Translating Success in China to Growth in Canada Recap & Photos

6 月 20, 2025CCBC活动回顾

Translating Success in China to Growth in Canada Recap & Photos

6 月 20, 2025CCBC活动回顾

On June 20, 2025, the British Columbia Chapter of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) hosted a successful business learning and networking event tailored to Mandarin-speaking entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals in Canada.

 

Attendees gained valuable insights from leading experts in the banking, legal, and accounting fields. The program featured inspiring perspectives from accomplished Chinese-Canadian business leaders who have successfully translated their achievements in China into sustainable growth in Canada, as well as from professionals who have supported companies in navigating and expanding within the Canadian market.

 

The event included three informative presentations by:

  • Joyce Lee, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault and CCBC Board Member
  • James Lin, Portfolio Manager, McCarthy Tétrault
  • Lily Lin, Senior Private Banker, and George Zhang, Portfolio Manager, Scotia Wealth Management
  • Vivian He, Principal, Manning Elliott LLP

 

A panel discussion followed, moderated by Joyce Lee, and featured:

  • Steve Di Fruscia, Co-Founder & CEO, Dura Group
  • Celinka Zhou, Founder & CEO, SunnyWay Capital Group; Co-Founder & Strategic Financial Advisor, Melius Microbiome and Wide Naturals

Congratulations to the three lucky prize draw winners. Generous prize contributions were provided by Melody H, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Sweet 7, Wide Naturals, and SunnyLife Health Enterprises.

 

The event provided an excellent platform for participants to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals, building relationships and accessing support to start, manage, and grow their businesses in Canada.

 

CCBC extends its sincere thanks to Manning Elliott for hosting the venue, McCarthy Tétrault for content sponsorship, and to the supporting organizations: CITPS, Renmin University of China Alumni Association, Canada Chinese Universities Alumni Association Fellowship, Chinese Enterprises Society of Canada, and Canbes.

 

 

 

Tickets:
CCBC Members: $25 + tax , Non-Members: $100 + tax

 

Address:
Manning Elliott, 1700 – 1030 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3

 

About the Speakers:


 

Vivian He, CPA, CA
Principal
Manning Elliott

 

Vivian He is a seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in business advisory, accounting, and tax services. She joined Manning Elliott LLP in August 2023 as a Principal in the Private Company Group.

 

Ms. He serves clients across a variety of industries, including Construction and Real Estate, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Technology. Her broad experience enables her to understand the financial nuances and unique needs of her clients. Fluent in both English and Chinese, Ms. He serves as a trusted bridge between clients in Asia and Canada.

 

Ms. He is passionate about community involvement and actively contributes through various volunteer roles. She currently serves as Treasurer of the HKCBA Edmonton Section, fostering business ties and cultural exchange since 2015. She is also an Area Leader for CPA Canada’s Financial Literacy program, where she promotes financial education and empowers individuals with essential money management skills. Ms. He previously served on CPA Alberta’s Early Career Working Group, supporting and mentoring emerging professionals. From 2016 to 2019, she was a Member of the Alumni Council at the University of Alberta, working with fellow alumni to support university initiatives.

 

Outside of work, Ms. He is a proud mother to a 6-year-old boy. Together, they enjoy cooking, impromptu dance sessions, and family adventures — often involving sandy beaches and travel.

 

Ms. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Alberta. She earned her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 2011 and completed CPA Canada’s three-year In-Depth Tax Program in 2017.

 

 

 

Steve Di Fruscia
Co-Founder and CEO
Dura Group

 

Steve Di Fruscia is an accomplished real estate professional with over 15 years of experience and a portfolio of more than 2,200 developed units across major Canadian markets. He has led the successful development of numerous residential and mixed-use projects in both Montreal and Vancouver, demonstrating a deep understanding of each city’s unique market dynamics.

 

Mr. Fruscia is widely recognized for his strength in communications and partner relations, maintaining long-standing relationships with lenders, builders, and key stakeholders in both regions. In 2018, he was honored with the Young Entrepreneurs Award by the Canada China Business Council for his leadership and entrepreneurial achievements.

 

He also studied Chinese language and literature at the University of British Columbia, equipping him with cross-cultural communication skills that enhance his effectiveness in diverse business environments.

 

With a track record of delivering high-quality developments and fostering collaborative partnerships, Mr. Fruscia continues to drive innovation and growth in the Canadian real estate sector.

 

 

 

Joyce Lee
Partner and Chair of Asia Group
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Board Director
Canada China Business Council

 

Joyce Lee brings a unique perspective to her practice, skillfully uniting Canadian companies seeking Chinese investors with Chinese companies looking to expand into North America. She also regularly advises corporate executives in the financial sector about taking advantage of opportunities and navigating risk.

 

Born and raised in Hong Kong and with over 20 years experience working in the North American marketplace, Ms. Lee has both the cultural and business skills necessary to view potential deals from each party’s perspective. Her communication skills – she speaks English, Mandarin and Cantonese fluently – smoothly guide Asian companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors; and, the technology, life science and real estates industries.

 

Leadership teams from across Canada and Asia, including public companies listed on TSX, NYSE, HK Stock Exchange, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange asset management companies and investment firms, frequently solicit Ms. Lee’s advice on how to grow their business and make strategic moves in the marketplace, whether within Canada or abroad.

 

As Chair of the firm’s Asia Group and a regular speaker at conferences and seminars focused on business from China and the Asia Pacific region, Ms. Lee has earned an international reputation as an authority in her field.

 

 

 

James Lin
Portfolio Manager
McCarthy Tétrault LLP

 

James Lin is an Associate in the Business Law Group in Vancouver. Mr. Lin’s practice focuses on advising companies, investors and entrepreneurs on transformative corporate and commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings and venture capital investments. Mr. Lin also advises companies and boards of directors on corporate governance and shareholder activism matters. He has acted for clients in a wide range of industries, including technology, life sciences, healthcare, banking & financial services, consumer products and private equity.

 

Prior to joining McCarthy Tétrault, Mr. Lin practiced in New York with Cooley LLP and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP.

 

Mr. Lin received his LLM in Taxation from New York University in 2018 and his Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia in 2015. He was called to the New York bar in 2016, the Ontario bar in 2017 and the British Columbia bar in 2024. Mr. Lin clerked at the Tax Court of Canada between 2016 and 2017 and previously worked as a Certified Public Accountant at Ernst & Young.

 

 

 

Lily Lin
Senior Private Banker
Scotia Wealth Management

 

Lily is a seasoned Private Banker with over 10 years of experience in the financial industry, including retail banking and commercial banking. With a strong lending background and commitment to personalized client service, Lily has built a reputation for excellence in helping high-net-worth individuals and families achieve their financial goals.

 

Driven by a passion for delivering high-quality quality exceptional service, Lily takes a proactive approach to understanding customer’s financial priorities and crafts customized wealth lending solutions that optimize growth and tax efficiency.

 

Lily is known for her ability to cultivate long-lasting relationships built on trust, integrity, and discretion. With a deep understanding of the complexities of lending structure and wealth management experience, Lily is committed to staying abreast of industry trends, market developments, and changes to ensure clients receive the most relevant and timely advice.

 

 

 

Celinka Zhou
Founder and CEO
SunnyWay Capital Group
Co-Founder, Board Director, Strategic Financial Advisor
Melius Microbiomics Inc.
Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor
Wide Naturals Inc.

 

Celinka Zhou’s professional journey is indeed remarkable and diverse. With a solid foundation in hospitality management from prestigious institutions like Washington University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, she has honed her skills in customer service, operations, and leadership. Her additional education in Internet Finance and Private Equity Investment and Finance from esteemed universities in China speaks to her commitment to staying abreast of industry trends and expanding her expertise beyond traditional boundaries.

 

Her entrepreneurial drive shines through in the establishment of Sunnyway Capital Canada Corp., where she leverages her international background and network to facilitate connections between Asian investors and North American startups. This venture not only showcases her business acumen but also her dedication to fostering cross-border collaborations and supporting the growth of start-ups in Canada. Ms. Zhou’s active participation in advisory boards and professional associations underscores her commitment to giving back to her community.

 

By sharing her insights and expertise, she not only contributes to shaping the business landscape but also mentors the next generation of leaders, ensuring a legacy of excellence and innovation. In summary, Ms. Zhou’s diverse background, international education, and entrepreneurial spirit position her as a formidable figure in the business world, bridging continents and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration on a global scale.

 

 

 

George Zhang
Portfolio Manager
Scotia Wealth Management

 

George manages family and business financial planning at Scotia McLeod, and he has held roles with multiple large Canadian banks. Skilled in data analysis, George can assist with designing an asset allocation plan based on client’s unique situation.

 

George was born in Tianjin, China. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Simon Fraser University, as well as a Master’s Degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder. George lives with his wife in Yaletown. In his spare time, he enjoys working out as well as golf.

Canada China Business Council (CCBC)