Dr. Wallace Bakfu Chung has made significant contributions to the citizens of British Columbia, as a surgeon, educator, cultural historian and benefactor. The first Chinese-Canadian surgeon to be appointed to the UBC Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital, Dr. Chung was instrumental in the establishment of vascular surgery as a specialty recognized by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He taught in UBC’s Department of Surgery for 30 years, and spent 15 years on the President’s Advisory Council for the University Library.

In 1999, Dr. Chung donated his expansive collection of priceless artefacts to the UBC Library. The collection contains more than 25,000 rare items depicting the province’s early history through the eyes of Chinese immigrants. An invaluable educational resource, the collection is considered to be a national treasure.

Dr. Chung was a member of the Canadian Multiculturalism Council, and helped to draft the Multiculturalism Act, which recognizes and promotes the diversity of all people in terms of race, cultural heritage and religion. He is a dedicated volunteer and philanthropist who has been involved with a variety of organizations, including the BC Heritage Trust, the Vancouver Chinese Cultural Centre, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens Society, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum.

Dr. Wallace Bakfu Chung has received the Honourary Alumnus Award from the UBC Alumni Association, and was named Honourary Patron of the Vancouver Maritime Museum. He received the Order of Canada in 2005.