An entrepreneur who got his start in Richmond has received recognition through the 2018 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Awards.

Hailing from Guangzhou, China, Kin Wah Leung landed in Vancouver in 1981. When they arrived, his family rented out a claustrophobic attic near Commercial Drive and Leung took a night job as a dishwasher in a wonton restaurant while he learned English by day.

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Six years later, Leung opened his own produce store – at Richmond’s Blundell Centre – and by 2017, there were 32 of the now well-known shop, Kin’s Farm Market, across B.C.

Leung says he always follows his grandmother’s advice to make his business successful: “Work hard on your career, build a great and bright future, be successful in business, and bring honour to the family and ancestors,” she would say.

The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award has recognized Canadian immigrants and their contributions to society for the past 10 years. This year, hundreds of nominations were received, with 75 finalists reviewed by a judging panel of previous winners.

“The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments and leadership of newcomers across Canada,” said Ivy Chiu, Senior Director, Newcomer Strategy at RBC.

“Now in its 10th year and with over 250 newcomers recognized, the awards highlight our country’s diversity, and the contributions and positive impact newcomers have been making in our communities. Congratulations to all winners and nominees.”

