Rachel Yin, MBA
Managing Director-Asia Pacific
Rachel Yin is the co-founder of Asia Smart Link and leads the Asia Pacific Unit connecting Canadian technology companies and investors with the emerging Asia market.
Rachel has more than 15 years experiences in international investment and trade. In the last 10 years at Calgary Economic Development, Rachel assisted numerous international companies from Asia, Europe and North America established in Calgary, and attracted substantial amount of investment into the region. In addition, Rachel provided strategical/tactical advices and facilitated efficient connections for Canadian companies to access to the overseas market.
Rachel lived, studied and worked in China before relocating to Canada more than 16 years ago. Her in-depth knowledge and experience in Asia empowered her to develop and execute the “China Strategy” for Calgary Economic Development. Rachel has planned and implemented 3 successful investment & trade missions from Canada to China, which included high level government official meetings, business matching, and investment symposia.
Rachel holds an MBA in finance from University of Calgary, a BA from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, China. She is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Manford Kwan, P. Eng
Managing Director, North America
Manford is the co-founder of Asia Smart Link and leads the North America Unit connecting Canadian technology companies and investors with the emerging Asia market.
Manford Kwan is an electrical engineer with over 30 years experience in the modernization and digital transformation of the electrical power grid, also know as the “Smart Grid Initiative”.
Manford held various senior executive positions with Fortune 500 companies such as Alstom Grid and General Electric. As a technology entrepreneur, Manford was the founder and CEO of a Calgary product company focusing on developing and deploying leading edge technologies for electric utilities globally. In 2012, the company had a successful exit and was acquired by Alstom Grid/General Electric.
Since 2016, Manford is volunteering and participating in the Alberta Innovation Ecosystem to support the growth of Technology companies. Involvement with organizations such as Calgary Technology Inc, Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta (VMSA), the A100 as well as President of the Hong Kong Canada Business Association (HKCBA). Manford provides mentoring to CEO of technology companies and specializes in growth and expansion to international market.