CYC Champion
Awards
Celebrating exceptional individuals and leaders who have made a profound, lasting impact on our society, breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation.
Honoring Role Models Across Canada
Originally founded and supported by visionary Chinese Canadian leaders to provide mentorship and opportunities, CYC has grown into a vibrant, multicultural organization open to all Canadians. The Champion Awards are divided into five distinct sub-categories to capture the full spectrum of leadership across the nation.
Canadian Champions Award
In its 5th year, Canadian Youth Champions (CYC) started the first Canadian Champions Award. This award is for great Canadians who help our communities in important ways. CYC is a group for all Canadians, but it was started by Chinese Canadian leaders. These leaders came together to help and guide young people in Canada. Today, this award honors these great people. Their hard work and leadership help and inspire young people across the country. Also, this award honors a very important helper of CYC, the late Honourable John McCallum (1950–2025) whose legacy continues to guide and inspire us.
Featured Award Presenters
Minister Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Canada
The Honourable Tim Hodgson is the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and MP for Markham-Thornhill. He is the former Chair of Hydro One and former CEO of Goldman Sachs Canada, bringing decades of leadership across the public and private sectors.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Mayor of Markham, Ontario
His Worship Frank Scarpitti has served as the Mayor of Markham since 2006, making him the city's longest-serving mayor. He is deeply committed to charitable work, having co-chaired the Markham Stouffville Hospital campaign which raised over $50 million.
Award Winners
Tim Kwan
Chairman of Mon Sheong Foundation
Mr. Tim Kwan, Chairman of the Mon Sheong Foundation, is a successful STEM entrepreneur and mentor to CYC since its inception. Recipient of the Senate of Canada Sesquicentennial Medal, he receives the Lifelong Contribution Award for his outstanding dedication to both business and community.
Master Shan 單柏欽
Renowned Artist
Master Shan Bai Qin is a highly respected Lingnan School artist in Toronto, known for his excellence in freehand and meticulous brushwork. With works exhibited worldwide, his art beautifully reflects cultural heritage and the harmony of Eastern and Western traditions.
Tony Chang
Global Executive & Community Leader
Tony Chang is a global executive and CPA with extensive leadership experience across North America and Asia, holding senior roles at Tim Hortons and Shoppers Drug Mart. Passionate about healthcare, he has chaired the Yee Hong Board since 2021.
Stephen Siu
President of the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation
Stephen Siu is President of the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation, leading major fundraising efforts to enhance seniors' lives in the GTA. With a strong background in public relations, he is dedicated to promoting quality care and cultural engagement.
Alan Lam
Chairman of Greenvilla Homes
Alan Lam is an engineer and Chairman of Greenvilla Homes, specializing in GTA land development. A dedicated community leader, he has served on the Board of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto since 2000 and is a two-time June Callwood Volunteerism Award recipient.
Henry Lee
Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Toronto
Henry Leong Bee Lee has served as Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Toronto since 2019. With an extensive background in banking and public service, he actively promotes cultural diplomacy, hospital philanthropy, and international cooperation.
Stephen Chan
Founder of Dapasoft Inc.
Stephen Chan is the founder and former CEO of Dapasoft Inc., a Toronto healthcare IT firm acquired by Calian Group in 2021. An active angel investor, he also serves as a board member of the Ma'mo'weh Wii'soo'ka'tiwin Foundation, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Jeffrey Mah
Director of the Mon Sheong Foundation
Jeffrey Mah is a successful IT entrepreneur and Director of the Mon Sheong Foundation. As a dedicated mentor and judge for CYC since its inception, he has empowered countless young people to reach their full potential.
Frank Chau
President of the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation
Frank Chau is a Special Advisor to the Mon Sheong Foundation who led the development of Mississauga Chinatown and helped expand BMO into Asia. His visionary leadership has left a lasting impact on business and the Chinese Canadian community.
Asian Champions Award
The Asian Champions Award is designed to honor outstanding individuals of Asian heritage who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and a steadfast commitment to community service. This award recognizes role models within the Asian Canadian community who break barriers, foster cultural understanding, and pave the way for future generations. By celebrating their accomplishments in fields such as business, arts, public service, and philanthropy, CYC aims to inspire young people to embrace their heritage while making meaningful contributions to the broader Canadian society.
Featured Award Presenters
Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy
Businesswoman, author and philanthropist
Vivienne Poy made history in 1998 as the first Canadian Senator of Asian ancestry and successfully championed the designation of May as "Asian Heritage Month". An entrepreneur, author, and former chancellor of the University of Toronto, she has been a lifelong advocate for cultural understanding and education.
Harjit Sajjan
Minister of Emergency Preparedness of Canada
Harjit Sajjan is the Minister of Emergency Preparedness for Canada, leading national crisis response efforts. With a strong background in military service and public policy, he is a dedicated advocate for the safety and security of all Canadians.
Women Champions Award
This award honors great women who help Canadian society even when they face many hard problems. It recognizes women who work for equal rights, start charity groups, and make important positive changes in our communities. Through this award, CYC thanks these leaders for their service and makes sure people across the country know about their success. These incredible women serve as strong leaders and guides, helping young women grow and making the community a better place for future female leaders.
Award Presenters
- Vivienne PoyFormer Canadian Senator
- Doris ChanFirst Vice-Chair of Mon Sheong Foundation
- Rosa ChanFounder of RC Communications
- Piera IpFounder of Progenics
- Adda LiChain Restaurateur
- Yuen MayCantonese period music opera lyricist
- Nancy M SiewCitizenship Judge
- Emily WongVP of Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
Diversity and Inclusion Champions Award
The Diversity and Inclusion Champions Award recognizes individuals, organizations, and community advocates who have made outstanding contributions toward fostering a truly inclusive and equitable society. As a multicultural organization, CYC values the unique backgrounds of all Canadians. This award honors those who actively work to eliminate discrimination, champion equal access, promote inclusive practices, and bring diverse communities together through shared understanding and mutual respect.
Award Presenters
- Helena JaczekHouse of Commons of Canada
- Michael ParsaProvincial Parliament of Ontario
- Aldrin FernandoSchool Principal
Black Champions Award
The Black Champions Award is dedicated to honoring Black Canadians who have exhibited exemplary leadership, driven social change, and achieved excellence across various industries. This award seeks to amplify the voices and accomplishments of Black leaders who serve as vital role models for youth. By celebrating their success and dedication to social justice, entrepreneurship, and community development, CYC emphasizes the critical importance of uplifting Black excellence and nurturing the next generation of changemakers.