The Harvard-Radcliffe Chinese Students Association hosted “Mr. Asian Sensation,” a male cultural pageant, on Saturday for the first time since 2009. Matthew M. Vu ’27 took home the title of 2024 Mr. Asian Sensation.
Harvard undergraduates filled the seats of Lowell Lecture Hall to cheer on their friends and classmates in the event. The pageant featured seven undergraduate male contestants who showcased themselves in different rounds — trivia, talent, fashion-wear, musical chairs, as well as a Q&A from the audience.
As the winner, Vu was given a $650 check, which he said he will donate to Children of Vietnam.
Vu, who was mandated to participate in the event as an initiation task for the Asian American Brotherhood — an undergraduate Harvard organization dedicated to forming a unity among Asian Americans — wrote in a statement following the event that he “didn’t expect on winning” but was “grateful for all the support.”
Eric Chan ’25, an HRCSA co-president, said the pageant “was definitely a lot of hard work because it was our first time in so long making this event.”
During the introductory round, the contestants first introduced themselves with their favorite pick-up line and why the audience should vote for them.
Contestant Reade Park ’27 said, “Are you a ginseng root? Because you’re giving me energy I never knew I had.”
The next round was talent.
The contestants showcased their unique skills — from a hot-dog eating contest by Peter Chen ’27 to a guitar solo by Park.
Jōsh P. Mysoré ’26 offered a rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as the audience sang along and waved their phone flashlights. Alan Wang ’24 read his poetry about Asian representation and overcoming stereotypes.
Aaron J. Kang ’25 — who founded common room salon “Kang’s Cuts” during his freshman year — took a slightly different approach, showcasing his barber skills by giving an audience member a quick trim.
The audience erupted in laughter as…
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