Executive Committee
Frank Lu
Chair
Vancouver’s Chinatown is a result of the forced dislocation of Chinese immigrants during the early 1900s. However, these injustices fostered cultural growth within a community that flourished and grew to become a home not only for the Chinese community, but for marginalized communities across Canada.
Frank Lu, a Chinese-Canadian student attending Mulgrave School, has been disheartened to see the diminishing economic and social conditions within Vancouver’s Chinatown. Determined to contribute to its revitalization, Frank works passionately with leaders from the Chinatown Foundation to help create change.
Throughout his work in YFAR, Frank has been successful in leading experiential events such as the Dialogue to Action Forum and the Light-Up Chinatown Dim Sum and Distributions that engage youth leaders with the historicity of the Asian diaspora and the present cultural and systemic barriers that prevent active citizenship and multicultural understanding. Frank is inspired to create a voice and platform for the Asian community to progress towards greater representation across boardrooms and legislature.
Kevin Yuan
Marketing Director
Born in Qingdao, Kevin immigrated to Montreal, Canada during middle school. Placed in a completely different country, Kevin experienced firsthand the difficulties of being isolated from his communities and the cultural barriers that prevented him from forming close relationships with his peers. Kevin is now motivated to help other youth who face similar adversities. He is an active member of the Montreal Education Forum where he facilitates open, global conversations between his peers and students.
Since arriving in Vancouver and attending Mulgrave School, Kevin has become even more determined to use his talents in art and design to tell the stories of marginalized communities. With his international worldview, Kevin hopes to use creative outlets to help students bridge cultural differences.
Isabelle Wang
Creative Director
Isabelle Wang is a Grade 10 student at West Point Grey Academy with a fervent passion for art. By frequently experimenting with techniques derived from traditional Chinese practices in painting and ceramics, Isabelle maintains her connections to her cultural identity while consistently reflecting on the importance of engaging with one’s roots.
Now, she aims to use art to bring people closer with their upbringings. With YFAR, Isabelle hopes to foster collective through a shared love of art to foster a sense of belonging between underrepresented communities.
Lauren Tse
Co-Chair 2020-2021
Brennan Tse
Co-Chair 2020-2021
Advisory Board
Franco Ng
Chair
Franco remains rooted in his culture and is fluent in his native language of Cantonese as well as Mandarin, despite having immigrated from Hong Kong with his family before the age of two.
Growing up in Richmond, Franco has benefitted from its vibrant community, acknowledging his privilege of living in a country that not only accept differences but celebrates the strength it derives from its diversity.
Franco is the Founder of YouthTalkNation and Live Unlimited.
Jonathan Kong
Director
Jonathan Kong has been an active member of the Vancouver community ever since a young age. He grew up fascinated with politics and passionate about community service.
Time spent working on community and political projects made Jonathan appreciate the importance of youth participation in Canadian politics. He has been involved in organizations such as Forum for Young Canadians, Queen’s Model Parliament and Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots.
Currently, as advisor to educational institutions, Jonathan stresses the need for educators to promote civic engagement.
John Tse
Director
As a seasoned corporate executive, John Tse has been conducting international business for over twenty years. He was born in Hong Kong and moved to Canada at a very young age. Although Canada is the only home known to him, he has maintained his knowledge and connection to his heritage and culture. John speaks fluent Cantonese and understands the unique cultural differences between western and Asian consumers.
John is actively involved with several community organizations championing their causes for the betterment of society. Moreover, as an alumni volunteer with his alma mater, UBC, he is passionate about mentoring the next generation of citizens and leaders.
Matthew Li
Director
Matthew Li has always been fascinated by his community. Growing up in Richmond — an immigrant dominant community — Matthew has grown to be fascinated by the international community and his own Chinese heritage, being able to speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin. This led to his interest in community service, a way to learn more about those around him.
Matthew is involved with multiple initiatives including the GoGivers Foundation, which revolves around food insecurity, and Cars and Hoops, which supports accessible paediatric pallatative care through the Canuck Place.