Building a Shared Vision, Creating Shared Value: CESC 2026 Annual Business Gala Marks a Successful Conclusion

Posted by ReyFort Media

The Chinese Entrepreneurs Society of Canada (CESC) convened its 2026 Annual General Meeting and Business Networking Gala, themed “Building a Shared Vision · Creating Shared Value,” at Vancouver’s Westin Hotel, bringing together prominent leaders and innovators.
          The event featured a thematic forum in the afternoon, followed by an evening gala dinner. More than 300 entrepreneurs and community leaders attended. During the Lunar New Year, diplomatic representatives and distinguished guests from diverse backgrounds gathered to celebrate achievements, discuss future opportunities, and strengthen professional networks.

The gala opened with a powerful erhu performance of “Horse Racing” by renowned musician Bian Liunian. The spirited melody and energetic delivery energized the audience.
This opening captured the joyful Lunar New Year spirit of the Year of the Horse and symbolized innovation, vitality, and cross-sector integration, echoing the forum’s central themes.
These elements set the tone for an evening focused on connection and collaboration.

The dinner was honoured by the presence of numerous distinguished guests, reflecting its strong international perspective and community influence, including:

• Liang Yanmin – Commercial Counsellor, Chinese Consulate General in Vancouver
• Zhang Jinlong – Deputy Consul for Commercial and Technological Affairs, Chinese Consulate General in Vancouver
• Dr. Nicholas Kahwaji – Honorary Consul of Lebanon in Vancouver
• Andrej Krestan – Consular Officer, Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Vancouver
• Joyce Lau – Principal Consultant (Western Canada), Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Vancouver)
• Alex Martyniak – Executive Director, EU Chamber of Commerce in Canada (West)
• Hector Castillo, P. Eng. – President, Mexican Business Association of Canada
• Jon Ciobanu – Membership Director, BC Canadian Romanian Chamber of Commerce
• Helen Gardener – Director of Communications, 402G Group Ltd.
• Thomas Holden – Director of Operations, 402G Group Ltd.
• Micah Gardener – Assistant Director of Communications, 402G Group Ltd.
• Bhaskar De – CEO/President, Indo-Pacific Foundation of Canada
• Dr. Zeny Villamera – Board Director, Indo-Pacific Foundation of Canada
• Victor Villamera – Co-founder, Philippine Heritage Society
• Grace Quandahor – Women’s Leader, The Apostolic Church International, Vancouver
• Sianne Zhang – CEO of Whole Tea Ltd.
• Dr. John Bratty
• Mrs. Dominique Robeyns
• Rey Fortaleza – CEO/President, Reyfortaleza Media Group

From left: Grace Quandahor (Women’s Leader, The Apostolic Church International,Vancouver),Sianne Zhang (CEO of Whole Tea Ltd.),Dr. Zeny Villamera (Board Director, Indo-Pacific Foundation of Canada), Hector Castillo(P. Eng. – President, Mexican Business Association of Canada), David Tan (CEO/President of Sunnylife Health Ltd.),Victor Villamera( Co-founder, Philippine Heritage Society) and ReyFortaleza(CEO/President, Reyfortaleza Media Group

From left: Jon Ciobanu (Membership Director of the BC Canadian Romanian Chamber of Commerce), Ms. Helen(Director of Communications, 402G Group Ltd.), Hector Castillo (P.Eng. President, Mexican Business Association of Canada), Alex Martyniak (Executive Director of EU Chamber of Commerce in Canada) and Dr. Zeny Villamera (Indo-Pacific Foundation of Canada, Board of Directors)

Dr. Zeny concluded, “We achieve more when we come together – sharing ideas, supporting one another, and building connections that go beyond business.” As we move forward, the theme “Building Strategic Vision, Creating Shared Value” captures what makes this community special. Together, we’re sharing a future full of possibility – one built on trust, diversity and shared vision. 

From left: Dr. Zeny and Victor Villamera, David Tan, Rey Fortaleza, and Alex Martyniak