NEWPORT BEACH CA- January 14, 2009 - Nominations for the 5th Biennial Golden Torch Awards are now open online at www.vangusa.org/nominations. VANG 2009 will be accepting nominations for the following six categories:

• Honorary Vietnamese American
• National Leadership Award
• Diversity Pillar Award
• Business/Entrepreneur of the Year
• Student of the Year
• Achievement Award

Nomination submissions will be accepted from January 15, 2009 to February 15, 2009. An arbitrary and neutral selection committee will then select the final awardees and such results will be announced in early March 2009.

VANG™ 2009 is held in conjunction with the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a month-long celebration in May, which honors the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans and recognizes their contributions to America.  VANG™ is the premier Vietnamese American gathering in the nation. This Oscar®-like festivity exhibits the Vietnamese American Community’s celebration of professional achievements and community contributions.  The formal black-tie dinner gala brings together thousands of elected officials, corporate sponsors, community and business leaders, and Vietnamese American luminaries – all who come together to share one common vision: To honor America’s best and brightest.

VANG 2009 will be held from May 22-24, 2009 at the Beverly Hills Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.