Business leader and philanthropist Milton Wong has died at the age of 72.
“British Columbia has lost a great community and business leader with the passing of Milton Wong,” Premier Christy Clark said in a statement.
Among his many achievements, Wong:
- founded and chaired M.K. Wong and Associates, which was sold to Hong Kong Bank of Canada in 1996;
- served as president of HSBC Asset Management;
- fostered the growth of Chinese-Canadian social agency S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
- established the Vancouver International Dragon Boat Festival;
- founded the non-profit Laurier Institution, geared to advancing knowledge of the economics of cultural diversity; and
- served two terms as chancellor of Simon Fraser University.
“From humble beginnings, with determination, [Wong] built a financial empire, while giving of his time to his city, his province and his country,” Clark said. “His contribution was valued as a director of many companies and charities, and his leadership was honoured with an Order of Canada and an Order of British Columbia.”
Jenny Wagler
@JennyWagler_BIV