Celebrating Asian Heritage Month, the Saint John Newcomers Centre highlights the invaluable contributions of Asian community partners, businesses, organizations, and dedicated volunteers who enrich the local tapestry. This initiative spotlights the inspiring stories, achievements, cultural heritage, and profound social impact of Asian individuals in Greater Saint John.
Suping is a passionate community leader and advocate for cultural heritage whose journey from mainland China to Saint John has been guided by a deep respect for history and a drive to build bridges between cultures. As president of the Greater Saint John Chinese Cultural Association, Suping has dedicated herself to honoring the legacy of those who came before, while empowering newcomers and youth to find their place and voice in the community. Through her leadership, Suping works to celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and create opportunities that help shape a more inclusive and connected Greater Saint John for everyone.
What does Asian Heritage Month mean to you, and why is it important?
Asian Heritage Month holds deep personal meaning for me. I come from mainland China, and this month is a time for me to reflect on my heritage and honor the experiences of those who came before me. I’ve learned that many Chinese immigrants came to Canada long ago, working under harsh and often dangerous conditions to help build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Despite their contributions, they faced significant discrimination and exclusion, including policies like the Chinese Head Tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act.
Knowing this history makes me even more grateful for the resilience and strength of those early communities. It also reminds me how important it is to recognize their sacrifices and to continue working toward equality and inclusion.
Asian Heritage Month is important because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate the richness of Asian cultures and the values that have shaped my identity. It also encourages important conversations about the ongoing fight against racism and the need to build a more inclusive society. For me, this month is not just about cultural pride — it’s about remembering the past, recognizing the present, and shaping a better future.
How has your experience as the president of the Greater Saint John Chinese Cultural Association Inc been so far? and what forward looking initiatives will you be implementing in the near future?
My experience as the president of the Greater Saint John Chinese Cultural Association has been both meaningful and rewarding. It’s been an honor to work with such a passionate community that cares deeply about sharing Chinese culture and supporting newcomers. I’ve learned a lot about leadership, teamwork, and the importance of building bridges between cultures.
So far, we’ve focused on organizing cultural events, offering support to new immigrants, and building strong connections with the broader Saint John community. It’s been great to see more people from different backgrounds joining our events and learning about Chinese traditions.
Looking ahead, we have several plans in motion. We want to give young people more chances to get involved, connect with their heritage, and grow into future leaders.
We’re also exploring ways to offer Mandarin classes and Chinese cultural workshops and lectures for everyone in the community, not just those with Chinese backgrounds.
Strengthening our partnerships with local schools, businesses, and other cultural groups is another priority, so we can keep promoting multiculturalism and inclusion.
We also aim to improve our support for newcomers by offering more resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Through these efforts, we hope to build a stronger, more connected, and inclusive community for everyone in Greater Saint John.
From your experience, what is the importance of diversity, and how has it contributed to multiculturalism in the community?
Diversity has changed the way I see the world. Meeting people from different backgrounds showed me that there isn’t just one way to look at things. What I once thought was “normal” turned out to be just my own perspective. Learning about other cultures made me realize I had some hidden biases. Now, I try to keep an open mind and avoid judging people too quickly. Hearing the stories of those who have faced challenges like racism or moving to a new country has made me more empathetic. I feel a stronger urge to support others and stand with them through their struggles.
In the end, diversity has shown me that we grow the most when we learn from people who are different from us—not just when we accept them, but when we really try to understand them. It’s a lifelong journey, but it makes life more meaningful and helps us become better people.
What challenges or opportunities do Chinese professionals experience, and how has this shaped their approach to work?
Chinese professionals in Canada often face unique challenges. Even with strong English or French skills, misunderstandings can happen at work because of different communication styles. Many find it tough to have their education and work experience recognized, especially if they moved to Canada later in life. This can make it harder to find jobs that match their skills, and sometimes extra training is needed. Adapting to Canadian work culture can also be a hurdle. Ideas about leadership, teamwork, and work-life balance may feel unfamiliar and confusing at first. Some encounter discrimination or hidden biases, which can make it harder to advance or feel truly included at work.
At the same time, there are many opportunities. Canada’s multicultural environment welcomes people from all backgrounds. Chinese professionals often bring valuable international experience, speak multiple languages, and understand different cultures—skills that are in demand in Canada’s global economy. Many have strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and math, which opens doors in high-demand fields. Some use their knowledge of both Chinese and Canadian cultures to start their own businesses or work across global markets.
These experiences shape how they approach work. Facing challenges helps them grow stronger and more adaptable. Many work hard to prove themselves and succeed in a new country. Over time, they become skilled at working with people from many backgrounds and thrive in diverse environments.
What is your advice to young Asian professionals looking to make an impact on the community?
My advice to young Asian professionals who want to make a difference in their Canadian community is this: be proud of where you come from and speak up. Your culture and background are not things to hide—they’re strengths that bring fresh ideas and can help build stronger, more inclusive communities.
First, get involved. Try volunteering, joining local groups, or going to community events. This helps you meet people, learn what your community needs, and find ways you can help.
Second, don’t be shy about sharing your ideas or stepping up. In some cultures, being modest is seen as a good thing, but in Canada, showing leadership and confidence is important too. Speak up—your voice matters.
Third, connect with people from different backgrounds. Help build understanding between cultures. This brings people closer together and supports a more united and diverse society.
Finally, find mentors and be a mentor when you can. Learning from others who’ve been through similar experiences is helpful. And later, you can support others on their journey too.
Making a difference doesn’t always mean doing big things. Just being present, staying true to who you are, and being willing to lead in small ways can have a big impact. Canada’s strength is its diversity, and young Asian professionals are an important part of that.
Thank you, Suping, for all that you do and for granting us this interview for our 2025 Community Champion Spotlight Series.
Written by Amaka Otoh, volunteer contributor at the Saint John Newcomer Centre.
