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Initiatives & Ideas Implemented for  Community Projects

Ottawa, Ontario 2003-

Founders of Ottawa Asian Heritage Month

Founders of Ottawa Asian Heritage Month

Dr. Alek Choo, Mr. Sjarif Ismail and Ms. Monica Wu

Canadian Museum of Civilization 2012

Canadian Museum of Civilization 2012

Three months prior to the 10th Gala Concert, Monica's car was hit by a senseless driver. She continued to work and contacted her performers from Toronto and Montreal while she was taking care of her husband at the hospital and she was on crutches. Gala Concert was one of many events that she was responsible throughout the month of May. Interestingly, she was often asked where her office was; her dedication led them to believe that she was holding a paid employment.

Library & Archives Canada (LAC) 2006

Library & Archives Canada (LAC) 2006

To celebrate Asian Canadian women's contributions to Canada, Library & Archives Canada presents an exhibition of photos and portraits entitled " Asian Women: Many Lives, Many Stories- A Tribute to Asian Canadian Women". More details can be found under Film Screening: Obachan's Garden on Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society website 2006.

Personal Journey,LAC, 2009

Personal Journey,LAC, 2009

By sharing our immigrant stories with our fellow Canadians, we can unlock stereotypes and open mutual understandings and respect. After all, we have a lot of similarities than differences, and If we don't share these stories, how can we appreciate each other in a deeper level.

Science Discussion ,Canadian Museum Nature 2011

Science Discussion ,Canadian Museum Nature 2011

A panel discussion by three renowned scientists on Health Benefits of Rice, Barley, Oats and Flax, in partnership with the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Designed Logo

Designed Logo

The final logo was selected after Monica made numerous sketches and consulted Asian Heritage Month enthusiasts. Monica also created the first Society's website and was its Webmaster until Daniel became its webmaster in 2014.

Indonesian Embassy 2005

Indonesian Embassy 2005

Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society's Open House would not have been possible, if we did not have the generosity of the Indonesian embassy's assistance. The embassy and Indonesian Canadian Congress provided abundant food, exquisite decors, marvelous performances and elegant venue at the embassy. About 200 to 300 dignitaries, community leaders, MPs attended, including our Honorary Patron Senator Dr. Vivienne Poy and wonderful Dr. Neville Poy. Also, many thanks to Ms.Ninik Asmo for her assistance.

Speaking to ambassadors 2005

Speaking to ambassadors 2005

With the assistance of Senator Vivienne Poy and her office, Executives of the Ottawa Asian Heritage Month Society was introduced to the Asian Ambassadors who were invited to participate in Asian Heritage Month celebrations in May. With the changing diplomatic corp every three years, it takes a lot of communication skill and dedication to perpetuate harmonious relationship with changing diplomats in the last 16 years.

Ikebena Flower Arrangement 2009

Ikebena Flower Arrangement 2009

Monica met Yumiko Tsunakawa at her museum-like Japanese boutique located across American embassy in 2007. Monica invited her to demonstrate Ikebana flower arrangement for many years. Yumiko is a prominent artist and certified Ikebana teacher. She has been invited to create Ikebana flower arrangements for many embassies

2011 Dance Workshop

2011 Dance Workshop

Day following the Gala Concert at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Monica organized another event, the Dance Workshop, at Carleton University.Both instructors Dr.Harri Krishman and Mr. Eko Nurkahy performed in the Gala Concert. Dance students wished the dance workshop would become an annual project.

Gala Concert poster 2006

Gala Concert poster 2006

Being the Artistic Director of the annual Gala Concert, Monica was not only responsible for signing contract with the Canadian Museum of Civilization and her performers, she also oversaw myriad of tasks, such as designing poster/program brochure, searching for MC, purchasing refreshments for performers, posting posters at different locations for promotion, delivering tickets etc.; Gala Concert was one of 30 to 45 events that Monica had to organize/coordinate in May, without pay.

Real Canadian Superstore 2005-

Real Canadian Superstore 2005-

In partnership with the Real Canadian Superstore, Asian Cooking Demonstrations in May has become an institution to be held at the Westboro branch. Marvelous Chef Thuy Nguyen led a cooking team for many years and delighted her audience in every class.

Asian Film Festival

Asian Film Festival

Gallipoli, a Turkish documentary, one of the four films presented at the First Asian Film Festival at Ben Franklin Chamber, Centerpointe in 2015 One Board of Director objected the idea of showing foreign films. Monica believes international films will enhance our cross cultural understandings.

Tulip Festival 2005

Tulip Festival 2005

Pan-Asian communities representing the Ottawa Asia Heritage Month Society participated in the Tulip Festival 2005.

Tulip Festival 2005

Tulip Festival 2005

Monica approached the Japanese Pavilion, a major participant at Tulip Festival, and brought some Chinese performers to the Tulip Festival in 2004. Thanks to Melisa Kami, OAHMS Director, for bringing OAHMS pan- Asian communities to the Tulip Festival in 2005.

Canadian Children Museum 2003

Canadian Children Museum 2003

Monica introduced and brought Chinese New Year to the Canadian Children Museum before it was ever done at the Museum.The initiative would not have been possible, if it had not had the assistance of Mr.Frank Ling who connected Monica with the Canadian Museum of Civilization office.

Charlottetown Prince Edward Island, 1980-1993 

Anchor 1
Best Artistic Booth

Best Artistic Booth

Using her creative skills and limited resources, Monica used bristle boards, fabrics and decors to hide the wooden sticks which support the booth.

First Chinese Painting Workshop

First Chinese Painting Workshop

Initiated and organized the first Chinese painting workshop on the Island.

Outstanding Achievemnet award PEI float

Outstanding Achievemnet award PEI float

Thanks all volunteers helping me to make my float design become a reality.

Monica Designed the Sculpture for the PE

Monica Designed the Sculpture for the PE

Designed metal sculpture for the winning float.

Monica dance Confederation of Arts 1991

Monica dance Confederation of Arts 1991

Monica and students particiapate Fall He

Monica and students particiapate Fall He

1990 Tammy Hicky ballet folk dance only

1990 Tammy Hicky ballet folk dance only

pose with her three dancers 1992

pose with her three dancers 1992

Designed Award Winning Float for PEI Mul

Designed Award Winning Float for PEI Mul

As a graphic designer, Monica used her skills and volunteered her time to create two award winning floats for PEI Multicultural Council at the Gold Cup Saucer parade which is the most popular event on the Island. CBC broadcast it live on the Island. One major event allows PEI Multicultural council to promote cross-cultural understandings.

Acrylic Abstract Flower

Acrylic Abstract Flower

PEI Chinese Canadian Association

PEI Chinese Canadian Association

Logo for the first Chinese Canadian Association in PEI

Guelph, Ontario 1977

Folkd dance kids Multicultural Day in G

Montreal, Quebec 1973

Montreal Expo Dance Monica.JPG
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