On the evening of October 22, 2025, the Greater Philadelphia Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACCGP) held its 13th annual awards banquet to honor five outstanding contributions from Asian American businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the “Rising Star Award” to a young Chinese entrepreneur, drawing the attention of the four hundred local business owners, dignitaries, and community guests in attendance.
AACCGP President and CEO, Khine Arthur, of Burmese descent, emphasized the significant impact of the diverse immigrant community through cultural, technological, and investment contributions, noting the chamber’s nearly 700 members. Arthur, a small business owner and yoga instructor, highlighted the importance of forging paths for the first-generation immigrants to integrate into local society and achieve their dreams more easily.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Adam K. Thiel, the city managing director of Philadelphia, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker at an emergency meeting. Thiel expressed the mayor’s gratitude to the chamber, business owners, and leaders for their contributions to the prosperity of Philadelphia, celebrating the pioneers who have paved an extraordinary path for Asian Americans aspiring to stand on such a stage.
The recipient of the “Rising Star Award” was the robotic lawnmower BestMow, founded and led by 34-year-old Yu Lai Weng. Thiel lauded BestMow as a “paragon of technological innovation.” Launched in 2020, BestMow revolutionized lawn care with its AI-powered lawnmower, with Weng graduating from a robotics program at the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. Weng’s ambition is to establish the largest global robotic lawn care platform and expand into a range of services, including cleaning and fertilization.
Harry Leong, a Chinese American, founded the Philadelphia Suns and received the “Outstanding Non-Profit Organization Award” for over 50 years of nurturing youth and preserving cultural heritage through sports, lion dancing, and advocacy activities that have impacted over 500 young people annually.
Following the award ceremony, Harry Leong expressed his honor and gratitude for the recognition, promising to continue building the city, community, and their society with the support of the public. The Philadelphia Chinatown native, a second-generation immigrant of Hong Kong and Guangdong heritage, has dedicated himself to coaching and leading youth basketball programs and various community initiatives since 1989.
Anna Chan, a Chinese entrepreneur, received the “Outstanding Business Award” for her café Maison Sweet near the University City, dubbed a paradise for dessert enthusiasts, offering a variety of delicious sweets with a focus on quality and presentation.
The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) was honored with the “Influence Award,” led by President Ping Cao, with over 400 members promoting the professional and leadership development of Asian American professionals across various fields through networking, diversity support, and community service.
Lola Mananova, CEO of Aurora Home Care, received the “Outstanding CEO Award” for creating over 1000 jobs in 18 years, providing culturally appropriate care for the elderly, veterans, and their families.
Founded in 1999 by Indian American Nick Shenoy, AACCGP is a nonprofit membership-based chamber of commerce dedicated to promoting the success of Asian businesses and professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area, strengthening community connections.
City Councilwoman Nina Ahmad commended Nick Shenoy for his contributions to the Asian American community, and Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Paresh Birla, presented a commendation to the chamber on behalf of the state governor.
Thiel praised AACCGP for supporting over 13,000 local Asian businesses, driving ownership of 11% of small businesses in Philadelphia, emphasizing the significance of small businesses as the heart of the city. Thiel, with a background in emergency response, crisis management, and disaster response, recognized the power of cultural diversity during his travels in Asia.
In conclusion, Thiel urged everyone to collaborate towards Mayor Parker’s vision of building the safest, cleanest, and most environmentally friendly city in the United States, ensuring economic opportunities for all.