Speakers

Mayor Simon Yu has been a dedicated member of the Prince George community for nearly 50 years, contributing significantly to its growth and development. Elected as the city’s first Chinese Mayor in 2022, he is currently in his second year of a successful first term.

Mayor Yu brings a unique combination of professional expertise and community leadership to his role. As a professional engineer with extensive experience in the Northern British Columbia region, he operated a thriving consulting engineering business prior to entering public service. He has also shared his knowledge by teaching engineering at the College of New Caledonia, inspiring the next generation of professionals.

His contributions both locally and internationally were recently recognized with the Senator Victor Oh Legacy Award. An honour bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to their field and left a lasting impact on Canada and its future generations. This award celebrates Mayor Yu’s lifetime achievements, tireless commitment, and selfless pursuit of the betterment of society. Mayor Yu’s commitment to Prince George extends beyond his professional career. He has served as a Director for both the University of Northern British Columbia and the Prince George Airport Authority, as well as a founding committee member of the Woodwords Initiative, which focuses on community revitalization and innovation.

Under his leadership, Mayor Yu has prioritized public safety, addressing homelessness, and establishing a forward-looking vision for the sustainable growth of Prince George. His collaborative approach and passion for fostering economic development and livability in the city have been central to his work.

As a trailblazer and advocate for inclusive growth, Mayor Yu is honored to represent Prince George on the global stage, sharing insights and strategies for building smart, resilient cities.