A Reflection of a Decade as an Editor

It’s been a wonderful experience as Editor of Ricepaper Magazine. It’s hard to believe, but it’s been ten years since I joined the magazine. My editorship has impacted the publication and the broader landscape of Asian Canadian literature and culture. Under my leadership, the magazine evolved from a community-based Asian Canadian literary journal into a nationally recognized literary and arts publication showcasing the voices of the Asian diaspora. My vision helped bridge generations of writers and artists, fostering emerging talent while honouring established creators.

On March 27, I will speak at the Federation of BC Writers on a panel with distinguished magazine editors. I’ve reflected on my role in the magazine industry and want to share some of the highlights of my time at the helm of Ricepaper.

To amplify diverse Asian Canadian narratives, I’ve tried expanding the magazine’s focus beyond traditional literary content. I've highlighted various artistic expressions—including film, visual arts, and performance—and given space to intersectional stories around identity, diaspora, and belonging.

I’ve also been a big proponent of the magazine’s mentorship and community-building role. Through editorial initiatives, workshops, and events, I’ve nurtured new writers and creatives, many of whom gained national attention.  My focus on mentorship helped solidify Ricepaper as a launchpad for Asian Canadian talent. I’m extremely excited about the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers Award winner Jinwoo Park’s new novel The Oxford Soju Club.

As a historian and librarian, I see Ricepaper's archival and historical significance. I am honoured to play a role in documenting and preserving the evolving Asian Canadian experience, creating a cultural archive that continues to be referenced by scholars, students, and creatives.

My leadership fostered collaborations with organizations such as academic institutions, literary festivals, and universities through collaborative projects and partnerships, further embedding Ricepaper in national conversations on diversity and inclusion.

Finally, adaptation in a digital age has been a core tenet of my work.  Ricepaper also embraced digital publishing and new media, helping the magazine remain relevant in changing literary and media landscapes. We’ve continued harnessing digital technologies (social media, podcasting, video sharing) to stay relevant and shift the magazine from mainly text-based content to a multimodal media organization.