Asian immigrants not only enjoy financial success here, but they help facilitate trade with their native countries, boosting the East Bay economy. In 1998, Asians and Pacific Islanders made up 17 percent of the combined population of Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Hispanics also comprised 17 percent, and African-Americans comprised 15 percent of the East Bay population, according to a survey by Claritas International. The Asian population figure includes people of Indian heritage because no timely East Bay population data exist that separate people from East and South Asia and the Pacific Islands, the focus group of this Times report, from people who hail from India. Despite their minority status and the barriers, such as the limited communication skills of many immigrants, the East Bay Asian community boasts the highest average income of any group in the East Bay.
Some people theorize that it's a dedicated work ethic.
Some attribute the success to a strong belief in education. Others say Asians, not being risk takers, will only enter professions that guarantee a good income. Perhaps, it's a combination of all of the above, said Chinese-American Basilio Chen, the CEO of embedded computing and technical consulting provider EvoTech Inc. in South San Francisco and a board of directors member of the Asian Business Association of Silicon Valley. Asians, in general, gravitate to the things they know will make money. It's not important how hard it is.