2007 Asian of the Year Finalists
 Grandmaster Tae E. Lee
Grandmaster Lee, founder of Ottawa’s first Taekwondo School started 30 years ago, is one of the world’s highest-ranking Grandmasters. An inductee into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, Grandmaster Lee was instrumental in having Taekwondo recognized as an official Olympic event. May 31 is proclaimed as TAE EUN LEE DAY in Ontario to honour his many achievements.
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 Inspector Kai Liu
Ottawa’s first Asian police officer, Inspector Liu has risen to the highest-ranking visible minority Ottawa Police Officer through his 20-year plus policing career. A subject expert and speaker at UN and CIDA, Inspector Liu is an active volunteer, a mentor and a role model for fellow officers and people in the Ottawa community.
 Ms. Alicia Natividad
Ms. Natividad is the first female lawyer of Philippine heritage to practice law in Canada. Through her 20-plus years of legal practice, she has been active in public service, promotion of Philippine heritage and the status of women. Ms. Natividad is the recipient of the 2004 Philippine Presidential Award for Overseas Filipinos and the 2002 Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal among her other awards.
2007 WINNER!
Meet Inspector Kai Liu - Asian of the Year 2007
 His parents didn’t want him to become a police officer, saying they left Taiwan with a suitcase and five children to get away from the military. His wife, the mother of his three children, didn’t want him to be a police officer, knowing the dangers involved. But all three are glad he convinced them otherwise.
At a ceremony on Parliament Hill, May 28th, 2007, Ottawa Police Service Inspector Kai Liu was named Ottawa's Asian of the Year.
The AsiaNetwork Senator Vivienne Poy Asian of the Year Award, created by AsiaNetwork magazine, recognizes contributions made by Asian Canadian role models with integrity and character who balance a successful career with community and charitable work.
Inspector Liu, 43, is the first Asian Canadian to become a police officer in Ottawa. He is always conscious of representing his community, not just his family, he said, but it is a responsibility he is proud to accept. "Part of this award has to do with being a role model," he said during the acceptance speech. "And my role models were my parents. I grew up watching them work two-, sometimes three jobs at a time. I’d like to thank them.
"I’m only honoured to be here."
Inspector. Liu is the highest-ranking visible minority in the force. During his 20-year career, he has fronted a number of special units, including partner assault and diversity and race relations. He worked undercover for the RCMP’s organized crime unit and is speaking at the United Nations on domestic violence and violence against women.
Senator Poy, Canada’s first senator of Asian descent, praised AsiaNetwork for creating the award and noted that this ceremony couldn’t have happened on Parliament Hill even a few years ago.
"Here on Parliament Hill the growing diversity of Canada is seldom noticed, except during an election. But minority groups are no longer willing to be isolated from the mainstream. And there is a growing thirst to learn about Asia," said Ms. Poy.
Frank Ling, chair of AsiaNetwork’s Advisory Board, said the award is a dream come true.
"I’m glad we are all here to celebrate Canadians of Asian heritage because we are all Canadians," said Mr. Ling. "That’s what this award is all about, the contributions of some of us to the great nation of Canada."
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