“You go home, you look at the sky, you marvel at the wonder of nature, and the insignificance of what you’re doing,” David C. Lam once said. Now, before us stands the David C Lam Building. It stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. But who was David C. Lam?
David C. Lam was no ordinary man. He was Canada’s first ethnic Chinese lieutenant-governor. He was a real-estate developer and a major philanthropist. He helped shape both the attitude and the skyline in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, David C. Lam lived through the horrors of World War II. He assisted in running his family’s coal business. He narrowly escaped death three times. These experiences shaped his outlook on life.
After immigrating to Canada, he excelled in real estate. He became president of Canadian International Properties. Lam never forgot his roots or the struggles he faced. He dedicated his life to helping others.
He founded the Floribunda Philanthropic Society and the David and Dorothy Lam Foundation. He donated generously to cultural projects. After retiring, he gave away a million dollars of his fortune every year.
Many institutions benefited from his generosity. These included the University of Victoria, Vancouver’s Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden, and Simon Fraser University’s David Lam Centre for International Communication. The University of British Columbia’s David Lam Management Research Centre and the David Lam Park also received his support.
Raised by a Baptist minister, Lam tried to bring a human touch to capitalism. He followed Confucianism. He believed in making money with love, not ruthlessness. He understood the difficulties faced by newcomers.
He made it his mission to help immigrants find refuge and opportunity in Canada. He would often greet new arrivals from Hong Kong at the airport. He offered advice and answered questions. He looked out for his fellow immigrants. He knew how hard it was to start over.
In a 1987 interview, Lam said, “One can easily legislate against discrimination, but no one can legislate love.” He deeply loved Canada. He believed in the power of education and the adaptability of the workforce.
The David C Lam Building is a physical reminder of his values. It symbolizes his commitment to education, community, and the betterment of society. It serves as a place of learning and growth. May it inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps. May it encourage them to make a positive impact on the world.