The Story of Kai Liang
Kai Liang is an extremely professional, yet grounded individual who approaches every aspect of her life with optimism and lightheartedness. Kai was born in China and immigrated to Vancouver with her brother when they were in elementary school. Like many immigrant families, her parents made the life-altering decision to start over in Canada in search of greater opportunities for their children- especially in terms of education.
Even though the immigration experience shaped her resilience, Kai claims it wasn’t the move itself that steered her towards her career. Instead, it was her father’s story - a man who began his career in China as a construction worker, earning just 1.28 yuan a day (i.e., $0.25 cents). He built the very home Kai spent her childhood in, brick by brick, which inspired Kai in the greater message that this sent: creating something tangible and lasting.
“I wouldn’t say immigration directly shaped my career,” Kai reflects. “But my dad’s values - his grit, his craftsmanship, his pride in what he built - absolutely did.”
“If you can afford it, choose the job that teaches you the most, not the one that pays the most. Your 20s and 30s are about investing in yourself. That’s what builds a strong foundation.”
Today, Kai works in the public sector, leading healthcare infrastructure projects that serve communities across B.C. She brings that same pride and purpose to her work in construction. Navigating a historically white, male-dominated industry with poise and class couldn’t have been easy. She says there were times during her early commercial construction days, where well-meaning colleagues would say things like “You’re Chinese so you must be good at math”. Kai chuckles thinking about those moments claiming the stereotype never fit her, she says “Math was probably one of my worst subjects in university”.
Kai believes intent matters in conversation, and during these moments tries to deal with them with understanding. She says “I try to approach those situations with grace. Misguided humor doesn’t mean maliciousness. But we shouldn’t ignore it either - it’s about creating space to educate, not internalize.”
Kai shares her unique insights about the difference between working in Canada and in China. While she has never worked in China before, she says she hears about the demanding work culture there from friends and family. Back in China, people work long hours, have limited time off, and holidays often come with the expectation of “payback” days. In contrast, she values the emphasis of work-life balance that B.C. provides, including labour protection like weekends and statutory holidays.
Despite some of the challenges faced, Kai sees her immigrant background as an asset. She says “being bilingual and bicultural has helped me connect with more people and understand more perspectives. It’s been a strength in my work, not a limitation.”
Kai has looked up to her mentor - Eleanor Lee, a fellow Asian-Canadian and former Chief Project Officer at BC Cancer Redevelopments. Kai says, “Eleanor had this incredible ability to communicate clearly and sincerely. She wasn’t performative. She built a team culture that was both supportive and purpose-driven.” That mix of empathy and leadership is something Kai tries to embody in her own role. “Our projects directly impact patients and healthcare professionals. Knowing that gives what I do meaning.”
Interestingly, construction wasn’t always Kai’s first choice of a career. Her father always encouraged her to pursue architecture or interior design, but she chose to study Philosophy and Economics instead, determined to create a path on her own. Still, she eventually found her way back. “Life has a funny way of coming full circle,” she says. “I’m really glad I ended up here.”
Kai gives us a little insight about the lack of diversity at leadership levels in the construction industry. While the public sector in healthcare shows increasing Asian Canadian representation, commercial construction continues to be dominated by those of similar backgrounds. She says, “There’s a culture of hiring people who share your cultural reference points - those informal bonds can impact who gets promoted or trusted with bigger roles.”
Nevertheless, Kai is optimistic, she says “There’s more awareness now. Companies are starting to value different perspectives. If you bring strong skills and the ability to navigate across cultures, there’s opportunity.”
Kai ends the interview with some words of wisdom. She says for a young professional from immigrant or minority backgrounds she says “If you can afford it, choose the job that teaches you the most - not the one that pays the most. Your 20s and 30s are about investing in yourself. That’s what builds a strong foundation.”
Kai Liang’s story isn’t about overnight success or hardship turned into headlines. It’s about the slow, steady shaping of a career - and a life - defined by intention, resilience, and quiet leadership. She’s not trying to be the loudest voice in the room, but she’s one of the most thoughtful.
And as the hospitals and healthcare centers she helps design begin to serve new generations, it’s clear Kai is doing more than building buildings. She’s building bridges - between cultures, communities, and careers.
This video captures the spirit of “Moving Beyond Borders,” a powerful celebration of Asian Canadian voices, resilience, and community through storytelling, dialogue, and culture.
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