Last summer presented some exciting changes and new beginnings for ACAS. We selected the agency's new executive director, carefully chosen from a very impressive field of candidates and heartily approved by the ACAS board of directors. Keith Wong has proved to be a very competent ED for ACAS, and his achievements this last year deserve our congratulations. The new year brought us a number of brand new members to the Board of Directors. Although coming from diverse cultures and different professional and educational backgrounds, each and everyone nevertheless share the same commitment and dedication to the principles and goals as outlined in ACAS' mission statement. As well, I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the outgoing members of the Board who in the last few years have individually and collectively given of their time, talent and knowledge to ensure that ACAS fulfils its mandate of providing the best possible service to its clients and to the Toronto Asian communities at large.

It is a great honour and privilege for me to serve ACAS in my capacity as President of the Board of Directors. I am fully aware of the illustrious tradition of this position, most notably in the person of Dr. Alan Li, who has tirelessly acted and advocated on behalf of ACAS. It is my intention to uphold the good name of ACAS and be worthy of this position.

It is customary for the president of the Board to outline his goals and/or visions for the duration of his tenure. Despite my healthy respect for established convention I choose nevertheless to refrain from making grand pronouncements or formulating lofty ideas. This does not mean however that I have no fond hopes and dreams for ACAS.

I believe that the welfare and survival of ACAS does not rely on the visions and concepts of just one person. I recognize the very important role the board members as a collective play within the organization. It is therefore my hope to build a strong and cohesive board of directors for ACAS, which I hope to achieve by forging closer ties between each member. By recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, we as a group will be better prepared to make the right decisions for the general welfare of our agency and of the Asian people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

I try to develop a closer working relationship with the staff and volunteers at ACAS, and be more aware of the day to day process that keep the organization running. By becoming more aware of the daily needs and functions of the frontline volunteers and staff, and with the help and guidance of the Executive Director, I may be better equipped to make recommendations to the Board to ensure a positive and productive working environment for everyone here at ACAS.

With the help of the Board, the staff, the volunteers and friends of ACAS, it is my aim to establish stronger links with other related services and organizations within the larger gay communities and establish new alliances within the Asian communities in Toronto. By cultivating new ties and friendships we increase our chances of long-term survival, and the increase in profile will enable us to reach more people with our message. ACAS has for years been a shining model to which many AIDS service organizations aspire. It is my ultimate desire to see it become a model for compassion as well. Let us work together and finally bring the message home... that we provide the best possible care for our own.

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