(May 30, 2025, Toronto) After an intense selection process, the Chinese Canadian Legends Association (CCLA) is pleased to announce the six 2025 Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients.

Entering its 24th year, this year’s theme is “Strive to Thrive”. The six recipients who have made outstanding contributions to Canada are alphabetically: Chris Chan, Kenneth Fung, David Maung (Lim), Linda Lee Oland, Raymond Wan and Stephanie Wong. (Individual bio summaries are attached)

Since 2000, a total of 142 Chinese Canadian Legends have been selected, and 23 biographical books published. CCLA president, Bammy Wong shared that “ever since launching the Award, we have continued to explore and reflect on our future direction and vision. Thanks to the efforts of our team members, and the acknowledgement, participation and support of recipients and the community over the years, the Award itself has become one of the most prestigious, influential and distinctive awards. CCLA is gratified and encouraged that the awards are respected and highly influential. The association’s purpose is to promote and recognize the achievements and contributions of Chinese Canadians, to foster understanding, respect and integration of multiculturalism in our communities.” 

CCLA is honoured to work with former Senator, the Honourable Vivienne Poy as Honorary Chair of the advisory committee, former Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba, the Honourable Philip S. Lee as honorary advisor, Alexandra Ngan and Dennis Au-Yeung as co-chairs of the organizing committee, certified chartered accountant Stanley Kwan as chair of the selection committee, Stephen Siu as chair of the editorial committee, Glenn Chan as chair of the operations committee and Viola Poon as secretary.

This year’s award recipients each brings a unique story, exemplifying resilience and a selfless giving back spirit to contribute to their communities. They are Chinese Canadian role models, perfectly matching the selection criteria of a Chinese Canadian Legend.

Selection committee chair Stanley Kwan says, “The selection criteria change with the times: Although we do the same thing every year, we listen to the voices of the community and incorporate their ideas, so that we can be objective and fair and choose individuals that deserve to be our role models.” Talents abound in the Chinese Canadian community, and nominations have usually been enthusiastic. There were 23 selection committee members this year, 19 of whom were past recipients, the other 4 are from CCLA. After lengthy discussions and a comprehensive review, six deserving individuals were selected.

Ms. Alexandra Ngan, Co-Chair of Chinese Canadian Legend; Organizing Committee extends heartfelt gratitude to the community and media friends for their continued encouragement and support. She says: “The Chinese Canadian Legend award presentation is held to honour individuals of exceptional distinction who have made significant contributions to our community and to Canada. It also serves to inspire all to embrace the Chinese Canadian Legend spirit —to face life positively, demonstrate resilience amidst adversity, and extend compassion to others.” 

The theme for 2025, “ Strive to Thrive” highlights the perseverance and determination of awardees who endured hardship and overcame adversity to achieve success.

Ms. Ngan also remarks “ By sharing these touching and inspiring legendary stories, we aim to kindle the light of hope and compassion in these challenging times, resonate with the public, build consensus, and encourage everyone to bravely pursue their dreams, move forward with resilience, realize their ideals, and create their own brilliant life legends.”

Dennis Au-Yeung, the other organizing committee co-chair points out that, “The recipients are all Canadians who are worthy of praise. We hope that through the annual award, the unique values and beliefs, the fighting spirit and giving culture of Chinese Canadian immigrants will be passed on to the next generation growing up in the west.

Executive Editor Connie Woo says: “Chinese Canadian Legend Award distinguishes itself by documenting and publishing stories of outstanding Chinese Canadian immigrants.  Their inspiring stories provide invaluable research and reference material for future generations. “ The book collections are kept in the Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library at the University of Toronto, as well as the libraries at University of Ottawa, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria, and McGill University. The collections are also found in many university libraries and public libraries in Hong Kong.

The entire set of 23 editions have been digitized by University of Toronto and University of British Columbia for their online library and are now accessible anywhere in the world.

Connie is very pleased with this year’s writing team:  “ We have a great team this year with Annie Jin, Ray Tang and Dan Woo as our writers and translator. Stephen Siu chairs the editorial committee, and Camilla Tong is our production editor. The recipients’ true life stories are lively and moving. ”

 Chinese Canadian Legends gala will be held on July 19 at Sheraton Richmond Hill. Tickets are $280 each, or $3000 for a corporate table. For details please visit www.cclegends.ca

Six Recipients’ profile

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.

BACK TO TOP