In Luffy Huang’s Vision for Pulse Events, Cultures Align Through EDM Music
Stories
September 22, 2024
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CEO of Pulse Events Luffy Huang made waves across New York City this past Labor Day weekend. Known as “the world’s wettest party,” the S2O event made a splash in the Brooklyn neighborhood, delivering euphoric EDM melodies with Thai-inspired traditions that stretch across borders to America.
But as the CEO of Pulse Events, his vision yearns for unity and togetherness through the power of music. Throughout the years, Luffy has been a driving force behind the diversification of the EDM festival scene, condensing the beats into a spectacular celebration of culture and community.
The Sounds of Luffy Huang’s Chinese Upbringing and American Dream
Growing up in China, his early passion for music led him to a career as a singer and TV host between 15 to 20 years ago. Encouraged by the eclectic soundscape in the U.S., his American dream for a successful music career was granted by one of the artists he was touring along with, paving the way for his move to the States.
“I grew up in China and following my passion for music, I became a singer and TV host 15 to 20 years ago. Since it was always my dream to break into the music industry in the U.S., I began touring with artists and finally came to America with one of them in 2020.”
When he arrived in the U.S., Luffy was bewildered yet determined. The hustle in a foreign land might have caught him off guard for a moment but it also helped him head towards a new direction. “I found the industry here to be very open-minded and felt inspired and encouraged to start my own entertainment company here,” he says.
Luffy left China for the U.S., driven by the fast-paced music scene.
This geographic shift is a tableau of music inspirations, cultural shock and a deepening sense of identity, all of which prompted him to create Pulse Events, an event agency focused on bridging the Eastern and Western cultures through music and community.
Cultural Harmony Through Music and Luffy Huang’s Pulse Events Journey
“What inspired me the most was seeing people of different cultures embrace shows produced in Asia and influenced by Eastern traditions,” he says.
Such ethos were themselves echoed throughout his work, by introducing a global audience to the purpose he wanted to share more of, from highlighting notable Asian creatives and talents, to celebrating the vibrant culture of the Asian community. “I realized that this experience was missing in the U.S. and it became my mission to produce shows here that expose fans to the traditions and dance community culture in Asia,” he says. “I am proud that my shows include elements like Asian night markets, lion dances and spraying water that is the Songkran Thai New Year custom.”
One of the drawbacks of starting Pulse Events in a new country, however, is the balance and harmony among different communities, especially in the U.S. where multiculturalism has long been its celebrated trademark. Yet, despite this animated diversity, Luffy needs to traverse the tricky waters of inclusivity, representation and U.S. culture:
“Turning my vision into a reality took a bit of time. But once we put on our first Pulse Events show, we learned from the process and got into a good rhythm where we put on multiple shows annually and continued to expand. One of thechallenges I face on a daily basis is figuring out how to represent Asian culture in the most authentic way possible, while having our shows appeal to a diverse audience. Striking that balance takes a lot of thought and hard work, finding the right partners to bring that to life. Another challenge I face is that English is my second language, so I sometimes have to take the extra step of using translation tools or making a greater effort to make sure my ideas are communicated correctly.”
Luffy Huang leads Pulse Events with determination, expanding the reach of Asian culture through unforgettable shows
While those challenges might have vexed him in the beginning, every show, event and festival was an emblem of the connectivity that he always has in mind for Pulse Events. The 2023 Spring Festival that Pulse Events had orchestrated last year was an EDM-heavy event to honor Lunar New Year and pull together traditional elements, joyful moments and different communities. It was the first event to infuse electronic music and Asian culture that introduced the beauty of this cultural festival to more American youths:
“I am proud of every show Pulse Events has put on and the legacy we are slowly building by making them annual. We are gearing up for our second Winter Festival in November and our third Spring Festival next year, and planning to bring back S2O after debuting it to the U.S. this past Labor Day weekend. I feel fortunate that we have established a good working relationship with one of the most famous venues in New York City and the world, The Brooklyn Mirage. I am also proud to be the founder of the Krazy Super Concert elevating K-pop in America.”
When East Meets West in Luffy Huang’s Vision for Pulse Events
As an organization that holds the same values as AHN to uplift and highlight the Asian community, AHN takes this interview as a special opportunity to explore how Asian talents are being showcased and represented in the industry. Luffy’s vision remains unchanged:
“Themission and vision of Pulse Events is to bridge the East and the West through music events that unite people of all backgrounds and educate them. Through bringing fans of all kinds together through the common love of music, we are able to open their minds and hearts to understanding Asian culture and embracing the immense talent within our community, from music producers and DJs to entrepreneurs like myself and my colleagues.”
This determination and commitment has led Luffy on a road of success, producing annual mega shows like the Lunar New Year Spring Festival, the Winter Festival and most recently S2O New York, all to celebrate cultures and unite communities through EDM. Even just at the start, Pulse Events has landed performance deals with many prominent artists in the electronic music scene, from the enigmatic Marshmello to platinum record-selling DJ Afrojack.
Luffy’s goal is clear: bridge the East and West through music, uniting fans from all backgrounds while showcasing Asian talents.
Connect With Luffy Huang
Much of Luffy’s current success comes less from pure luck and more from a consistent performance of hard work and innovation. Whether it be electric live festivals, or getting deep down into his heritage, Luffy knows better than ever that Pulse Events was a child of hustle and resilience, no matter where you came from and who you are:
“From my own journey,I believe that if you hustle hard enough and never give up on your dreams, you will succeed, even in a foreign country or place outside of your comfort zone.”
Year of the Snake has arrived, and Chicago’s Gangnam Market slithered into the year with an exciting two-day celebration on January 25 and 26. Since its launch in December 2024, Gangnam Market has quickly established itself as one of Chicago’s go-to spots for Asian culinary delights. This event further solidified Gangnam Market’s vision of bringing Asian culture forward.
The 28,000-square-foot “American-Asian hybrid” grocery store has gathered communities of diverse backgrounds into one place, all honoring and embracing the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year. The weekend celebration offered attendees an exciting lineup of activities, from electrifying cultural performances to mouthwatering food.
One of the event’s prominent features is the lion dance and drumming performance by Yu’s Lion Dance Sports Association of Chicago, captivating audiences with an energetic and meaningful display of fortune and prosperity. Adding a playful touch, Pokémon characters also held special meet-and-greets that attracted children and fans alike. (Who doesn’t love Pokémon anyway?) Guests also received lucky red envelopes with coupons for exclusive prizes at the event.
Lion dancers, drummers, and Pikachu captivate the crowd at Gangnam Market’s Lunar New Year celebration.
Food lovers were definitely not left out, with live demonstrations of Tanghulu-making (Chinese candied fruit skewers) and more than a dozen market vendors offering a taste of classic and contemporary Asian delights, with free food and drink samplings.
One of the event’s sweet treats is Tanghulu – candied fruit on skewers with a crispy sugar coating.
Reflecting on the successful turnout, Gangnam Market owner Kenny Yang expressed his gratitude for the community’s eager participation and commitment to heritage preservation. “We were overwhelmed and humbled by the incredible response, and thank all who came out to celebrate Lunar New Year with us.”
New series and movies are constantly getting announced—GoldenTV, the premier streaming platform dedicated to Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) stories, also joined the fun, announcing its highly anticipated 2025 programming lineup. According to an exclusive from Variety, the upcoming slate introduces a series of original content while offering a mix of returning favorites, and special holiday programming.
Exciting New Originals
“Stir the Pot” – Premiering February 7. Hosted by “Bling Empire” star Kelly Mi Li, this one-hour talk show features a hot pot session where AAPI celebrities and notable figures gather and engage in discussions about culture, good, and entertainment.
“Crossing Over” – Premiering May 1. This docuseries focuses on an aspiring AAPI boy band from Hawaii on their recent journey of breaking into the mainstream as “H-Pop” (Hawaii Pop) artists.
“Follow Me Around” – Premiering Summer 2025. Following emerging creatives on their journey towards major career achievements, this series of both narrative and documentary offers audiences an exclusive sneak peek into their journeys.
“Golden Made” – Premiering Summer 2025. This documentary series highlights AAPI professionals across different industries, exploring their origin stories and the creative process that brings them to their current success.
Returning Fan Favorites
“The Takeaway” (Season 2) – Returning Fall 2025. Hosted by Michelle Park, this weekly entertainment news show delivers the latest in AAPI pop culture, including trending stories in film, television, and music.
Special Holiday Programming
In celebration of Lunar New Year, GoldenTV and its sister cable channel ChimeTV present the audience with exclusive holiday programming:
Unforgettable Gala – Weekly re-runs of the prestigious gala that spotlights AAPI talents in entertainment, art, and culture.
Unforgettable Gala Red Carpet Special – A behind-the-scenes look at the 22nd Annual Unforgettable Gala, featuring red carpet hosts Jennifer Paz and Jannelle So.
Martial Arts Marathon – Action-packed films airing weekly from the Shaw Brothers studio.
Exclusive Licensed Content
GoldenTV and ChimeTV will continue to feature a lineup of fan-favorite licensed programming, including “BTS Global Takeover,” “Cross My Mind,” “Iron Chef,” “Maker Nation,” “Matched,” “Nippon Professional Baseball,” “The Uncle Roger Show,” and “What’s on the Menu?”
A Bold Year for AAPI Representation
“Our Lunar New Year lineup exemplifies our commitment to delivering compelling, diverse, and fresh AAPI stories,” said Golden Media CEO Takashi Cheng. “We are excited to offer a broader variety of content, from talk shows and documentaries to major cultural events. It’s an incredible time for AAPI representation, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement.”
With its 2025 slate, GoldenTV continues to push boundaries and amplify AAPI voices, solidifying its place as a premier destination for authentic and impactful storytelling.
As Trump is re-elected, new reforms and policies are taking shape. Among them is his threat to impose a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, alongside a 10% tariff on China—claiming these countries allegedly failed to address illegal immigration and co-conspirators for illegal fentanyl distribution in the United States (US).
Yet the article is not to stir political debate but to explore the ramifications of these tariffs on consumers and Asian countries. While many news outlets have focused on the potential setbacks in the affected countries, few have explored how others might either suffer or benefit from the situation. Hence, this piece shall highlight how Trump’s ascension to power might become the best opportunity for some Asian economies.
The Price of Tariffs
The Guardian defines a tariff as a tax imposed on foreign goods entering a country. As the world’s largest importer, the US brought in $3.2 trillion worth of goods in 2022, with imports from Canada, Mexico, and China totaling $1.2 trillion in 2023. Trump takes pride in this idea, believing the US government would receive more revenue through these tariffs, coining tariffs as the “most beautiful word in the dictionary” in an interview with Bloomberg.
Brown University Professor of Economics Şebnem Kalemli-Özcan disagrees by arguing, “For many economists, tariff is actually the worst word in the dictionary.” She explains that ultimately American consumers and businesses will pay the price. As a trade-deficit nation, the US imports more than its exports. According to the Tax Policy Center, a 60% levy on Chinese goods accompanied by a 20% worldwide tariff could raise the costs for the average US household to up to $3,000 in 2025.
As companies face higher costs for goods, they often transfer those expenses to consumers through price increases. This can reduce consumer spending, which in turn lowers business investment and may lead to job losses.
Jason Miller, a professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University reaffirms such claims stating, “Because of the combination of these three countries, it’s going to be difficult to go down an aisle of a grocery store and not see some sort of inflationary effect.” Capital Economics projected that the newly announced tariffs could drive annual inflation up from 2.9% to as much as 4%.
Products affected by Trump’s Tariffs (Image source: BBC)
Nevertheless, Trump’s tariff threats carry weight, as they could impose significant economic pressure on targeted countries, prompting businesses to relocate. According to the BBC, Chinese factories with 500 workers have shrunk to just 200 employees, while American buyers are already exploring alternative manufacturing hubs in neighboring regions outside of China.
Business owner Huang Zhaodong, who recently relocated his factory, told the BBC that customers had pressured him to move production overseas. He agrees with their concerns, estimating that a 10% tariff increase could cost him an additional $800,000 in earnings. “Manufacturing clothes in China under these tariff conditions is simply unsustainable,” he said.
A Victor Emerges
Cases like Mr. Huang’s have proved the challenges that Trump’s tariff has imposed on countries like China. The beginning of the Trump trade war has led businesses to flee to Southeast Asian nations, most notably Vietnam.
While other Southeast Asian nations also benefit from shifting supply chains, Vietnam has emerged as a top destination due to its growing industrial capacity and strategic location. The country recently rose to become the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) champion with an estimated 40% of all ASEAN exports to North America being from the country alone. Though it is difficult to quantify how many businesses have relocated from China, BBC reports that major brands like Puma, Nike, and Adidas have already moved production to Vietnam. Sources from Vietnam Briefing indicate Intel and Samsung have rapidly ramped up their investment in Vietnam and are projected to reach $100 billion in revenue by 2050. Propelled by robust exports and foreign investments, Vietnam’s economy has recently grown by 7.09%, reaching $476.3 billion—outpacing the 5.05% expansion seen in 2023.
It is debatable whether Trump’s glare will graze upon this nation. Experts debate whether he will target Vietnam with tariffs, as his trade policies often focus on countries with a trade surplus. In 2024, Vietnam held the third-largest trade surplus with the United States at $104.6 billion, accounting for nearly 30% of its total exports. This substantial trade imbalance makes Vietnam a potential target for Trump’s tariff threats. In this scheme, the nation might experience radical changes due to trade balances, exchange rates, supply chains, and foreign direct investment (FDI). However, Vietnam is more likely to benefit from US-imposed tariffs. This prediction is supported by trends from Trump’s first term when the country experienced significant economic growth due to an influx of manufacturers and factories relocating to Vietnam.
Despite lingering skepticism, Trump has maintained a favorable view of Vietnam. As early as 1980, Trump publicly opposed the Vietnam War and visited the country twice during his first term. His business ventures have also extended to Vietnam, with his organization partnering with Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation (KBC) to develop a $1.5 billion complex in Hung Yen Province. Meanwhile, his new confidante, Elon Musk, has positioned Vietnam a key production hub for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet project, shifting suppliers and manufacturing from Taiwan to Vietnam to reduce geopolitical risks.
Reversing these investments may be impractical or simply too late. The confidence that both Trump and Musk have placed in Vietnam highlights the country’s growing role in global supply chains. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Vietnam’s diplomatic strategy—often referred to as the “bamboo policy” for its balance of resilience and adaptability—has strengthened its international position. As long as the country continues to wisely navigate political and diplomatic negotiations and steer clear of populist pitfalls, Vietnam is well-positioned to sustain its economic growth and global influence.
Most people often overlook long-term care until they are older or faced with no other choice. Unfortunately, by that point, it may already be too late. Lily Vittayarukskul was pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering when she witnessed both her oldest brother and mother battle with an illness that required extensive long-term care. The situation became even more challenging when her aunt was later diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. The seek for quality care became daunting, even for those fortunate enough to have some form of insurance.
As a member of a Cambodian immigrant family, Lily experienced the challenges of caregiving firsthand, but the financial burden became unbearable. In a recent interview with TechCrunch, she exclaimed, “It wiped us out financially.” The profound emotional and financial impact of the experience ultimately led her to shift her focus to genetic and data science.
Finally, in December 2021, she decided to take action by founding Waterlily, a San Francisco-based startup aimed at helping individuals and financial advisors navigate long-term care planning through cost modeling and funding strategies. Using artificial intelligence (AI) to forecast a family’s future long-term care needs and expenses, Waterlily predicts a family’s future long-term care needs and expenses, guides them in creating a care plan, and identifies the most suitable ways to finance it. Options may include purchasing life insurance with a long-term care rider, investing in a dedicated LTC policy, utilizing annuities, or self-funding.
Lily explains, “Most people begin thinking about long-term care between the ages of 65 and 70, or only when they need it, but by then, it can be too late.”
Leveraging more than 500 million data points and machine learning algorithms, Waterlily delivers highly personalized care and cost predictions. The platform forecasts when long-term care may be required, how it will unfold, and the potential expenses involved. Lily proudly states, “We have formal data-sharing agreements with long-term care providers, government databases, academic research studies, and individual users.”
Waterlily’s vision is undeniably compelling, and Lily isn’t the only one who sees its potential. She initially launched the company as a solo founder, but it soon caught the attention of angel investor Evan Ehrenberg, the former founder of Clara Health. Evan became intrigued by Waterlily’s early research and the industry’s reaction. Curious, he tested the platform himself and was stunned by its long-term care predictions—so much so that he hired a personal trainer, adjusted his diet, and revised his financial plans. Impressed by its impact, Evan, who became MIT’s youngest neuroscience PhD, officially joined Waterlily as a co-founder.
Evan Ehrenberg [left] and Lily Vittayarukskul [right] together (Image Source: Evan Ehrenberg)
Lily believes Waterlily differentiates itself from competitors by providing a more personalized experience through deep predictive modeling integrated into a user-friendly platform. Although it only launched in March 2024, the company’s monthly recurring revenue (MRR) has already grown to more than 22 times its initial level. Waterlily now serves eight major clients, including several Fortune 100 insurance carriers and Prudential.
Looking ahead, Waterlily aims to expand its services to include disability, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and Medicare planning, enabling families to make more informed health coverage decisions. Additionally, the company is exploring opportunities for international growth, with plans to enter markets in Asia, Canada, and the U.K.
John Kim, former president of New York Life and investor of Waterlily, sees the platform as the first AI-native guidance tool addressing one of the most pressing challenges of an aging American population.
Kim concluded, “Long-term care insurance is a growing and largely underserved need among trusted advisors today. Waterlily’s guidance tool stands alone in its ability to provide customized, personalized recommendations for long-term care needs. I believe it will be a game changer for the LTC insurance marketplace.”
