Honourable Teresa Woo-Paw ECA (former MLA and Cabinet Minister of AB)
Chair

Teresa is a tireless advocate for diversity, social inclusion and active civic participation. She is known for her ability in bringing diverse people together to joint efforts, break new grounds and create bigger impacts in society.

She is the first Canadian woman of Asian descent elected to the Calgary Board of Education (1995-2000), the Alberta Legislature and Cabinet Minister in Alberta (2008-2015).

Teresa holds a bachelor of arts degree in social work from the University of Calgary. She founded and built eight non-profit entities over a span of 40 plus years including the ACCT Foundation & Asian Canadians Together-ACT2EndRacism National Network; Asian Heritage Foundation, the Ethnocultural Council of Calgary (Action Dignity) and the Calgary Chinese Community Service Association. She has worked with almost 100 organizations in Canada.

Teresa received appointment as the Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation by the Governor in Council in 2018 and is currently Chair of ACCT Foundation and created the Inspire to Lead Leaders’ Summit and the Aspire to Act Leadership Training Program; Convener of ACT2EndRacism Network; Co-Chair of Asian Heritage Foundation; Board member of Calgary Arts Foundation; City of Calgary-Tomorrow’s Chinatown and Lougheed House Advisory Committees.

Lai-King Hum – Lawyer and Deputy Judge
Vice Chair

“Caring is the only daring” defines Lai’s approach to work and life. Lai founded a boutique law firm in 2014, focused on workplace law, human rights, professional regulation, and litigation.

In addition, Lai is a part-time Deputy Judge, Toronto Small Claims Court, Superior Court of Justice, and President of the Ontario Deputy Judges’ associations. She is also one of the three Counsel in the Discrimination and Harassment Counsel Program (a service funded by the Law Society of Ontario), a service that addresses discrimination and harassment by lawyers or paralegals.

Integral to her work and life is Lai’s commitment to the promotion of diversity and inclusion. She has held roles as past-Chair of the Roundtable of Diversity Associations (RODA), a group of legal associations committed to diversity initiatives, and past-President of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL). In recognition of her significant accomplishments in the law and for service to the legal profession, areas of social justice and/or the Asian community, she was awarded the 2020 Distinguished Lawyer Award from FACL.

Alex Cheung, CPA, CGA
Treasurer

Alex Cheung has obtained professional accounting designations (Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified General Accountant) in Canada since 1994. He has two areas of expertise: oil and gas audit & consulting; and tax planning for small-to-medium enterprises.

Christine Qin Yang
Secretary

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Christine is a public servant and international trade professional with diverse experience in areas including international relations, public policy, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. As the Manager of Market Development at the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, she plays a proactive role in promoting Nova Scotia seafood internationally. Christine’s contributions and commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion led to her recognition as one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in the Maritimes of Canada. Furthermore, she was recently honoured as the 2023 International Alumni of Impact by ApplyBoard. With a diverse educational background encompassing a Master of Public Administration, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Christine is driven to utilize her knowledge and expertise to foster an inclusive community in Halifax and beyond.

David S. Tam

David joined the Alberta law firm of Parlee McLaws LLP as a lawyer in 1990 and has been a partner since 1999. Since his call to the Bar, David has focused his practice on securities transactions and has developed valuable experience in numerous securities and corporate transactions. He has represented both issuers and agents for a number of public offerings, private placements and regulatory compliance matters for issuers listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.

David currently works with a number of real estate companies, oil and gas companies, mining and resource companies and technology companies involved in high technology, biotechnology and advanced materials, guiding them from the formative stages through various private placements and eventually to initial public offerings. David is also a graduate of the Canadian Securities Course.

Larry Yen

Larry Yen

Larry is an Associate Counsel working in Boughton’s Securities Group. He helps public and private companies strategize, coordinate and plan international corporate transactions. Larry advises his clients on private securities offerings, initial public offerings, regulatory requirements under Canada and US federal securities statutes and business succession strategies through buy-sell arrangements and shareholders’ agreements.

With an international background and fluency in Mandarin, Larry’s practice reaches across borders to the United States, Europe and Asia where he provides his clients with counsel on acquisitions, mergers, and reverse takeovers. As a cross-border business facilitator, Larry helps new businesses establish in Canada in areas such as consulting, information technology and manufacturing.

Janet Yee

A born Calgarian.

It is community work and activism that she shares her passion.  Janet studied Psychology all the while working in oil and gas accounting; and community volunteering in areas against sexism and racism.  She worked as the Crisis Coordinator of the Calgary Sexual Assault Centre- training, counselling, and operating the crisis line and staff.    She was the cofounder of the ‘Women of Colour Collective’ examining issues around racism, sexism and intersecting oppressions.  She continued working in areas of counselling survivors of rape, sexual assault and abuse for several years.   She moved to Vancouver, BC, helping to start up a crisis line and counselling programs at the Surrey Women’s Centre.   She further studied drug and alcohol addictions; and Teaching English as Second Language.

After counselling for many years, she owned and managed an engineering manufacturing company with her husband.   The company grew, but she still needed to work in the community.  She always volunteered on local, provincial and national committees, boards and direct services.  She loves learning about people and their ways in the world – travelling and exploring the world.  She loves her home too – gardening and observing the wildlife that passes through her backyard.  Home (as 5th generation Chinese Canadian) has always been her daughter, family and loved ones.  She is now retired from paid work – giving energies and commitment to ACCT Foundation volunteering on the Secretariat (operations) and on the Board of Directors since 2019.

Albert Wong

Albert was appointed Citizenship Judge by the Government of Canada in June 2014. As an independent decision-maker, Judge Wong conducts hearings and presides over citizenship ceremonies in the Greater Toronto Area.

Judge Wong had over thirty-nine years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. He served in various public affairs positions with the military across Canada, on a UN peacekeeping mission in Eritrea and Ethiopia, with a multi-national headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark; and with a Strategic Advisory Team in Afghanistan. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

He also served as the Chief Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from April 2013 to December 2020. The first Chinese Canadian to hold this title. He was awarded the Vice-Regal commendation in 2014.

He was named the 2016 Person of the Year by the Transformation Magazine.

An active community volunteer, Albert has made valuable leadership contribution to several organizations including as Chair of the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses (CPB) and currently supports various other community boards and organizations.

Ana Vu – COO

Ana is a business transformation leader with extensive experience across various areas of the financial services industry including Retail, Commercial Banking, Wealth Management, Insurance, Technology, and Operations.

Over her 20-year career in banking, Ana served in several leadership roles at leading Canadian financial institutions. She has a demonstrated track record for improving strategy, operations, and financial performance in large and mid-size financial services institutions. Ana has led the implementation of strategic initiatives and business transformation projects that contributed significantly to the success of the organizations.

A believer of democratic banking values, Ana is passionate about delivering financial services products and services that enrich the lives of employees and members.

Ana holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Administration from Ryerson University and a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University.

Dr. William Wei

Dr. William X. Wei is inaugural Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, Algoma University. He has provided major service as Research Institute Director, Department Chair and Associate Dean at the School of Business, MacEwan University. Prof. Wei has over 150 peer-reviewed publications in research areas including Emerging Markets and Multinationals. He is Associate Editor of two Emerald journals: Emerging Markets Case Studies and Chinese Management Studies. He was recognized as a distinguished scholar by the Academy for Global Business Advancement in 2012 and received President’s service award from Association of African Business and Development in 2020. He has taught international business courses to more than 400 students in intercultural practicum and study tours in Canada and abroad. He was a member of fund-raising committee of ACCT 2020 and 2021 Summits.

Mr. Sunny Lam

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunny K. F. Lam is a seasoned Certified Financial Planner and Registered Financial Planner (RFP). Sunny is among the first (if not the first) RFP in Canada of Chinese descent. With a rich financial journey spanning over four decades, he has navigated roles as a financial planner, banker, and broker since 1983.

At the helm of his financial planning firm, The Eminent Choice Financial Group Inc, since 1991, Sunny has seamlessly blended his wealth of experience with an unyielding commitment to providing top-tier financial services. His influence extends beyond finance, as he’s lent his strategic insights to national and regional boards within the hospital, private school, and professional realms.

For over 15 years, Sunny has passionately mentored MBA students at UBC, nurturing the minds of future leaders. His civic engagement shines brightly through his support for successful political candidates, driven by his belief in elevating the presence of Chinese Canadians in Canada’s leadership landscape.

Sunny is not just a financial expert; he’s an advocate, a mentor, and a trailblazer, working tirelessly to bridge gaps and carve pathways for a more inclusive and empowered tomorrow.

Sunny believes in “serving and giving back to the communities, and basically, you lose your rights unless you step up and do something about it.” You often find Sunny cooking and serving in the communities.

Ben Lee, P. Eng, BSc, IE

Ben has over 30 years of leadership in Project Management and Engineering in the areas of, pharmaceutical manufacturing, health care and air transportation.  Ben currently leads business development efforts for Stantec, in Manitoba.  Ben’s work has taken him all over the world.  This includes projects in Asia, Africa and across the US and Canada.

Through his volunteer efforts, he has worked with Winnipeg’s downtown development agency – Centre Venture to develop a strategy for the development NW exchange which focuses on Winnipeg’s Chinatown.  This plan was announced in Spring 2019.  Since then, we’ve seen the development of green space – Gord Dong Park, over 500 more family housing units, the opening of Red River Polytech’s Innovation Centre – entitled “Manitou a bi Bii daziigae” which is home to over 3,000 students.  As part of the plan, we are renovating the Chinese Cultural and Community Centre to create a destination in Winnipeg’s Chinatown.

In 2022, we hosted our inaugural Chinatown Night Market.  This was so successful, that we decided to do it again in 2023.  This event was important to the activation of the Chinatown.  In Fall 2024, we are tripling the size of the event where we hope to see in upwards of 15,000 in attendance to celebrate the Autumn Festival.

Ben serves on a numerous Boards and Committees.  This includes the Chair – Pharmaceutical Sciences Group (Toronto), Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, World Trade Centre – Winnipeg, Past Chair – Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre, Chair – Winnipeg Chinatown Night Market, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters – Environment Committee, and the Telus Friendly Futures Foundation – Manitoba and Saskatchewan Committee.  Previously, Ben served on the Boards of Cancer Care Manitoba and the Life Sciences Association of Manitoba.

He had been recognized for his leadership and volunteerism in the community with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, Golden Dragon Citizen of the Year Award, City of Winnipeg’s Volunteer Award and numerous other awards. 

Ben holds a Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering Degree from the University of Manitoba.

Beth Lei

Beth is a senior Royal Canadian Naval officer with over 30 years of service to include four overseas deployments. She served in various operational and administrative roles in Afghanistan, UN peacekeeping missions in Sudan and South Sudan, and the Multinational Force and Observers mission in Egypt. For the past 8 years, she has committed her efforts to addressing culture evolution within the Department of National Defence.

Recognized for excellence in leadership to bring about credit to Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces, Beth was awarded the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force commendation in Afghanistan in 2009. She is also a recipient of a Commanders commendation from the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy in 2013 for materially strengthening the linkages between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Greater Toronto community.

Appointed in 2013, Beth is an Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. She was awarded the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Volunteer Service award in 2023.

Beth holds an Honours degree in Sociology from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Arts from Royal Roads University in Conflict Analysis and Management, and a Master of Laws from Osgood Hall Law School specializing in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Daniel Quan-Watson

Daniel Quan-Watson’s first 35-year career was as a proud public servant, culminating in five separate appointments in different Deputy Minister roles over nearly 15 years.  His roles included those of Deputy Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations, CEO of Parks Canada, Chief Human Resources Officer for the Government of Canada and Deputy Minister (and previously Associate Deputy Minister) for Western Economic Diversification Canada.  He was particularly proud to become the first ever federal Deputy Minister of Chinese-Canadian ancestry.

Daniel has held many volunteer roles, from being the President of the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management to being on the Board of the Canadian Light Source (Canada’s synchrotron) and on the National Executive of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

As a frequent conference and public speaker on anti-racism, particularly anti-Asian racism, diversity equity and inclusion, Daniel has played a role in broadening conversations on these issues nationally in the public sector and beyond.  He was honoured with one of the 2023 Chinese Canadian Legends Awards recognizing this work and for the professional contributions that he made throughout his public service career.

Daniel is a pilot, sang with the Regina Philharmonic Choir, can be found doing adventure motorcycle travel or mentoring the next generation of leaders to ensure that all Canadians see themselves reflected at the highest levels of the public sector in the years ahead. 

Dr. Lili Liu

Lili Liu is a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, and dean of the Faculty of Health at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Liu earned degrees in BSc (Occupational Therapy), MSc and PhD (Rehabilitation Science), at McGill University. She began her academic career at the University of Alberta where she also served as chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy from 2008 to 2019 before joining the University of Waterloo.

Liu advances health-care technology through her leadership roles in research, administration, service and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, as well as post-doctoral fellows. She maintains an externally funded research program that examines acceptance and adoption of technologies by older adults, their care partners, health care professionals, and unlicensed care personnel.

As a rehabilitation professional, Liu also engages with community organizations, as well as policy and decision makers. Alzheimer Societies, search and rescue personnel, dementia advocacy and caregiver associations, nationally and internationally, are partners in her research program.

Born in Taiwan, Liu is of Taiwanese Chinese descent. She immigrated to Canada in 1970. At the University of Alberta, she served as the treasurer for the Association of Chinese Canadian Professors. At the University of Waterloo, she served as co-chair of the Code of Conduct and Safety subcommittee on the President’s Anti-racism Taskforce (PART). Currently, she is a member of the Waterloo Chinese Canadian Scholars Association (WCCSA). The Faculty of Health’s strategic plan supports initiatives led by the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Equity Diversity Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR).

Annual Report 2022-2023

Annual Report 2021-2022

Annual Report 2020-2021