Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs Awards Gala 2023
Written by Deborah Lau-Yu
Images provided by ACCE
Awards season is here not only in the Arts and Film, but also in Business! The Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs is one of the longest standing and progressive organizations for networking and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit in Canada. This year was the first full in-person celebration after a few years of adjusted celebrations due to the pandemic. Taking place at the Metro Convention Centre last weekend, on April 15th, the Board of Directors welcomed almost 800 guests who came ready to toast the new winners. The awards gala is one that is sponsored by all five largest banks in Canada, to encourage entrepreneurialism, which is the backbone of our country. It is also well-attended by many politicians at all levels of government including Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Senator Victor Oh, and HKETO’s Director Emily Mo. This year the list of guests also included Olivia Chow, who just announced her entry into the mayoral race for Toronto in the same week.
lifetime achievement AWARD WINNER — Dr. Eva Lee Kwok
“I was who you are, and you will be who I am.” Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Dr. Eva Lee Kwok of Amara Holdings Inc. moved the audience with her thoughtful speech, which has an easy-to-remember strategy when it comes to succeeding in entrepreneurship and everything in life: CAP — Commitment, (a positive) Attitude, and Passion for the work. Her award was presented by the Royal Bank of Canada. Read more about her story in the upcoming coverage in Ming Pao News next week!
2023 Winner list
Lifetime Achievement
Dr. Eva Lee Kwok — Amara Holdings Inc.
Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank
Entrepreneur of the Year
Mr. Saylo Lam — Circle 5
Sponsored by TD Bank Group
Young Entrepreneur
Ms. Connie Lo — Three Ships
National Bank of Canada
Best International Business
Mr. Richard Fung ,
Mr. Ricky Lau, Mr. Eric Ng,
Mr. Alan Poon , Mr. Ron Chan
— The Six Semiconductor Inc.
Sponsored by Air Canada
Best Asia-Pacific Business
Mr. Benson Lau — Fuwa Fuwa
sponsored by Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Toronto)
Best Start-Up
Mr. Bernard Law — Kind Laundry
Sponsored by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Most Innovative
Mr. Paul Zheng — Nuralogix
Sponsored by TELUS
Most Progressive
Mr. Ed Fung — Interware Systems Inc.
Sponsored by Scotiabank
Best Community Service
Ms. Stephanie Li — Spotlight West Communications Inc.