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Lao-American Author Goes Beyond Borders With ‘Sticky Rice for Lunch’

Book cover: "Sticky Rice for Lunch." (Photo supplied)

Children’s literature has a new gem on its bookshelves. Rooted in cultural identity and acceptance, “Sticky Rice for Lunch” by Jacob (Jake) Singhavong offers a poignant reflection of the author’s own experiences growing up as a Lao-American in Riverside County, just 45 minutes north from Los Angeles, the United States.

Jake’s book weaves a narrative that goes beyond the pages, resonating with young readers and adults alike. From navigating cultural differences to embracing family traditions, “Sticky Rice for Lunch” immerses readers in a world that goes beyond borders and speaks to the human experience.

It is a child-friendly glimpse into Jake’s own life—a visual journey through his past, capturing genuine moments like his mother’s cherished flowers and the day his dad chauffeured him to school in their RV after misplacing the car keys.

Even his late sister, who passed before he was born, found a place within the pages, portrayed as his cherished best friend.

Jacob (Jake) Singhavong reading his first book “Sticky Rice for Lunch.” (Photo supplied)

Jake was born 23 years ago into a Lao family that immigrated to the United States in the mid-90s. Through this book, he shares his childhood challenges of being one of the few Asian-Americans in the classroom. His lunch, comprising a basket of sticky rice and various Lao dishes such as noodle soup or papaya salad, often drew curious stares from classmates.

“I would just be so embarrassed to open up the container because my friends would just be like, oh, ‘What’s that like?’ to the strong smell of fish sauce or soy sauce, which wasn’t common back then,” Jake said.

Despite the curious stares, Jake remained unwavering in his appreciation for his family’s traditions. His book goes beyond these glances, elevating the symbolic importance of the traditional sticky rice basket. Within its pages, the basket becomes a central symbol of Lao culture and embodies Jake’s deep connection to his culinary heritage.

“There’s so much beauty in Lao culture. It’s part of my identity, and as such, it has a huge say in who I am as a person,” Jake said. “Growing up, I found myself valuing my origins more and more. Food like sticky rice is such a delicacy. Mango sticky rice as well, which takes so long to make.”

But as he grew older, Jake also felt that something was missing in children’s literature. He noticed a significant void in the representation of Asian and Lao characters. Inspired by his university professor and fueled by a desire to bridge this gap, at the end of his bachelor degree, he embarked on a mission to create a narrative that resonated with young readers and instilled a sense of belonging.

“I look back to it, and I’d say, ‘If only I had a book like this that I could look at and be like, wow, this little kid looks just like me.’ I’d feel so represented.” Jake said. “I wonder how different it would be. Systematically, here, we’re still conformed to thinking that blonde hair and blue eyes are the epitome of perfection, and that’s what we should be reaching for. I wish my book could give Asian-American children a sense of belonging.”

In “Sticky Rice for Lunch,” Jake introduces young readers to Lao culture, traditions, and the importance of embracing one’s roots. In a literary landscape where diversity is paramount, Jake delivers a powerful message about the significance of seeing oneself reflected in the stories we read.

Jacob (Jake) Singhavong reads to an audience of young children. (Photo supplied)

“I knew that I wanted to give back to the Lao community in a way that was going to be reflective, but also something that would go much further than that,” Jake said. “I feel like books have so much power, especially children’s books. By harnessing these tools, we shape the minds of children. It grants us the incredible ability to empower them. It’s not just about representation; it’s about embodying it, and there’s immense power in that.”

The overarching theme of “Sticky Rice for Lunch” is acceptance and cultural adjustment, Jake explained. As he wrote the book, he wanted it to be among the stories of inclusion and diversity on the literary market. 

“Even if some may not directly see themselves in the narrative, it’s crucial for children in schools to have literature that represents them with someone who looks like them on the cover,” he said. “This book is for everyone—I aimed to create a universally relatable book, not just direct memoirs. I hope that kids in places like Laos or Thailand can also relate, recognizing familiar aspects of their lives like clothing and food.”

As his first book takes its place on the shelves, Jake already has his sights set on the future, teasing a new book series with titles and stories held as tantalizing secrets for now.

Airline Passenger Charged with Stealing Over USD 22,000, Triggers Warning for Travelers

A Chinese national has been charged with the theft of over USD 22,000 in cash while on board a Scoot flight from Vietnam to Singapore. (Photo: Fairfax Media)

Starting a journey is exciting, yet a recent incident on a budget flight from Vietnam to Singapore serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for travelers to stay vigilant during air travel.

A Facade of Education: Former US Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Lao Children

A Facade of Education: Former US Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Lao Children
FILE: this image is used only for representational purpose

Michael Sebastian, a former English teacher in Laos and convicted sex offender, is scheduled to be sentenced by a United States federal district court judge next year after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting children in Laos.

Thai LGBTQ+ Community Hopeful as Marriage Equality Bill Is Set to Be Discussed in Parliament

Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community hopeful as marriage equality bill is set to be discussed in Parliament
Voice coach Vuthiphand Pongtanalert, left, instructs members of the Bangkok Gay Men's Chorus in a lesson in Bangkok, Thailand on 26 November. (Photo: AP/ Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK (AP) — Naphat Krutthai and Rasithaya Jindasri have been in a committed relationship for eight years, but only now can they consider getting married.

3P Media, Official Media Sales Representative of Google in Laos

3P Media, Official Media Sales Representative of Google in Laos

3P Media is now the Official Media Sales Representative of Google in Laos and Brunei, marking our entry into Southeast Asia as a go-to-market specialist for global advertising platforms. Since 2022, 3P Media has represented Google in Sri Lanka, supporting 750+ clients to grow their businesses with Google Ads.

Myanmar Supreme Court Rejects Ousted Leader SUU Kyi’s Special Appeal in Bribery Conviction

Myanmar Supreme Court Rejects Ousted Leader SUU Kyi’s Special Appeal in Bribery Conviction
FILE - Myanmar’s State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi reviews an honor guard at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on April 30, 2019. A court in military-ruled Myanmar on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, postponed by a day delivering a verdict on the first of almost a dozen corruption cases filed against the country’s former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith, File)

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s Supreme Court rejected Monday a special appeal by the country’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi against her conviction in a case in which she was charged with corruption for allegedly receiving gold and thousands of dollars as a bribe from a former political colleague, a legal official said.

Mr. Clement Lin from NEXCOM bestowed with Master Entrepreneur Title at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2023 Taiwan

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2023 – The Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2023 is pleased to honor Taiwan’s outstanding business leaders and enterprises who have played instrumental roles in spearheading Asia’s resurgence on the global stage. Presented by leading regional NGO Enterprise Asia, the APEA is the most reputable award recognition program recognizing entrepreneurial excellence across Asia. The APEA aims to congregate exemplary business leaders and enterprises across Asia into one unparalleled platform for fostering the continuity of sustainable entrepreneurial growth in Asian economies.

Mr. Clement Lin is among the award recipients under the Master Entrepreneur category in the Manufacturing industry. As the Founder & CEO of the company who has over three decades of experience in the IT industry, Mr. Lin has played a key role in NEXCOM’s growth since its establishment in 1992.

Today, NEXCOM is a global leader in delivering Robots, IoT, and Industry 4.0 solutions based on Open Standards. Mr. Lin heavily promotes Open Standards worldwide, recognizing its importance for the booming areas of Eco-Systems of Robots, IoT, and Industry 4.0. This has helped the company to garner strong support from enterprises, education systems, and government agencies. Mr. Lin highlighted that both the automation and IoT markets are not fragmented in essence. This “fragmentation” is the result, not the cause, as the cause is that there is no wide support for Open Standards yet.

With his industry experience, Mr. Lin recognizes the potential of the Industry 4.0 market, which is forecasted to reach trillions of dollars, and is optimistic about NEXCOM’s contribution to its growth. This will be done by offering free downloads of IoT and Robot development kits as “the Easiest IoT/Robot Builder” and training programs. AIoT Cloud Sharing Platform, a subsidiary of NEXCOM Group, is established in 2015 with a focus on the application and development of IoT technology. It has since expanded its mission to support IoT start-ups and the Industry 4.0 or AIoT ecosystems by providing free downloadable resources.

Mr. Lin has always envisioned a society based on technology, has a rich culture, and is one that focuses on environmental protection. With the implementation of AIoT Digital Transformation solutions and a heightened global commitment to ESG principles, the realization of this vision becomes increasingly viable.

Mr. Lin strongly believes that AIoT Digital Transformation solutions are the keys to making ESG visions come true. With the lowest inputs, the highest output, and minimum environmental impacts, AIoT solutions could allow enterprises or any other entities to work highly efficiently as well as effectively.

The company’s future plan is to build up a booming cyber ecosystem through free downloads, co-creations, the matchmaking of all supply and demand for the lowest cost to share technologies, and to develop new solutions. NEXCOM will also help the IoT start-ups to grow, and act as a key platform that assists all enterprises and all entities to complete the AIoT Digital Transformation. Ultimately, its goal is to protect the environment from getting worse and then to bring the Earth back to normal status gradually. Mr. Lin is very optimistic about humanity’s future with all the new AIoT solutions based on these B2B&C cyber platforms all over the world.

Finally, Mr. Lin has one piece of advice to share with others, “AI is the new generation S/W application, and AI + IoT, the AIoT is the key to balance the human beings and the environments for an everlasting Earth”.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine towards sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are an investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplift the economic status of people across Asia, and ensure a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit for more information.

About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards

Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region’s most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups together leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit .

Ancient Temple in Bolikhamxay Set to Attain National Heritage Status

Phabath Phonsan Temple in Thaphabath district, Bolikhamxay Province. (Photo: Vientiane Mai)

Bolikhamxay Provincial Authorities will declare the revered Phabath Phonsan Temple in Thaphabath district as a national heritage site in January, coinciding with the annual Boun Phabath Phonsan festival, a key event across the province.