William G.
Saywell - Vancouver
Throughout
his distinguished career, William Saywell has tirelessly promoted
British Columbia both at an educational level and on an international
scale.
Raised in Lake
Cowichan, William Saywell completed his doctorate at the University
of Toronto, majoring in 20th Century Chinese affairs.
He has lived
and travelled throughout East Asia including a one-year posting
as First Secretary of the Canadian Embassy in Beijing. He has written
and lectured extensively on such topics as Chinese history and current
Chinese political, economic, foreign and military affairs.
Upon his return
to the University of Toronto, he held a number of senior administrative
posts including Vice-Provost and Chair of the Department of Asian
Studies.
In 1983 he was
offered the presidency of Simon Fraser University, serving two highly
successful five-year terms. Under his leadership, the university
grew by 40 per cent and he headed a $65-million fundraising drive.
In 1993, William
Saywell was named president and chief executive officer of the Asia
Pacific Foundation, an independent organization which orients Canadian
businesses to opportunities in the Pacific Rim. In addition he serves
on a number of boards including Westcoast Energy, and SPAR Aerospace
Ltd. He is currently chair of the Canadian National Committee of
Pacific Economic Cooperation.
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