This year’s confirmed honorees include Japanese baseball legend Hideo Nomo, who will receive the Sports Pioneer Award; Miky Lee, vice chair of CJ Group and a leading figure in Korea’s entertainment industry, who will receive the Centennial Medal of Lifetime Achievement; and Sophie Chang, who has devoted herself to philanthropy and humanitarian causes for many years and will receive the Humanitarian Service Medal of Honor.
Also named among this year’s honorees are Kitty Lo, chairwoman of Manhattan Hotel Group, and Chinese American actress Lisa Lu. Lu will receive the Cinema Trailblazer Award in recognition of her longstanding contributions to Chinese cinema and the broader film and television industry. Maggie Tseng, CEO of TAO, is also among this year’s honorees.
Asian Hall of Fame CEO Ming-Jin Hsieh said the 2026 honorees span an exceptionally wide range of ages and backgrounds, from a distinguished 99-year-old honoree to a new generation of Asian icons, including BLACKPINK member Rosé. The diverse group reflects the continued influence of Asian figures across sports, film and television, entertainment, business, philanthropy and other fields.
Hsieh said the Asian Hall of Fame seeks to recognize Asian leaders and outstanding individuals for their contributions to American society while continuing to promote the exchange of talent, culture and ideas between Asia and the West. The organization’s goal, she said, is to “bring the best talent from Asia to the West, and bring the best of America to the East.”
This year’s event also takes place against the backdrop of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Melinda Rogers, chair of the Asian Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors, said that in an era marked by conflict and challenges, cultural exchange and community collaboration are more important than ever. She said she hopes to bring people from different backgrounds together, fostering peace amid conflict and creating prosperity and hope in times of adversity.
In addition to honoring outstanding individuals, the Asian Hall of Fame continues to make philanthropy and women’s professional development key priorities. Funds raised through the event will support women’s scholarships and public programs, helping women across different industries gain access to educational and career-development opportunities.
Past beneficiaries have used these resources to gain greater opportunities and advance their careers. Organizers say creating opportunities for women and giving back to the community through philanthropic initiatives remain important reasons why the Asian Hall of Fame continues to host these events.