April 16th 2025

14+ Team Building Ideas to Celebrate Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month at Work

Team Building ActivitiesOffice Activities

By Brandon Smith

Four adults making sushi together using bamboo mats and various ingredients on a wooden table.

May is Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate and educate your team about this vibrant culture than through engaging team-building activities? At Officewell, we believe in embracing and understanding the diverse backgrounds of our team members. Here’s how you can incorporate cultural appreciation into your workplace this month with some enriching activities.

Why Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month?

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to recognize and honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of the AAPI community. Celebrating it in the workplace helps foster inclusivity, deepen cultural understanding, and create space for meaningful connection among team members. It’s also an opportunity to support AAPI-owned businesses, amplify underrepresented voices, and cultivate a more thoughtful, aware, and engaged workplace culture.

Team-Building Activities for Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month

Before diving into the list, it’s crucial to understand the variety here—from educational-focused to cultural immersions, or just supporting amazing AAPI-owned businesses. These are not just fun events, but a bridge to cultural appreciation and understanding, fostering a more inclusive workplace.

1. AAPI Speaker Series

Invite speakers from the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to share their experiences and insights. This can enhance cultural awareness and provide a platform for education and dialogue. Need some help? Connect with us where you will have access to 350 different speakers.

2. Sushi Making

Man smiling while making sushi, holding a sushi roll, with others dining in the background.

We partner with AAPI-owned restaurants and chefs to organize various sushi-making workshop. It’s a delicious way to learn about Japanese cuisine and support local businesses.

3. Bonsai Workshop

Person admiring a small bonsai tree displayed on a wooden stand

Discover the art of bonsai with experts. This delicate and thoughtful art form can be a meditative and educational experience for your team, all while supporting an AAPI-owned business!

4. Japanese Ramen Workshop

Diverse group watching a cooking demonstration at a rustic venue.

Nothing brings people together like food. A ramen workshop is a fantastic way to explore the complexities of Asian flavors and culinary techniques, and of course, enjoying your delicious creation after!

5. Origami Workshop

Colorful origami paper flowers, featuring a prominent pink and blue flower against a green backdrop.

Origami is not just paper folding; it’s a way to enhance mindfulness and patience. This workshop can serve as a creative outlet for your team while honing their attention to detail.

6. Kazari Maki Zushi Class

Artistic sushi rolls designed to look like cute cartoon characters on a white plate.

Take sushi making to the next level with a class in Kazari Maki Zushi—decorative sushi that turns food into edible art pieces.

7. Asian Tea Tasting

Hands of two people preparing matcha tea, one whisking in a bowl, on a wooden table with tea utensils.

Explore the diverse world of Asian teas. From Chinese oolong to Japanese matcha, learn about the different types and their cultural significance.

8. AAPI Heritage Month Mixology Class

Table setup with aloe drink, soju bottle, and ingredients for a mixology class, hands pouring drinks.

Mix things up with an AAPI mixology class, where you can learn to make cocktails inspired by Asian and Pacific flavors. It's a fun, interactive session that combines cultural appreciation with social enjoyment, perfect for team bonding.

9. Chinatown Scavenger Hunt

Bustling street scene in Chinatown with multiple colorful signs in Chinese characters and pedestrians.

Take a scavenger hunt through your local Chinatown. This activity can be a dynamic way to explore and enjoy the historical and cultural landmarks while encouraging teamwork.

10. Film and Book Discussions

Consider hosting a movie night or book club featuring works by Asian and Pacific American creators. Discussing these works can provide deeper insights into the issues and stories that matter to these communities.

11. Virtual Asia-Pacific Scavenger Hunt

Red Japanese temple surrounded by lush greenery and reflected in a peaceful pond, set against a mountainous forest backdrop.

Want to explore Asia-Pacific countries but can’t step away from your desk? Take your team on a virtual adventure through Australia, Singapore, China, Japan, New Zealand, and more—without leaving home.

Using a browser-based app and led by a live Host over Zoom, your team will work together to answer creative trivia questions, uncover hidden gems, and navigate through iconic landmarks and museums across the APAC region. From quirky art to majestic temples, this immersive experience brings the beauty and culture of Asia and the Pacific right to your screen. Perfect for remote or hybrid teams looking to connect, compete, and learn.

12. AAPI-Owned Bagel Pop-Up

Leon’s Bagels cart set up indoors with a staff member behind it, placed in a modern marble lobby with large abstract artwork.

Bring the team together with a classic NYC treat—while supporting a local AAPI-owned business. This pop-up experience features hand-rolled bagels served fresh on-site, complete with your choice of spreads, toppings, and optional add-ons like coffee or fresh juices.

It’s an easy, delicious way to celebrate Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month in the office. Great for morning team gatherings, casual mingling, or a feel-good snack break that backs a great cause.

FAQs: Celebrating Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month at Work

How do you celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at work?
You can host cultural events like AAPI speaker panels, cooking classes (like sushi or ramen making), team outings in Chinatown, and educational workshops. These activities promote inclusion while creating meaningful engagement for your team.

How do people celebrate Asian Heritage Month?
Celebrations often include cultural festivals, food tastings, community storytelling, film screenings, art exhibits, and support for AAPI-owned businesses. Workplaces can participate through thoughtful events and educational sessions.

What are the important events in AAPI history?
Key moments include the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, and the rise of AAPI activism in recent decades.

Why is it important to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at work?
It fosters belonging, promotes cultural understanding, and supports DEI efforts. It also gives employees an opportunity to learn from the diverse experiences of their colleagues.

What are the best virtual AAPI Heritage Month ideas for remote teams?
Top ideas include virtual tea tastings, speaker events, cooking workshops, and book or film discussions highlighting AAPI voices.

Conclusion: Embrace Cultural Diversity

Celebrating Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month through these activities not only supports AAPI communities but also enriches our workplace culture. It’s a chance to learn, appreciate, and enjoy the rich heritage of our AAPI colleagues.

Ready to plan your cultural exploration? Contact an Officewell Experience Manager today, and let’s create an event that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion. Let’s make this May memorable by embracing the cultures that enrich our nation and our workplaces!