By 
MARKHAM, ON — The Canada Confederation of Shenzhen Associations (CCSA) held its 10th-anniversary celebration, charity gala, and trade forum recently at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites. The event drew more than 1,000 guests, including government officials, business leaders, community representatives, and arts and philanthropic figures from across Canada and abroad.
The day-long celebration kicked off in the afternoon with the “Global Innovations – Smart Futures” Trade Forum, where economists and industry experts gathered to discuss key global trends, including artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, cross-border e-commerce, and regional trade opportunities. The forum was paired with a business exhibition featuring tech and consumer innovations from nearly 20 companies.
As evening set in, the celebration transitioned into the “Maple Prime Decade, Together With Love” Gala – opened by dynamic drone displays, robotic dance performances, and futuristic visual presentations reflecting Shenzhen’s renown as a tech and innovation hub.
In her opening address, CCSA Chair Qi Jia reflected on the organization’s evolution since its founding in September 2016. Over the past decade, CCSA has grown from a regional fellowship group into an overarching community platform encompassing seven subsidiary associations, two centers, and multiple signature annual events serving thousands of members. Looking forward, Qi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to serving the local community and promoting deeper economic, cultural, and educational exchanges.
The milestone anniversary received widespread recognition from political leaders in both Canada and China. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Rechie Valdez were among the Canadian dignitaries who sent official congratulatory letters. Prominent guests attending the gala in person included Luo Weidong, Consul General of China in Toronto; Deputy Consul General Cheng Hongbo; former Senator Victor Oh, serving as Honorary Chair; as well as provincial legislators and municipal leaders from across the Greater Toronto Area.
Philanthropy remained a core focus of the evening. CCSA hosted a charitable donation ceremony during the gala, directing funds to the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care and Hill House Hospice in Richmond Hill to support senior care and palliative services in the region.
The celebration also featured the inauguration of CCSA’s 3rd Board of Directors and the official unveiling of the Canadian Chinese Association Union (CCAU), a new coalition established by over 100 Chinese community organizations across Canada to foster cross-regional collaboration.
Hosted by Canadian broadcaster and goodwill ambassador Mark Henry Rowswell (Dashan), the gala featured performances by professional artists from Shenzhen alongside local Canadian performers, including magic acts, traditional Chinese music, and contemporary dance. Renowned pianist Lang Lang sent a video message and presented an exclusive musical piece titled Deep Love for the occasion. The festivities concluded with guests, board members, and performers joining on stage for a rendition of The Same Song.
