Wednesday, May 07, 2025
Asian and South Asian Heritage Month occurs yearly in May to honour the contributions of the Asian and South Asian community in Canada, and its members who have been instrumental in creating a more inclusive and dynamic country. From science and business to the arts, education and public service, Asian Canadians continue to shape our national identity and strengthen our collective future.
AMAPCEO Vice-President and Equity Committee Chair Cynthia Watt recently caught up with AMAPCEO Asian Caucus Chair Jamie Ngo to discuss upcoming caucus events, and the importance of Asian & South Asian Heritage Month and member participation in the Asian Caucus.
Jamie Ngo is a Senior Policy Advisor providing advice to the government of Ontario on its real estate portfolio. Earlier in his career, Jamie worked with an International Student Program to ensure institutions met standards for enrolling international students. His prior work experience shaped his commitment to supporting diverse communities, as well as his focus on advancing equity and inclusion. Jamie currently serves as the Chair of AMAPCEO’s Asian Caucus, with previous terms served as the Vice-Chair of the Asian, Arab and Latinx Caucus. In 2024, the Asian, Arab and Latinx Caucus developed into three separate caucuses: Asian Caucus, Arab Caucus and Latinx Caucus.
Cynthia Watt: What message would you like to share with AMAPCEO members about the importance of Asian Heritage Month?
Jamie Ngo: As Asians, many of us tend to be more reserved. This is why Asian and South Asian Heritage Month is a great time to step out of our comfort zones, by celebrating and recognizing it together. It’s a chance to share our cultures, stories and experiences, and to learn from one another.
Having a dedicated month to celebrate the culture and history of Asian communities provides an opportunity for caucus members and AMAPCEO members to celebrate, connect and build stronger connections with each other.
CW: What can you tell us about the event planned this month for Asian & South Asian Heritage Month? What are you looking forward to?
JN: The event we are planning for the latter half of May to celebrate Asian Heritage Month will most likely be a lunch gathering. There’s also some interest for it to be an after-work event, so we’re exploring that option as well. We’re hoping to collaborate with the East Asian Network Group (EANG) and the South Asian Network (SAN) to make this a bigger celebration. I know it can be hard to reach everyone but we’re working with District Delegates to help spread the events around.
I’m really looking forward to creating a space where we can come together, share stories and culture, and just connect. These events are always a great way to build community in a relaxed and meaningful way, and I want to thank everyone involved for supporting the planning and being a part of it!
I encourage Caucus members to keep their eyes out for an event listing soon!
CW: Can you tell us about other Asian Caucus events coming up in 2025?
JN: In addition to our Asian Heritage Month event, we are planning a hybrid anti-racism discussion in July, potentially in collaboration with other caucuses to keep important conversations going.
In the fall, we are hoping to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival sometime in October with EANG, including performances, speakers, and food. And to close out the year, we will host a general members’ event in November or December to promote the Asian Caucus, connect with new members, and celebrate together. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at these events!
CW: Can you provide some insight into why it was important for you to continue to be actively involved with the Asian Caucus, either in a leadership or non-leadership role?
JN: It is important for me to stay actively involved with the Asian Caucus because representation is a powerful tool in shaping how we see ourselves and how others see us. Growing up, I did not see many Asian role models in Western media, and when I did, they were often limited to stereotypical roles like kung fu fighters.
But figures like Jonny Kim, who is not only a Navy SEAL and a doctor but also a NASA astronaut heading to space, are truly breaking new ground. He shows that Asians can excel in any field, from science and medicine to space exploration. And athletes like Shohei Ohtani and Steven Kwan are also paving the way in baseball, proving that we are not limited by stereotypes.
Staying active in the Asian Caucus allows me to contribute to creating a space where stories like these are celebrated and where we can help shift the narrative to one that is more inclusive and empowering for all of us.
CW: Finally, what advice do you have for members who may be interested in joining or returning to the Asian Caucus?
JN: If you’re thinking about joining or returning to the Asian Caucus, my advice is to jump in and start networking! It’s a great chance to connect with others, get involved in events, and make an impact. Don’t hesitate to attend an event, share your ideas, or reach out. The more we collaborate, the stronger our voice becomes, and the more we help in create an inclusive community.