Celebrating Asian Heritage and Looking to Future

As part of this year’s Asian Heritage Month celebrations, the East Asian Internal Support Network is celebrating culture and encouraging members of East Asian communities to join the Toronto Police Service.

“The aim is to reach out to members of our community, get them to come out and let them know about the many opportunities we offer,” said Sergeant Stephen Yung who is the Chair of the Service’s East Asian Internal Support Network (EA-ISN).

The recruiting seminar is being held at the Toronto Police College (70 Birmingham St.) on May 25 from 12 to 4 p.m. in partnership with the East and South Asian ISNs, Talent Acquisition and Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit.

People interested in joining the Information Session can register online here.

There are nearly 300 East Asian TPS members working as police officers, Special Constables, Communications Operators and many other civilian positions.

Established in 2008, the EA-ISN comprises over 200 police officers and civilian professionals.

Members with similar backgrounds provide mentoring, guidance and support to each other and create networking, knowledge-sharing and skills development opportunities to help members develop personally and professionally.

Celebrated in May, Asian Heritage Month is a time to recognize and acknowledge the contributions of people of Asian origin to Canadian society.

“This is a time to celebrate our culture and our traditions, ensuring it all gets passed down to the next generation,” said Awards Co-Ordinator Elaine Wong.

41 Division Detective David Huang is proud of his heritage.

“It is an opportunity to celebrate my Chinese heritage and acknowledge the many sacrifices and contributions the Asian community have made in Canada,” he said.

Constable Timothy Chiu, of 53 Division, said his identity as an Asian Canadian is extremely meaningful.

“My culture and my heritage have taught me so much about resilience, the importance of family and most importantly about respect,” he said.

For the last nine years, the EA-ISN has held a golf tournament.

In 2024, the tournament raised funds for the Mon Sheong Foundation, the Canadian Chinese Youth Athletic Association and 31 and 41 Divisions Student Leadership Bursary Awards program.

Staff Sergeant Danny Lee and Constable Ryan Yuen co-chair the EA-ISN, Elaine Wong is the Executive Secretary and Inspectors Ryan Forde and Rob Choe act as senior advisors.