For Immediate Release
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Richmond Hill, ON — The 2025 Chinese Canadian Legend Award Gala, organized by the Chinese Canadian Legends Association to honour and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of six award recipients, was held on July 19 Saturday at Sheraton Parkway Hotel in Richmond Hill. This year’s theme, “Strive to Thrive” shone a spotlight on six extraordinary Chinese Canadians who have made unique and lasting contributions to Canadian society.
This year’s six award recipients, selected through a rigorous review by a 23-member selection committee—19 of whom are past awardees—are:
Chris Chan, Kenneth Fung, David Maung (Lim), Linda Lee Oland, Raymond Wan and Stephanie Wong. (Individual bio summaries are attached)
The awards gala welcomed over 400 distinguished guests and supporters. The evening began with the national anthem played by His Majesty’s Canadian Ship York Band, followed by a wonderful dance performance by students from Georgia Leung’s Dance Company.
Guests of honour included:
- The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
- Former Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, the Honourable Philip S. Lee and Mrs. Anita Lee
- Mr. Weidong Luo, Consul General of China in Toronto
- The Honourable Chief Justice Michael Tulloch of Ontario
- Mayor of City of Markham Frank Scarpitti
President Bammy Wong of the Chinese Canadian Legends Association expressed heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished guests for their attendance. He shares: “Since the first ‘Chinese Canadian Legend’ event was launched 25 years ago, we have continuously explored and reflected on our direction for development. Thanks to our dedicated team, the recognition from the community, the participation of highly accomplished recipients, and the support of people from all sectors, this award has grown into a distinctive, highly respected, and influential recognition — a source of great encouragement for us.”
Looking to the future, Mr. Wong says, “We hope ‘Chinese Canadian Legend Award’ will continue to promote the hardworking spirit and community commitment of Chinese Canadians.”
He also expresses his appreciation to former Senator the Honorable Dr. Vivienne Poy and former Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, the Honorable Philip S. Lee for their long-standing support as Honorary Patrons of the award.
Ms. Alexandra Ngan, Organizing Committee Co-Chair, sincerely thanks supporters and media friends for their ongoing encouragement.
She says, “The goal of the Chinese Canadian Legend awards is to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society, and to inspire others with the spirit of ‘facing life positively, persevering through adversity, and helping others with compassion.’
The theme of the 2025 Chinese Canadian Legend is ‘Strive to Thrive’ . Every awardee embodies unwavering effort and indomitable willpower, overcoming hardships to ultimately achieve success.”
Ms. Ngan hopes that through sharing these deeply moving and inspiring stories, others will be encouraged to dream boldly, strive fearlessly, move forward with resilience, and create their own legendary life journeys.
In today’s turbulent and challenging global climate, she calls on everyone to work together to build an independent, compassionate, and inclusive Canada.
Mr. Dennis Au-Yeung, the other Organizing Committee Co-Chair, adds: “Thanks to everyone for the enthusiastic nominations. This year’s award recipients each have uniquely remarkable life stories. Though they come from different provinces and sectors in Canada, they all exemplify perseverance, selfless contributions to society, and serve as role models for Chinese Canadians.
They embody the spirit of public service and helpfulness, which should be passed down so that the next generation growing up here remembers the unique values and beliefs of our Chinese heritage.”
Selection Committee Chair Stanley Kwan states: “The criteria for the Chinese Canadian Legend awards have evolved with the times. Our selection committee constantly listens to community feedback and learns from experience to ensure the selection process remains rigorous, objective, and fair, enabling us to choose truly outstanding individuals.
This year’s selection committee consists of 23 members — 19 past recipients and 4 from the Chinese Canadian Legend Association. After thorough discussions and evaluations, six highly deserving awardees were selected from numerous candidates.”
Since the year 2000, the Chinese Canadian Legend series has published 142 inspiring stories in 23 volumes.
Chair of the Editorial Committee, Mr. Stephen Siu, notes:
“The red maple leaf symbolizes resilience. It represents the extraordinary, the eternal, and the essence of life.
Chinese Canadians have taken root in this land, found their footing, grown strong, and contributed to society. Each story of a Chinese Canadian Legend is a part of our community’s journey and legacy in Canada.
Documenting these stories in books is a sacred mission and an important reference for studying the development of the Chinese Canadian community.”
This year’s editorial team includes: Editorial Chair: Stephen Siu, Executive Editor: Connie Woo, Production Editor: Camilla Tong and Writers/Translators: Annie Jin, Ray Tang and Dan Woo.
Copies of the Chinese Canadian Legend Book collection can be found at leading institutions including: University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, UBC, SFU, University of Victoria, McGill University, Hong Kong Central Library, Canadian International School, and universities across Hong Kong.
This year’s special guest performer at the Awards ceremony was famous singer Mr. Dan Hill.
Recipients’ Profiles:
Dr. Christopher TM Chan
As a world-renowned nephrologist, Dr. Christopher TM Chan has dedicated 23 years working in the Nephrology Department at Toronto General Hospital. Through his tireless efforts, the global medical community recognized that dialysis treatment can be seamlessly and compassionately integrated into patients’ lives, restoring freedom and dignity to them. In 2004, Dr. Chan’s team developed the “Home Hemodialysis Program” enabling the world’s first successful childbirth by a pregnant woman undergoing nocturnal home dialysis. Today, under Dr. Chan’s guidance, “Home Nocturnal Dialysis Technology” has been established in over 30 countries and regions. Furthermore, driven by innovative thinking, Dr. Chan has created a “Virtual Pharmacy” since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming hospitals into “wall-less” channels for doctor-patient interactions, realizing the vision of “For the right patient, in the right place, at the right time—provide the right care.”
Dr. Kenneth Fung
Dr. Kenneth Fung is a psychiatrist dedicated to advancing cultural psychiatry. His personal experiences have given him deep insight into the impact of culture on human psychology and behaviour, inspiring his pioneering and innovative practices in this long-overlooked area of psychiatry. In 2002, he founded the Asian Initiative in Mental Health to provide mental health support to Asian communities and promote cultural sensitivity among healthcare professionals. He has been a public advocate for mental health education, fighting stigma and cultural bias, particularly in response to the racial discrimination seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also extended his work in cultural psychiatry to Indigenous and other minority groups and has received numerous honors from the international medical community.
The Honourable Linda Lee Oland
The Honourable Linda Lee Oland is a trailblazer in Canada’s legal field, with a career marked by perseverance and dedication. She put herself through university with part-time jobs and scholarships, and entered the legal profession, becoming the first Chinese-Canadian lawyer in Nova Scotia in 1977. She joined a prominent law firm and later became its first female partner. In 1998, she made history as the province’s first minority judge on the Supreme Court, and two years later, became the first Chinese-Canadian justice on a Canadian Court of Appeal. Guided by the belief that “the law is about people” she blends rational legal thinking with deep compassion. Even after retirement, she has continued to serve in key roles, contributing to judicial diversity and social justice.
Mr. David Maung (Lim)
Entrepreneur David Maung (Lim) is the Founder and Chair of Floors At Work. He has been navigating the business world for 40 years and is widely recognized as a model philanthropist, known for his generosity and dedication to helping the underprivileged. As President of the Singapore and Malaysia Association and Vice President of Mississauga Chinese Professional and Business Foundation, he led efforts to raise millions of dollars to support community institutions, including Scarborough Hospital Network, Yee-Hong Geriatric Centers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities. For five consecutive years, he co- chaired the Phoenix Charity Gala and twice set local fundraising records at the Dragon Ball Charity Gala in Toronto.
During the pandemic, David personally purchased hundreds of thousands of personal protective equipments to support seniors and hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area. Additionally, he has been the largest corporate donor to the Mississauga Food Bank for three consecutive years.
In 2025, David was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Mr. Raymond S.C. Wan
Raymond S.C. Wan is a highly accomplished yet low-key architect whose designs have transformed Winnipeg’s skyline. Born in Hong Kong, he came to Canada at age 15 to study, eventually earning a master’s degree in architecture and founding his own design firm. Known for his client-focused approach, he has earned deep trust among clients.
His notable projects include the Canadian Football League stadium in Winnipeg and the Pembina student residence at the University of Manitoba, both known for their elegant and innovative style. Actively involved in community service, he has served as Chair of the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre. With his professionalism and humanistic vision, he has become an outstanding role model among Chinese-Canadian architects.
Ms. Stephanie Wong
Growing up in Hong Kong, Stephanie found her calling in Toronto, Canada. Over the past 12 years, she has led the Mon Sheong Foundation, transforming it into one of Canada’s largest Chinese charitable organizations. Transitioning from a distinguished banking career to becoming a formidable figure in the charitable sector, she has consistently demonstrated resilience and commitment.
In the past decade, the foundation’s long-term care beds have increased from 475 to 777, with projections aiming for a total of 1,321 beds. Additionally, the organization has developed over 1,600 affordable rental units for seniors, ensuring they have access to housing. Annually, the foundation serves approximately 4,500 seniors and over 1,400 students, offering services that encompass health care, personal development, and Chinese language education.