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.”
What started as a small tribute from a mother turned into a two year journey filled with patience, rejection, and hope.
Elenor Mak simply wanted to honor Michelle Yeoh and show her daughter that Asian girls can be the hero of the story too.
No one expected that the journey would end on the red carpet at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Image source: Elenor Mak
The Childhood Inspiration
Elenor Mak grew up watching Michelle Yeoh on Cantonese VHS tapes at home. Seeing an Asian woman lead films and command the screen made a deep impression on her as a child. It showed her that someone who looked like her could be strong, fearless, and at the center of the story. That belief stayed with her for years.
When Michelle Yeoh won the Academy Award for Best Actress, Elenor listened closely to the speech. Michelle spoke about being a beacon of hope for children who were waiting to see themselves represented. The moment felt personal to Elenor. That was when she decided to create a doll that captured that historic win.
Image source: Elenor Mak
A Two Year Mission
Creating the doll was a careful process that took five months. A professional stylist in Los Angeles helped shape the look, while a supporter in Hong Kong hand sewed the detailed feathery gown. Each part was made slowly and thoughtfully. Everyone involved wanted the doll to reflect Michelle Yeoh’s iconic Oscar moment.
At the center of it all was Elenor’s mother. She sat at the kitchen table attaching the final accessories with crazy glue and steady hands. When the doll was finished, the real challenge began. For two years, Elenor tried to find a way to get the doll into Michelle Yeoh’s hands.
Image source: @jonmchu (Instagram)
The Hollywood Moment
When Michelle Yeoh’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony was announced, Elenor knew she had to try again. She flew to Los Angeles with her friend Dion Lim, an Emmy Award winning journalist, hoping for one last chance. They waited behind barricades for hours as the crowd gathered. After hearing no from security several times, they almost gave up.
Then something unexpected happened. Janet Yang, a producer and former head of the Academy, stepped in and helped make the moment possible. Soon after, Michelle Yeoh lifted the doll on the red carpet while Sandra Oh and Awkwafina cheered nearby. For Elenor, the moment meant more than giving a gift. It was for the little girl who once watched Michelle Yeoh on old VHS tapes and believed she could belong too.
At 19 years old, most people are still trying to figure out who they want to become. Jonathan Quach, who also goes by Johny, was already thinking about how he could create space for others to grow.
He did not have investors backing him or access to elite facilities. What he had was a deep love for basketball and a growing frustration with how many talented kids were being left out of high-level programs simply because they lacked money, connections, or visibility.
The name Team Quachro (TQ) was originally created just to enter his first eight kids into a local youth league. What started as a play on words from his last name, ended up becoming a staple in the Orange County Basketball community, competing with the other heavy hitters in the industry.
Starting at 19 with Nothing but Belief
Starting a program at 19 meant stepping into rooms where almost everyone was older. Johny had to lead coaches and speak with parents who had decades more life experience than he did. When he had only 50 kids in the program, a handful of larger, established programs recognized the early growth and tried to buy him out from the start.
As Team Quachro began gaining attention and players began leaving other programs to join his team, some competing coaches sent negative emails to others behind his back. Instead of responding with arguments, Johny chose to respond with action. He focused on developing his athletes and strengthening the culture of the program.
Now 26 years old, Johny has built one of the largest basketball programs and tournament operations in California. By remaining consistent and treating every family with respect, he gradually turned early skepticism into long-term trust. Team Quachro now serves more than 300 athletes, with thousands of families having come through the program over the years.
Carving a New Lane for Asian Leadership
Building one of California’s largest platforms by age 26 is a feat in itself, but doing so as an Asian founder carries even more weight. In the youth basketball world, Asian founders are rarely seen in leadership roles. Johny understood that reality and wanted younger players to see someone who looked like them leading from the front.
Representation, for him, was not about making statements. It was about building something real and lasting that could create opportunity for others. Every partnership and every opportunity had to be earned through persistence and relationship building.
Over time, that work transformed a small training group into one of the most respected sports organizations in California. Johny proved that leadership is not determined by age, background, or stereotype. It is shaped by commitment, integrity, and care for the people you serve.
Leaving a Legacy Bigger Than Trophies
What began as a handful of local training sessions has grown into a thriving ecosystem of teams, tournaments, and mentorship. The results of that dedication are visible at the next level, with TQ athletes playing at the Division I college level, as well as at JUCO and NAIA programs.
Despite that growth, Johny has worked intentionally to keep the heart of the program intact. He continues to cover costs for athletes who cannot afford to participate and organizes free clinics to make the game more accessible. He believes that financial limitations should never be the reason a child cannot pursue their potential.
Johny did not inherit a platform, and he did not receive a head start. Today, the program stands as more than a basketball organization. It stands as a family built on loyalty, mentorship, and shared belief. For him, that culture is the greatest achievement of all, far greater than any trophy or tournament win.
Andre Koo Jr. was born into one of Taiwan’s most influential business families, where legacy and leadership have shaped industries for more than a century.
As a fifth-generation heir to a $6.3 billion empire, he had every reason to remain within the comfort and stability of an established dynasty.
Yet instead of staying home, he chose to build something new in New York, placing a focused bet on the future of artificial intelligence.
Image Source: NYU Stern
Honoring a 130-Year Legacy While Charting His Own Path
For generations, the Koo family has played a defining role in Taiwan’s business landscape, building institutions that span finance, infrastructure, and beyond. Growing up within that environment meant understanding both the privilege and the responsibility tied to the family name. Legacy, in this case, was not just inherited wealth but a long-standing commitment to growth and impact.
Still, Andre Koo Jr. believed that honoring tradition did not require standing still. While remaining actively involved in the Koo Family Office, he set his sights on expanding the family’s global footprint. His move to Manhattan marked a deliberate step toward independence, signaling a desire to test his vision in one of the world’s most competitive markets.
Image Source: Private Wealth Institute
Building K8 Capital for the AI Era
That vision took shape through K8 Capital, a firm designed to invest in artificial intelligence and enterprise software. Rather than following typical venture capital models, Andre structured a hybrid strategy that blends private credit with venture investments. This approach allows him to pursue innovation while maintaining disciplined risk management.
The strategy is already delivering results, with gains of over 50 percent achieved through carefully structured short-term loans. K8 Capital has secured five major investors and is actively deploying capital into promising technology companies. By combining the prudence of established wealth with the speed of modern tech investing, Andre Koo Jr. is building a bridge between a historic dynasty and the next generation of innovation.
In 1980, a Vietnamese fighter pilot from a small rural province made history by becoming the first person from Asia to travel into space.
Long before rockets and research labs, Pham Tuan grew up in the rice fields of Thái Bình, far from the world of astronauts and orbiting stations.
Today, his journey beyond Earth remains a powerful story of courage, discipline, and possibility for young people across Asia.
Image Source: Saigoneer
From Rural Fields to the Edge of Space
Before he ever saw space, Pham Tuan built his career as a fighter pilot in the Vietnamese Air Force. His skill and discipline eventually led to his selection for an international space program, a rare opportunity at the height of global political tension. It was a dramatic shift from flying combat missions to preparing for a journey beyond Earth.
The transition demanded years of intense physical and technical training. He had to master new systems, adapt to life in zero gravity, and prepare for risks no one from his continent had faced before. Each step brought him closer to a milestone that would place his name in history.
Image Source: Saigoneer
Seven Days That Changed Asia’s Story
On July 23, 1980, Pham Tuan launched aboard a Soyuz spacecraft and became the first Asian to reach space. He spent seven days aboard the Salyut 6 space station, conducting scientific research and observing Earth from orbit. During that time, he captured images of Vietnam from above, offering a view of his homeland few had ever seen.
After returning to Earth, he resumed life in Hanoi with his family, carrying memories of a journey that reshaped regional history. He continues to reconnect with former crew mates and remains one of only three people of Vietnamese descent to have traveled beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Decades later, his achievement still stands as a symbol of how far determination can take someone, even from the most humble beginnings.
