MPP Daisy Wai Awards the King Charles III Coronation Medal to Local Recipients
June 13, 2025
June 12, 2025
RICHMOND HILL – Daisy Wai, MPP for Richmond Hill, was honoured to present the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal to five outstanding Richmond Hill residents at a Thursday ceremony at the City of Richmond Hill Municipal Offices.
Alongside fellow recipients, MPP Daisy Wai and Ross Toms were also presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal by David West, Mayor of Richmond Hill, on behalf of the Premier of Ontario.
“Congratulations to each of the outstanding individuals on being awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in Richmond Hill,” said MPP Daisy Wai. “This tremendous honour is a testament to each recipient’s lifelong commitment to making our community and our country a wonderful place to live. I am thankful for the opportunity to celebrate their leadership, civic service, and generosity which has made a real difference across Richmond Hill and beyond.”
The King Charles III Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada and is awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions within their communities.
Chungsen (C.S.) Leung has made substantial contributions as an entrepreneur, community leader, and former federal parliamentarian. He founded several businesses, including the Founding President for Richmond Hill Markham Chinese Business Association. He served as Member of Parliament for Willowdale during the 41st Parliament. C.S. also served as Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and on committees for Immigration, Citizenship, Multiculturalism, and National Defense. An accomplished bagpiper, C.S.’s diverse accomplishments reflect his dedication to both Canada and the global community.
Daisy Wai was elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Richmond Hill in 2018 and has been serving the community for over 25 years. In addition to being a local business owner, Daisy has sat on various boards including York Regional Police Services and Mackenzie Health. She was also Chair of the Board of Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chair of the Markham Board of Trade and Past President of the Markham Richmond Hill and Vaughan Chinese Business Association. Daisy had also served on the Board of the Light House, the Character Council of York Region and was
the Deacon of the Richmond Hill Christian Community Church, where she served as the Past Principal of the Children Sunday School, Caregiver for the Special Need Group and Cancer Support Group. Daisy is a recipient of the Civic Leadership Award from York Regional Police, Canada 150 – Women of Distinction Award from the City of Markham and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Memorial Medal as well as the Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Maryam Rashidian is the founder of the ICTC Youth Foundation, which focuses on the well-being and development of youth and their families. Her commitment has led to the creation of numerous programs that aid in community integration and future success. The foundation has initiated over 70 projects addressing youth well-being, skill development, cultural understanding, and leadership training. Maryam has directly impacted over 2,000 participants and their families, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering young people.
Michael Lai (Mr. Lai Ling Chiu) has dedicated his life to enhancing children’s art education and supporting the Chinese-Canadian community. He taught children’s art for 30 years before moving to Canada in 1992, where he founded art centers in Richmond Hill and Scarborough. In addition to his educational work, he founded and published Toronto Seasons and also established the Toronto Seasons Choir. As President of the Richmond Hill Senior Association, Michael promoted cultural and recreational activities for seniors, fostering a sense of community and well-being.
Mul Raj Sethi has been a prominent figure in the Richmond Hill community for over 30 years, particularly in supporting seniors within the South Asian community. In 1993, he founded the Markham Seniors Club, serving as president for 17 years, and in 2006, he established the York Region Indian Seniors Club in Richmond Hill, where he continues to serve as president. Under his leadership, the club has grown to over 140 members, providing a supportive environment for seniors. In 2023, the City of Richmond Hill honored Sethi by naming a room in the Bayview Hill Community Centre after him, recognizing his lasting impact on the community.
Ross Toms is a lifelong community leader and dedicated advocate for veterans, exemplifying the spirit of service and civic responsibility. After a 42-year career with Bell Canada, he joined the Royal Canadian Legion’s Richmond Hill Branch in 2010 where he serves as Branch Treasurer and Historian. Ross has been instrumental in securing critical grants for the Legion, expanding the military history library, and leading initiatives to honor veterans. Ross’s lifelong commitment to volunteerism also includes leadership roles with the YMCA youth group, Scouts Canada, minor sports teams, church youth programs, and as President of the Ottawa Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers. His contributions have consistently strengthened the fabric of every community he has served.
Stephen Yau is an internationally recognized artist, art competition juror, and fine art instructor, with artwork featured in 42 solo exhibitions and over 300 group exhibitions globally. Stephen began working with watercolors in 1977 and has since gained recognition as a master in this medium, teaching art in Richmond Hill since 1994. He is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including the
Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolours (CSPWS), International Watercolour Masters (IWM) in England, Mondial Art Academia (MAA) in France, and serves as an honorary director for the Dynasty Watercolour Association (DWA) in Toronto and Art to Fly in Hong Kong.
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