10/10 Philly Asian Entrepreneurs’ Business Guide

Join us for Philly Asian Entrepreneurs’ Business Guide, a signature Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week event in Philadelphia, co-hosted by the Drexel Asian Pacific Islander (API) Alumni Network. This program will spotlight the entrepreneurial journeys and business blueprints of first-generation Asian American founders, showcasing the resilience and innovation that power minority-owned enterprises. The evening will feature a panel of accomplished Philadelphia-based entrepreneurs who will share candid insights on navigating challenges, building sustainable businesses, and thriving in competitive markets.

Key Topics:
Financial Planning: Strategies to strengthen your business foundation
Recession-Proofing: Tools and tactics to prepare for economic uncertainty
Entrepreneurial Success: Lessons learned and practical advice from lived experience
Following the panel, guests are invited to a networking reception designed to spark connections and collaboration. This event is open to the broader community, with a special welcome to Drexel students and alumni. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, small business owner, or a supporter of minority-owned enterprises, you’ll walk away with practical guidance, fresh inspiration, and valuable networking opportunities.
Speakers:
Michiko Thwe, Co-Founder, Sushi Awarsei LLC
Michiko Thwe is a scientist and entrepreneur whose work bridges biomedical research and large-scale food innovation. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Drexel University, where she investigates the brain microbiome in Alzheimer’s disease using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing, spatial mapping, and computational modeling of Cutibacterium acnes.

Alongside her academic work, Michiko is the Co-Founder of Sushi Awarsei LLC, a rapidly expanding, minority-owned food-service company based in Philadelphia. In just three years, Sushi Awarsei has grown to more than 30 locations across Pennsylvania and New York, offering sushi, poke bowls, ramen, boba tea, and hot-bar selections. The company is an approved vendor with ShopRite/Wakefern, Aramark, and Parkhurst Dining, supplying turnkey Asian dining solutions to universities, hospitals, and retail markets.

Under Michiko’s leadership, Sushi Awarsei has developed a licensing model that empowers local entrepreneurs through training, ServSafe certification, HACCP compliance, and ongoing business support. Michiko continues to balance her academic and entrepreneurial paths, with Sushi Awarsei is on track to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing independent Asianfood-service brands in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Yulai Weng, Founder, BestMow & LF Intelligence Limited
Yulai Weng holds a Master’s degree from the Department of Engineering Mechanics at Tsinghua University, where he previously served as Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at the Tsinghua University Graduate Student Committee. He also earned dual Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). During his studies, he founded the Penn Robotics Entrepreneurship Club (PREC) and conducted research at UPenn’s GRASP Laboratory, a globally top-three-ranked robotics institution.

In 2020, he established LF Intelligence Limited, a residential robotic lawnmower startup. Its flagship product, the NOVABOT smart lawnmower, achieved over $1.6 million in pre-sales on Indiegogo, entered mass production by late 2023, and cumulatively sold over 2,000 units by 2024.

At the end of 2024, he founded Garden Providence Limited, launching the robotic lawncare service brand Bestmow. To date, two companies have totally secured over $18 million in venture capital from investors including IMO Ventures, XVC, Welight Capital, and the Alibaba EWTP Fund.

Fan Feng, CFP®, Founding Partner, Liberty One Wealth Advisors

Fan Feng is a Founding Partner of Liberty One Wealth Advisors, where she and her team successfully established a registered investment advisory practice. With expertise in financial analysis and behavioral finance, Fan is passionate about empowering clients with personalized strategies to achieve both current and multi-generational wealth goals. A CFP® and active member of the Drexel University Alumni Board of Governors, she brings both professional insight and a strong commitment to community, leadership, and positive change.

Ricki Li, Founder & CEO, YD Group
Ricki is a visionary entrepreneur and community leader with nearly 20 years of experience in real estate, construction, and lifestyle innovation. She is Founder & CEO of YD Home, YD Builders & Developers, and YD Fortune, and in 2024 co-founded Studention LLC, launching the AI-powered Magic Cabinet app. Beyond business, she serves as President of the Chinese American Construction Professionals Philadelphia Chapter, Founder of Philadelphia Chinatown Preservation, and Board Member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia.

Agenda (5:00 – 7:30 PM)

5:00 PM – Welcome Remarks
5:15 PM – Panel Discussion: Asian American Entrepreneur Journeys
6:15 PM – Audience Q&A
6:45 PM – Networking Reception & Food