Globally acknowledged for his strong advocacy of multiculturalism and racial harmony, Richmond councilor, Dr.  Chak Kwong Au is a worthy recipient of UCW’s 2016 honorary professorship.

A former associate professor of social work at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the holder of three degrees from the University, Dr. Au is dedicated to modeling intercultural sensitivity.

A role model for new immigrants and the community at large, Dr. Au caught UCW’s attention not only because of the international accolades he has earned, but also his grassroots contributions.

In addition to being a municipal politician and a former Richmond School District trustee who was twice appointed vice-chairperson, Dr. Au is a trained family therapist.  He has served as the program leader of the Mental Health Promotion and Counseling Team of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority in Richmond.

Dr. Au is a dedicated volunteer and fierce advocate for intercultural harmony and integration. He has contributed thousands of volunteer hours to conducting free community workshops on parenting, mental health, diversity awareness, public education, civil participation and climate change.

Dr. Au has assisted and co-founded a number of local organizations. They include the Chinese Mental Wellness Association of Canada, Richmond GreenSpace Society, Interfaith for World Peace Society and the Canada International Education Assistance Foundation.

He has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee, Richmond Child Care Advisory Committee, Richmond Sister City Committee, Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society, and Richmond Poverty Response Task Force.

Dr. Au is Canada’s chief representative at the International Eco-Safety Cooperative Organization, which is affiliated with the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ESOSOC). He is also the deputy secretary-general of the Asia-Pacific Region within the UN’s Initiatives and Training for Youth (UNITY) program.

In 2006, Dr. Au was recognized by The Vancouver Sun as one of The Hundred Most Influential Chinese Canadians in BC. In 2007 he received the Stand Up and Stand Out for Children and Youth British Columbia award. The Governor General of Canada presented Dr. Au with a QEII Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. And in 2014, the federal government awarded an organization that he co-founded, the Interfaith for World Peace Society, the Community Champion Special Award.