“Most American-born Asians speak and write only English,” Basa explains. “A publication in English, therefore, enables them to keep abreast of their Asian heritage and culture.”

Basa also believes USAsia Today will allow Americans to learn more about their fellow Asian American citizens. “Learning promotes understanding and harmonious co-existence,” Basa said.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the greater Houston area is home to a quarter-million Asian Americans. The largest Asian ethnic group is Vietnamese, followed by South Asian, Chinese, Filipino and Korean.

“We will embrace and promote cultural diversity in our daily business,” Basa promised. “We will strive to publish interesting and relevant information that accurately captures the issues and essence of the Asian American lifestyle and to provide the highest-quality service to our readers.”

USAsia Today is a publication of the Southern New Group, based in Houston and chaired by Wea Lee. Southern News Group has Chinese language newspapers in ten U.S. cities, including Southern Chinese Daily News in Houston, plus a major printing facility, conference center and product display facility. USAsia Today is the company’s first English language newspaper.

USAsia Today is a free publication distributed widely in the southwest area of Houston. USAsia Today is located at 11122 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77072. Phone is 281-498-4310; fax is 281-498-2724.

Posted by suedavis at February 10, 2003 11:42 AM