Character Honors Ceremony to Celebrate AAPI Leaders in Business and Culture

Inaugural Character Honors to Recognize AAPI Visionaries

In an exciting celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) excellence, the Character Honors will take place on May 1, 2026, in West Hollywood. This event marks a significant milestone for the Character Media organization as it transitions into an expansive platform that focuses on notable contributions from AAPI leaders across various sectors including business, culture, and innovation.

The ceremony promises to showcase the remarkable achievements of several honorees who have significantly impacted their respective fields. Among the distinguished individuals being honored are Jiro Egawa, who serves as the Senior Vice President of Platform Growth and Monetization at Xumo and is receiving the Innovation Leadership Award. His role exemplifies cutting-edge leadership in media technology, setting the trend for future innovations in entertainment.

Equally deserving of recognition is Bobby Hundreds, the Global Creative Director at Disney and Co-Founder of The Hundreds. He will receive the Global Trailblazer Award, acknowledging his influential work that bridges fashion and pop culture on a global scale. Likewise, renowned journalist and media personality Lisa Ling will be awarded the Global Impact Award for her profound efforts in highlighting important societal issues through storytelling.

Emerging leaders, like Nanxi Liu, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Blaze.tech, will receive the Emerging Visionary Award for her entrepreneurial success and innovative approach to technology. Community-building efforts led by Ally Maki, Founder of the Asian American Girl Club, have earned her the Community Builder Award, showcasing the importance of encouraging support within underrepresented communities.

Fashion is another pivotal aspect of culture that will be celebrated through the achievements of Thai Nguyen, a prominent fashion designer who will receive the Design and Culture Award for his impactful contributions to the fashion industry. Also being recognized is Vicky Tsai, the Founder of Tatcha, who will be honored with the Toyota Call Your Shot Award for her groundbreaking work in creating luxurious skincare products based on Japanese traditions.

Finally, Albert Yang, the CEO of Din Tai Fung North America, will be recognized with the Cultural Game Changer Award, exemplifying his vital role in cultural representation within the culinary industry.

The event will be held at The London West Hollywood and will gather a diverse crowd of industry leaders, founders, and investors. The night will be hosted by talented figures Helen Hong and Gene Kang, culminating in a special performance by the talented Katherine Ho. A key component of the occasion will be the unveiling of Character's debut print issue, which will feature the honored individuals, highlighting their inspiring stories and contributions across various industries.

Takashi Cheng, CEO of GoldenTV, emphasized the purpose of the Character Honors, stating, “Character Honors was created to spotlight the breadth of AAPI leadership shaping the future across industries.” This celebration of trailblazing figures not only honors their successes but also aims to inspire future generations of AAPI leaders.

In addition to the awards, proceeds from the event’s silent auction will support Make Noise Today, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering AAPI youth through storytelling, advocating for equity and cultural change. This initiative reflects the essence of the Character Honors, promoting messages of unity, empowerment, and recognition of AAPI heritage during AAPI Heritage Month.

Join us at the Character Honors to witness and celebrate the impact of AAPI leaders who are defining the future of business and culture. For more information and ticket sales, visit Character Media's official website.