Basketball megastar Yao Ming has been presented an award by the University of Houston as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the University's Asian American Studies Center.

The award is a testimony of Yao's contribution to the development of the integration between Asian and American cultures.

Zou Yali, director of the center, says Yao Ming has brought a new light to this developing relationship.

She notes, Yao Ming is one of the most successful global figures who inspire millions of young people to achieve their dreams in many ways. He highly values education and provides scholarships for under-privileged students to attend university.

Yao Ming donated his jersey and raised 1,300 US dollars at auction. Two basketballs with Yao's signature have collected a total of 3,700 US dollars.

Proceeds from the gala will help further fund the development of Asian American Studies courses, research projects, study-abroad and scholar-exchange programs, and community activities.

(CRI September 28, 2006)