Caleb Chow, a 26-year-old recent graduate, faced an immense challenge: battling cancer not once, but twice over the past decade. His first encounter with cancer was difficult, involving chemotherapy and radiation, but he overcame it with the support of his faith and loved ones. After eight years of clear checkups, Caleb was devastated to discover that his cancer had returned, this time affecting his spine. Despite the grueling treatment process, including stem cell chemotherapy, Caleb’s determination to fight for his family and his faith helped him overcome this second battle. The experience has profoundly changed his outlook on life, instilling in him a deep sense of gratitude and resilience. Caleb is now committed to sharing his story to inspire and help others, reflecting his growth and unwavering spirit.

As a Chinese-Canadian theatre artist in Canada, Aaron Tam, faced significant challenges in promoting the culture of Cantonese theatre due to a lack of resources and opportunities for Chinese theatre practitioners. The scarcity of professional support led to a vicious cycle where amateur productions diminished audience’s confidence, thereby further limiting the growth of the community. In response, Aaron founded the “Peoples Drama”, overcoming resource constraints by collaborating with local community centres and churches for rehearsal and performance spaces. The influx of young immigrants from Hong Kong has brought new hope and talent, fostering growth in the theatre. In 2024, the group became a non-profit organization in Ontario, revitalizing the Cantonese theatre scene and inspiring both newcomers and established artists.

Matthew Ahn, a university student, faced the challenge of reconciling his Korean-Chinese Canadian identity with the silence surrounding his family’s cultural history. Growing up, his grandparents were reluctant to discuss their past before immigrating to Canada, leaving him with unanswered questions about his cultural roots. The moment changed when Matthew joined the Association for Learning and Preserving the History of WWII in Asia (ALPHA) at university, where he learned about the atrocities of WWII in Asia, including the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery system. Shocked by this history and the lack of awareness among his peers, Matthew was inspired to reclaim his cultural identity and promote peace education. As the president of the McMaster ALPHA chapter, he connected with like-minded youth, established an inter-university network, and led community workshops to foster critical discussions about cultural identity, history, and peace. Through his advocacy, Matthew not only deepened his understanding of his cultural roots but also empowered others to explore and embrace their own identities, contributing to a broader mission of intercultural understanding and peace. and marking a significant achievement.

Ella Shi faced the challenge of disconnecting from her Chinese cultural roots when she moved to Canada at age 13, where she found little representation of traditional Chinese arts. Initially, she focused on integrating into Western culture, but during the COVID-19 lockdown, she realized her deep passion for traditional Chinese theatre arts. She reconnected with her roots by regaining her skills in Jingju (京劇) and Kunqu (崑曲) and founded a non-profit organization to promote Chinese culture in Canada. Through her efforts, she has successfully bridged Eastern and Western communities, contributing to the cultural representation of the Chinese community in Canada.