For many entrepreneurs in California, the crucial first steps to global markets took place with the help of GBC International Bank. As a delegated lender of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Exim Bank), GBC provides export financing solutions that have bolstered family-owned manufacturing and trading companies for almost 20 years.

From smartphones to cloud computing to automotive, high-efficiency semiconductors are at the heart of today's electronic devices. Leading the industry, Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) develops a range of diverse products using its innovative proprietary processing technology that effectively packages complex power management designs into small, single-chip solutions. These elevated design standards allow device manufacturers to effortlessly build MPS' power management solutions into their most sophisticated devices. 

The smaller semiconductor microchips become, the more difficult it is to test them. Founded in a New York lab in 1993, FormFactor had foreseen early on this trend towards miniaturisation that it focused its research and development (R&D) on creating one of the world's most accurate and efficient probe cards. 

Known for its Mediterranean climate, mountainous interior, palm tree-lined beachfront and sprawling hillside, Santa Barbara continues to charm prospective homebuyers and investors. Its diverse real estate architecture - ranging from old western details and French provincial-style cottages, to Spanish-inspired red tile roofs and English Tudor homes - reflects its rich historic and cultural heritage.

Digital lifestyle products can reach uncharted levels of functionalities with the integration of human interface technologies made possible by Synaptics, a company with its sole focus on advancing the human interface. 

Expressing individuality through clothes, accessories and shoes is a fashion statement that never goes out of style. Contemporary fashion brand bebe understands a woman's need for luxurious looks without breaking the bank, and this is why it has dedicated itself to designing chic apparel that empowers women to feel comfortable in their own skin. 

At its core, the principle of yin-yang is about the interdependence of contrary forces. Raised on Chinese traditional medicine since childhood, renowned herbalist Dr Tei-Fu Chen fused yin-yang and Western technology to create a wellness model that helps to achieve a balanced life. 

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are swiftly revolutionising the connectivity of our world. Offering infinite possibilities in everything, from breath analysis devices that measure metabolism to energy-harvesting chips that gather power from radio transmissions, MEMS sensors are poised for major growth - forecast to reach an estimated US$14.2 billion in global revenue by 2018.

Myriad superlatives are associated with the state of California - the world's grandest movie studios, the most innovative companies and the oldest organisms, to name just a few. With a population of more than 38 million, the Golden State is also the United States' largest market, enjoying a special history of trade and cultural exchange with Asia.

Asia comprises a number of the fastest-growing economies in the world where the information technology (IT) industry is significantly impacting businesses. 

America boasts a vast range of accommodation to host travellers, and practically nowhere has such a diverse, quirky and welcoming range as California. Few parts of Los Angeles have a cooler vibe than Santa Monica, whose lengthy, sun-kissed beach pretty much sums up the Californian idyll of ease and plenty.

With its striking orange hue and majestic pillars standing tall, the Golden Gate Bridge is a sight to behold. The bridge is an iconic landmark in San Francisco and it will continue to remain so, thanks to Jax Kneppers Associates (JKA). Its involvement in the Golden Gate Bridge's seismic retrofitting project has been instrumental in helping safeguard the bridge against earthquakes.

In a marketplace with long-range memory, Arthur Andersen's legacy is deeply rooted. The man was an advocate of rigour in the accounting profession. 

The need for greater energy efficiency is driving industries worldwide to move from traditional light sources to light-emitting diode (LED) technologies. 

The trade across the Pacific Ocean between Hong Kong and the United States is not confined to things that can be loaded inside a shipping container. The US runs a number of programmes - some strictly by invitation only - to enhance international cultural exchanges.

Medical experts have long touted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet - particularly wine - and one of the newest players in the Napa Valley is a dedicated advocate, creating what he calls a "health vintage".

As most people's primary choice for saving, investing and borrowing, banks are essential to a nation's economy. Technology trends and a shift in customer behaviour have increasingly caused changes in banking systems, procedures and policies worldwide. Understanding its crucial role in globalisation, Bank of the West (BOTW) aligns itself closely to the community it serves by offering localised knowledge and language expertise to its Asian-American and Asian clients.

Young and promising Los Angeles-based design studio Hopscape is poised to conquer China's flourishing architectural landscape. In just three short years since its inception in 2012, the American design firm has lent its 40 years of combined global architectural expertise to eight major destinations across the United States and China.

Amid changing market conditions and economic environments, companies increasingly look for customised, cost-effective solutions to handle business issues and challenges. Resources Global Professionals (RGP), a premier provider of project-based consulting services, rises to this demand by unlocking its clients' competitive advantage through holistic consulting from the inside out. 

Movies projected onto the silver screen have captivated audiences for more than a century. From tales of love and war, to stories of the supernatural, alien worlds and time travel, films have evolved into an extension of a moviegoer's fantasy journey, and the cinema remains the avid viewer's chosen vessel. 

Behind every financial statement is a personal story; ahead of each loan borrower could be a dream come true. For Bank of the Orient, all clients deserve the kind of service tailored to their needs - whether they come from across the street or halfway around the world.

As the birthplace of beloved movie characters such as Nemo, Buzz Lightyear and WALL-E, Pixar Animation Studios is a veritable gold mine of valuable data. In such critical environments, managing and safeguarding data are top priorities. With the help of Perforce Software's comprehensive collaboration platform Helix, Pixar can work on its next blockbuster instead of intently focusing on managing large files and protecting their intellectual property in the process. 

Asia's rising demand for renewables opens enormous possibilities for innovative thin-film-based solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers such as Sunpreme. The company is rapidly moving up the ranks, from a start-up founded only five years ago to a global enterprise in clean technology solutions. 

Developing products from concept to reality, D&K Engineering breeds industry leaders by helping companies bring innovative products to the market. Hiring the best engineers and having world-class processes, equipment and tools under one roof, D&K Engineering designs and manufactures breakthrough hardware-based products that lead to profitable and enduring lines of business.

Real estate sales and prices are on an upswing in California, thanks in part to Asian-born buyers who are driving up demand in cities such as Los Angeles, Irvine and Orinda near San Francisco. 

A world-class resort destination positioned along the dazzling boulevard of hotels and casinos on Macau's Cotai Strip, the Galaxy Macau is a feat of architectural design attesting to the limitless frontiers of human imagination.