2021 DCLA Recipients: Belinda and Brandt C. Louie

Among British Columbia’s most celebrated entrepreneurs and gracious philanthropists, Brandt C. Louie and Belinda Louie have dedicated their lives to advancing education, health and wellness, medical research, and the arts. Leading with exemplary vision and values, they are committed to improving the well-being of communities here and around the world, and generously support a variety of organizations with their time, expertise and philanthropic leadership.

SFU is honoured to recognize Belinda and Brandt’s exceptional dedication with the 2021 President’s Distinguished Community Leadership Award.

The Louies thrive by creating opportunities for people to flourish, and as Chairman and CEO of H.Y. Louie Co. Limited, Brandt oversees one of British Columbia’s largest private companies with 10,000 employees and trusted retail brands such as London Drugs and IGA and Fresh Street Market. Belinda, the first woman to lead the corporate credit and finance department of Citibank in Singapore, is his special advisor in business and steadfast partner in life.

In all that they do, the Louies remain faithful to the values of fairness, loyalty, hard work, integrity and service that were cherished by Brandt’s father and grandfather. This wisdom together with acute financial and entrepreneurial insight, inspire Brandt’s careful stewardship of a family business legacy spanning four generations, and now in its 118^th year.

Both Brandt and Belinda have volunteered extensively, actively participating with numerous organizations including the Vancouver Board of Trade, B.C. Business Council, YMCA of Greater Vancouver, the Historical Foundation of Canada, Food Marketing Institute, the Canadian Judicial Council, and World Economic Forum, among others.

They are also passionate about lifelong learning. Brandt has served on advisory boards to two of the most prominent educational institutions in the world: the Duke University Medical Centre and Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Belinda is also active in the community, particularly at Duke University, where she serves on the Fuqua/Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics, whose central focus is the importance of character in creating sustainable and positive outcomes. Their kindness and generosity have also greatly strengthened the SFU community. As chancellor for six years and chair of SFU’s board of governors for four years, Brandt provided wise counsel and leadership to the institution. They support a number of initiatives, including the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue and entrance awards for students in financial need. Brandt also chaired SFU’s Reaching New Heights fundraising campaign to help inspire investment to transform lives through education. 

Proud Canadians who champion diversity, they enjoy international reputations as ethical, creative and compassionate leaders. Brandt’s many honours include both the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, the Donat Insignia Medal of St John of Jerusalem, Order of British Columbia and the Rix Award for Engaged Community Citizenship. In recognition of his achievements in business, he has been given numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs. Brandt has received two Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees, one from UBC and another from SFU.  He has also received a Fellowship from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of B. C. as well as their Lifetime Achievement Award.

SFU is privileged to shine a light on Belinda and Brandt Louie and their extraordinary commitment to build a better world.