Dr. Schiller Liao and former Ambassador Sichan Siv
November 16, 2008 | By Yvonne Lim Wilson
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The Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Discover Asia Awards Banquet on Oct. 4, 2008. The AAACC recognized three individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Asian community and community at large in Austin and Texas.
The Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals for the dedication to the Asian community and Austin community, was presented to Dr. Schiller Liao “who has demonstrated a tireless attitude and an open mind for reaching out to diversified organizations and individuals in an effort to achieve consensus on issues and understand differences to advance long-term cooperation,” according to AAACC press materials.
Liao, a professional architect, immigrated to the United States from Taiwan in 1992 to earn his doctoral degree from UT Austin. Since then, he joined the University of Texas System and is currently project manager for the Office of Facilities Planning and Construction.
Liao’s involvement with the Asian community is extensive. He is a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Asian American Resource Center and is active with the Network of Asian American Organizations, the Austin Chapter of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, the Austin Taiwanese Association, and is an AAACC board member.
City of Austin assistant city manager Rudy Garza received the Champion Award, which recognizes non-Asians for their contributions to the Asian community, for his dedication to small business and support of the AAACC.
As assistant city manager, Garza helped create opportunities for small businesses by holding city departments accountable, said AAACC Ali Khataw.
“He also helped the Asian community towards bringing the Asian American Resource Center to reality. Rudy has always made himself accessible to those who needed his help,” Khataw said.
The Lotus Award, which recognizes individuals who have contributed greatly to the Asian community throughout Texas, was presented to Dr. Martha J. Wong, a native Houstonian and third generation Chinese American. Wong was the first Asian American elected to Houston City Council in 1993. She made history again by becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in the Texas House of Representatives from 2002 to 2007.
The banquet also included a keynote address by former Ambassador Sichan Siv, author of Golden Bones, along with dancers and Chinese art and a presentation by the Asian American Resource Center.
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