Saturday was Lunar New Year, and this weekend on In Focus we open a conversation on the Asian American experience across Upstate New York.

Tai Ngo Shaw sat down with JoDee Kenney to share his journey to the U.S. as a Vietnamese refugee at age 10. Adopted by a family in Buffalo, Shaw graduated Alfred University and moved to Syracuse where he grew a successful business. He knew he wanted to give back to the community, and hosts a food pantry in his store, CNY Uniforms Plus, for immigrants, refugees, and all families in need. Shaw is also active in advocacy and activism, is chair of the Syracuse Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs, and was appointed superintendent of the Asian Village at the New York State Fair by Gov. Kathy Hochul. He said Syracuse is a diverse and welcoming city and credits partnerships within and outside city government for allowing the Asian American community and other immigrant groups to thrive.

You can watch the full interview with Tai Ngo Shaw, chair of the Syracuse Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander Public Affairs, via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.