Dr. Sylvester Chuang (BSc’69, MDCM’73), an accomplished neuroradiologist and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AWIN Automotive Group, Gain Automotive Group, and Ontasian Enterprises Inc., is the newest member of the Faculty Advancement Board (FAB) for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS).
A loyal donor and passionate philanthropist, Dr. Chuang will draw on his expertise and networks to serve on the FAB in support of the FMHS and its vision for its third century. In addition to advising the Dean on strategic development, he will promote the Faculty and our students in the broader community, raising funds and fostering alumni engagement.
Medical accomplishments
After graduating from McGill, Dr. Chuang completed his fellowship at the world-renowned Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto before joining the staff as a neuroradiologist in the Department of Diagnostic Imaging. He was Head of Special Procedures from 1984 to 1996, Head of Neuroradiology from 1996 to 2006, and Head of Magnetoencephalography (MEG) from 2006 to 2012, during which time he was the recipient of the first DHN Chair in Research in Diagnostic Imaging. Dr. Chuang has written and co-authored numerous medical textbooks as well as over 150 peer-reviewed articles on pediatric neuroradiology, and many of his scientific exhibits and presentations have won awards over the years. A member of countless professional societies and organizations, editorial boards, and university and hospital committees, he is also the founder of the Eastern Neuroradiological Society and the American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology. Now retired, Dr. Chuang is nonetheless still committed to health care and operates as a neuroradiologist consultant.
Successful business ventures
Coming from a family background of business acumen—his father owned and managed a multinational business in South-East Asia for over fifty years—Dr. Chuang is involved in real estate and operates several retail automotive franchises. He opened his first dealership in 1988 and, with his strong business knowledge, added an additional 36 dealership rooftops covering 24 brands and 50 franchises to his automotive groups. Dr. Chuang is noted in the industry for providing a premium retail experience, winning many manufacturer awards, and for operating state-of-the-art dealerships. In 2016, he opened Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, a driving track designed by world-renowned F1 track designer Hermann Tilke, and a hotel, Villa Eyrie Resort. Finally, in 2018, he acquired Rudi & Company from Rudi Koniczek, the world’s most sought-after restorer of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL vehicles. Renamed “Coachwerks Restoration”, it completes Gain Automotive Group’s classic restoration division. After winning the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Award presented by the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACC), Sylvester and Pauline Chuang (BA’71) obtained a Visionary Award for National Business Leader of the Year in 2022, a prize bestowed by the David Foster Foundation, which recognizes individuals making extraordinary contributions to local, regional, and national business efforts.
A commitment to giving back
A generous man, Dr. Chuang is passionate about giving back to the community. His philanthropic efforts have supported organizations like the Sick Kids Foundation, the David Foster Foundation, the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation, the Frederick Lee Memorial Fund, The Chinese Canadian Military Museum, and The Toronto Humane Society, to name a few. A longstanding donor to Ď㽶ĘÓƵ, Dr. Chuang has lately committed to support the McGill ’s research on innovative therapy to halt the Alzheimer’s TAU pathology, the essential cause of dementia. Keen to give back to his Alma Mater, Dr. Chuang will serve as a Faculty Advancement Board member and on the Governance and Nominating Subcommittee, drawing from his knowledge of real estate to help the Faculty with infrastructure-related needs.