F.K. Tang Speaker Series Inaugural Event Featuring Keynote by Li Lu
The Asian American Initiative (AAI) and Columbia Business School (CBS) officially launched the F.K. Tang Speaker Series on Business and Asian American Studies on October 6, featuring a keynote address by Li Lu (’96CC, ’96BUS, ’96LAW), founder and chairman of Himalaya Capital. The inaugural event welcomed a packed audience of over 100 attendees, bringing together University trustees, deans, students and alumni.
CBS Dean Costis Maglaras, Columbia President Jennifer Mnookin, and AAI Director Qin Gao opened the event with welcoming remarks. President Mnookin reaffirmed Columbia’s historical commitment and ongoing efforts to expand Asian American Studies and research. Prof. Gao then outlined AAI’s evidence-based mission to make Asian-American experiences central to the broader American narrative, while highlighting the Initiative’s ongoing partnership with The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), co-founded by Li Lu.
Li Lu spoke of his experiences as a Chinese immigrant and student in America, discussed his work with TAAF, and highlighted the critical roles Asian Americans play as essential connectors across business, technical talent, and global networks.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Lu detailed his arrival in the U.S. in 1989 to attend Columbia University. Initially feeling like a political refugee–or, in his words, a “stateless alien"--his perspective shifted as he embraced his identity as an immigrant. Drawing strength from the U.S.'s rich heritage of immigration, he felt empowered to pursue the American dream.
During his time at Columbia, a lecture class taught by Warren Buffett introduced him to investment banking. That experience guided him toward finance and eventually led to his close partnership with Charlie Munger. Ultimately, Lu noted that his trajectory reinforces the belief that the United States rewards hard work and merit, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve unprecedented success.
Despite his own achievements, Lu acknowledged that integration into the U.S. remains uneven, and that race continues to significantly impact lived experiences. To combat these disparities, he co-founded TAAF. When talented individuals feel excluded, the United States risks losing critical expertise, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. For example, he noted that approximately half of the world’s leading AI experts today are of Chinese descent, operating across the US, China, and globally. Failing to address discrimination and structural barriers for Asian Americans directly hinders America’s ability to attract and retain top-tier talent and leverage the global networks and resources tied to these communities.
The address was followed by an interactive Q&A session featuring a diverse audience of CBS students, undergraduates, university researchers, and community members. The conversation explored several complex themes, including Asian identity, the global competition for talent, the AI boom, and geopolitical developments.
The evening concluded with a post-discussion reception where Lu connected directly with attendees. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Columbia Business School, Li Liu, and an engaged audience, the event was a resounding success. AAI extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make this impactful event possible.