Dialogue to Action

​The 2023 Youth Forum for Asian Representation (YFAR) Dialogue to Action Conference, held in partnership with the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, convened over 60 youth leaders at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event fostered deep reflections on cultural understanding and provided a platform for engaging dialogues with prominent Asian leaders across governance, business, and community sectors.​

Exploring the Past

Participants were grouped to encourage new connections among like-minded youth from various parts of Vancouver. Utilizing digital resources and the rich exhibits of the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, they delved into significant historical events, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923. This exploration broadened their comprehension of Asian Canadian history and its enduring impact on contemporary society.​

Engaging with the Present

The conference featured esteemed speakers, including Carol Lee, The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Jennifer Chan, and Steven Ngo. These leaders shared their personal journeys, shedding light on the cultural and systemic challenges they encountered. Their narratives provided invaluable insights into leadership within the Asian Canadian context.​

Significance of the Venue

The Chinatown Storytelling Centre, Canada's first permanent space dedicated to the Chinese Canadian narrative, served as a fitting venue. Its interactive exhibits and immersive storytelling environment offered participants a tangible connection to the community's heritage, enriching the conference experience.

Profiles of Distinguished Speakers

• Carol Lee: As the Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation and CEO of Linacare Cosmetherapy, Carol Lee is deeply committed to the revitalization of Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside. Her extensive involvement includes serving on various boards and contributing to economic growth initiatives.​

• The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan: Serving as the Minister of International Development and formerly as Minister of National Defence, Minister Sajjan immigrated to Canada at a young age. His career encompasses roles as a Vancouver Police Department detective and a Lieutenant Colonel in the British Columbia Regiment.​

• Jennifer Chan: Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Coho Collective Kitchens, Jennifer Chan brings over 15 years of experience in the technology sector. Her leadership has been pivotal in establishing Coho as Canada's largest shared kitchen provider, supporting over 100 food brands.​

• Steven Ngo: As President of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers of BC and counsel at Rivian, Steven Ngo has been recognized among Canada's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers. His advocacy against hate crimes earned him the BC Medal of Good Citizenship.​

  
  

The 2023 YFAR Dialogue to Action Conference exemplified a meaningful convergence of youth engagement, historical reflection, and leadership discourse, contributing to the ongoing narrative of Asian representation in Canada.