“One encouraging word can change a child’s path; one caring mentor can change a life.”
The 2026 MHG Companion Scholarship Awards brought nearly 300 students and parents to Anaheim on July 26.
Panda Restaurant Group co-founder Andrew Cherng inspired 100 scholars with lessons on adversity, growth, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Dreams Launch — Futures Soar
Hosted by the MHG Charitable Foundation, the MHG Companion Scholarship program—this year themed “Rising Together”—continues to support students from financially disadvantaged families in Taiwan, the United States, and India.
Last year, 900 students applied in Southern California; 100 were selected to receive scholarships ranging from $900 to $2,000.
Unlike traditional programs focused mainly on financial aid, MHG places mentorship at its core.
Business leaders, educators, scholars, and professionals share their experience, offer ongoing support, and help students build confidence, explore their interests, and navigate education, careers, and life-changing decisions.
Founder Kitty Lo said MHG has awarded thousands of scholarships across the three regions since 2025, with the goal of turning one-time assistance into lasting support.
Mentors Guide — Hope Blooms
Lo said the foundation was honored to welcome Academia Sinica Academician and former China Medical University President Wen-Hwa Lee, along with Panda Restaurant Group co-founder Andrew Cherng, to encourage the students.
Lee said the 100 young scholars represented 100 dreams ready to take flight. Hardship, he emphasized, need not define a life; by embracing challenges and developing their strengths, students can turn adversity into momentum.
He also praised Lo for going beyond scholarships to build a mentorship program.
Even a sincere 10-minute conversation, he said, can inspire a struggling student to see new possibilities, find direction, and become a light for both themselves and others.
Heartfelt Dialogue — Potential Blooms
The day’s highlight was Cherng’s personal exchange with the scholarship recipients, breaking away from the traditional one-way format of guests onstage and students below.
A video traced his journey from busboy and waiter to entrepreneur and founder of a global restaurant group.
After a rapid-fire interview, he took questions directly from students on character, entrepreneurship, leadership, and overcoming failure.
Cherng encouraged them not to be limited by their background or present circumstances, but to believe in their potential.
“True leadership is helping people see who they can become,” he said.
When people gain opportunity and confidence, they can improve not only their own lives, but also those of their families and communities.
He urged students to keep learning, embrace change, and pass their blessings forward.
Resilience Shines — Compassion Spreads
After the conversation, Isabella Swanson, Tingdan Deng, and Katelyn Hongskula shared their stories.
Swanson, who uses a wheelchair because of a hereditary neurodegenerative disease, said the scholarship restored her courage during one of the darkest periods of her life. Her younger brother has the same condition.
Now accepted to college and participating in a clinical trial, she hopes to become a therapist and help create better possibilities for her brother and other patients.
Her determination moved the room to a standing ovation, while Lee and Cherng personally offered their encouragement.
The 100 students then received certificates and scholarships from Cherng, Lee, and Lo before gathering for a group photo. The ceremony closed with everyone singing “Dream It Possible.”
Lo said the heartfelt dialogue between Cherng and the students strengthened her commitment to expanding MHG’s mentorship network—helping more young people believe in themselves, transform their lives, and one day become a light for others.