Nestled at the northern end of UBC’s West Mall, surrounded by lush forest, stands the iconic C.K. Choi Building--a three-story red brick structure that houses UBC’s Institute of Asian Research (IAR). As Canada’s leading think tank for Indo-Pacific research, IAR has played a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, and academic engagement on contemporary issues related to the region. Over 45 years since its first establishment, IAR has grown into a hub that connects scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community members, enhancing Canada’s understanding and ties with the Indo-Pacific. IAR’s journey of growth and impact reflects not only the vision of the Institute but also UBC’s long-standing and evolving connections with the Indo-Pacific.
The C.K. Choi Building is the first green building on UBC campus. It bears the name of Mr. Cheung-kok Choi, a Hong Kong entrepreneur who generously funded its construction. Mr. Choi’s journey from a small store assistant in Hong Kong to a successful businessman in the aluminum industry embodies resilience and ambition. Born in Chaozhou, China, in 1912, he moved to Hong Kong as a teenager and eventually built his own enterprises. As his success grew, Mr. Choi focused on philanthropy, especially in education. Inspired by UBC’s reputation in Asia and grateful for the education his children received, he chose to support the university, helping establish a permanent home for the IAR.
UBC’s connection to the Indo-Pacific stretches back much further than the construction of the C.K. Choi Building. Since UBC opened its doors in 1915, students from Indo-Pacific countries have been part of its history. The first course about the Indo-Pacific, “Problems of the Pacific,” was introduced by Professor Henry Angus in 1933. As Vancouver emerged as North America’s gateway to Asia, UBC continued to expand its Indo-Pacific programs, responding to Canada’s growing interest in countries in the region.
Under the leadership of President Norman Mackenzie, who was appointed in 1944, UBC broadened its international outlook, particularly across the Pacific. During his presidency, UBC established the Asian Library and the Department of Asian Studies, which provided the resource base and academic focus for the study of Asian languages and civilizations. In 1978, to further deepen its understanding of contemporary issues in the region, UBC launched the Institute of Asian Research, with the mission to foster interdisciplinary expertise on Asia-Pacific matters.
The strength of IAR lies in the diverse expertise of its associates, who come from a wide range of backgrounds, including business, development studies, history, economics, law, and political science. “Big issues in the world are inherently interdisciplinary. And if we’re thinking about a region as broad as the Indo-Pacific and some of the biggest contemporary issues within it, they’re inherently interdisciplinary in nature,” noted Dr. Kai Ostwald, the Director of IAR. This breadth of knowledge allows IAR to approach the Indo-Pacific region from multiple perspectives, providing insights into the region’s complex social, economic, and political landscapes.
IAR’s influence grew rapidly. In the first decade after its establishment, the Institute organized seminars, conferences, and workshops, hosted visiting scholars, and conducted major research projects for the United Nations, the Canadian and BC governments, the Ford Foundation, and the Japan Foundation. These projects tackled diverse topics, from agricultural development in China to BC’s economic ties with Japan, Korea, and China, to urbanization in Asia. IAR’s work provided critical policy insights and recommendations, playing a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s understanding of the Indo-Pacific region.
Another defining feature of IAR is its capacity to build bridges between Canada and the Indo-Pacific. Through conferences, workshops, and visiting scholar programs, IAR brought together scholars, policymakers, government officials, and diplomats from Indo-Pacific countries, creating a vast academic network for knowledge exchange.
As IAR’s activities expanded, UBC recognized the need to expand the Institute. In 1992, IAR was restructured to include five regional centres: the Centre for Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, and Southeast Asian Research. This expansion was supported by UBC’s World of Opportunity Campaign, led by President David Strangways, which raised over 20 million in endowments and grants for IAR. The five centres not only developed research programs but also promoted a deeper understanding of their regions through community outreach, organizing cultural events like Southeast Asian night market and celebration of the Chinese and Japanese New Year.
IAR’s growth also attracted endowed chairs. By 1995, the Korea Foundation Chair in Korean research, the Konwakai Chair in Japanese research, and the Prof. Louis Cha Chair in Chinese research were filled, cementing UBC’s status as a leader in Indo-Pacific studies.
Into the 21st century, IAR continued to expand its role. As the founding institution of UBC’s new School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA), IAR faculty members provided interdisciplinary teaching to the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex public policy issues. IAR’s faculty members were often called upon by Canadian public and private institutions to provide training on Indo-Pacific issues.
Building on UBC’s long-standing focus on the Indo-Pacific, IAR has developed into a leading interdisciplinary research hub and a cornerstone of UBC’s engagement with the region. Through its diverse research projects, teaching programs, conferences, and community outreach, IAR continues to foster mutual understanding, build connections, and strengthen Canada’s ties with the Indo-Pacific. Mr. Cheung-kok Choi’s generous gift has grown into a vibrant centre for learning and collaboration, ensuring that UBC remains at the forefront of Indo-Pacific studies and engagement for generations to come.