Andrew Cherng joins 100 MHG scholars for an interactive conversation on leadership, resilience, trust, purpose, and giving back.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — July 26, 2026 — MHG Charitable Foundation welcomed 100 scholarship recipients and their families to the 2026 MHG Companion Scholarship Awards Ceremony and Luncheon in Anaheim, bringing together scholars, mentors, volunteers, business leaders, and community partners under this year’s theme: “Rise Together.”

Selected through a need-based application process that attracted close to 1,000 candidates across Southern California, the scholars received more than financial support. The ceremony reflected MHG’s broader commitment to providing young people with mentorship, encouragement, leadership opportunities, and lasting connections as they continue their educational and professional journeys.

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100 Scholars, 100 Dreams

MHG Founder Kitty Lo welcomed the scholars and families, followed by remarks from MHG Principal Advisor Dr. Wen-Hwa Lee, who reminded students that every young person has different talents, experiences, and dreams.

His message encouraged scholars to recognize their individual strengths, appreciate those who have supported them, and ultimately use their own success to strengthen their families and communities.

Andrew Cherng: “No Best, Only Better”

A centerpiece of the ceremony was an extended conversation with Andrew Cherng, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Panda Restaurant Group.

Rather than delivering a traditional keynote from the stage, Cherng engaged directly with the scholars, moving into the audience and spending more than two hours answering their questions about family, resilience, work, money, leadership, humility, entrepreneurship, and giving back.

“No best, only better.”

Cherng encouraged students to continually develop themselves so they are prepared when opportunity arrives. He spoke about the importance of taking action, learning through experience, paying attention to small details, and building relationships based on trust.

“Do what you say, and say what you do.”

He reminded scholars that reputation matters—not only because of what a person achieves, but because others need to know they can be trusted, that they add value, and that they will treat people fairly.

When asked what single fortune-cookie message he would give every scholar, his answer captured much of his message that day:

“IBL — Inspire a Better Life. And it starts with you.”

Scholar Voices: Turning Opportunity Into Impact

Three MHG scholars also took the stage to share how personal experiences can become sources of courage, leadership, and service.

• One scholar spoke about facing significant personal and physical challenges while making a difficult choice to take part in an opportunity that could potentially benefit others. Her message focused on choosing what is meaningful even when that choice is difficult.
• Another scholar reflected on immigrating to the United States, helping care for younger siblings, and later developing her leadership through MHG Student Council activities. Her lesson: “The best use of an opportunity is to create more for those who need it.”
• A third scholar showed how a small idea could become tangible community impact. With support from a $500 MHG grant, her student team created and distributed more than 100 Comfort Kits to women in shelters—demonstrating that leadership can begin simply by recognizing a need and taking the first step.

Together, the scholar stories gave real meaning to Rise Together: personal achievement becomes more powerful when it creates opportunity, encouragement, and support for others.

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Watch the 1-Minute Ceremony Highlight

Experience the spirit of the ceremony in this one-minute highlight featuring Andrew Cherng’s advice, scholar voices, and moments from the 2026 MHG Scholarship Ceremony.

Note: Modern browsers generally require autoplay video to begin muted. Viewers can unmute the video at any time.

More Than a Scholarship

For MHG Charitable Foundation, the ceremony was not simply the conclusion of a scholarship selection process. It was the beginning of a continuing relationship with students through mentorship, leadership development, community engagement, and opportunities to turn their own experiences into positive impact.

From Dr. Lee’s message of “100 dreams,” to Andrew Cherng’s challenge to keep improving, to scholars demonstrating courage and service in their own lives, the day reflected one shared belief:

We rise further when we help others rise with us.

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