For Immediate Release

Awards Gala Captures the Imagination of all Canada!

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OTTAWA, ONT (May 7, 2009) - The AsiaNetwork Asian of the Year Awards gala event outdid itself again this year, with more awards and more attendees on Parliament Hill along with many more stories of successful Asian Canadians who inspire us all.

Last night’s awards ceremony welcomed some 250 guests to the opulent West Block ballroom, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage Dean Del Masto, Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Ian, Philippine Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Brillantes, along with many other dignitaries and many of the 15 finalists.

This year’s winners are actress Sandra Oh, wrestler Carol Huynh, businessperson Dr. David T. Fung, volunteer Dr. Nelly W.K. Ng, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and former Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

AsiaNetwork founder Elizabeth Yeh said during her speech following the presentation of awards that the notion of a national awards program for Asian Canadians and those with strong Asia Canada relations is capturing the nation.

“These awards started modestly in 2006 as a project of AsiaNetwork Magazine to recognize some of Canada’s unsung heroes,” Ms. Yeh said. “We knew the awards would be well received, but we had no idea how quickly they would capture the imagination of the whole country.”

The awards are meant to celebrate the contributions of Asian Canadians and to provide a platform to celebrate Canada’s willingness to lend a platform for creativity and hard work to be rewarded, she said.

Those sentiments were echoed by Selection Committee Chair the Honorable Shelia Copps.

“Most of us don’t know each other, so when we can create awards like this, and have publications like AsiaNetwork Magazine, it goes a long way to bringing us closer together,” said Ms. Copps.