Authentic storytelling
Personal stories delivered with a conversational style, gentle humour and time to reflect.
PAK WONGStories that connect us
Invite PakAuthor · Storyteller · Mentor · Community Speaker
Stories of adversity, community and hope.
Pak Wong shares the lessons of an immigrant, entrepreneur and community builder—reminding audiences that change can open the door to purpose, belonging and a better tomorrow.
Who is Pak Wong?
Pak Wong is a Canadian author, community storyteller, mentor and lifelong entrepreneur. After immigrating from Hong Kong in 1968, he built businesses and lasting community connections across rural Alberta, including more than 33 years at the Greenhead Motel & Restaurant in Provost. Today, at 78, Pak writes the A Life in Stories column for The Provost News, speaks at libraries and community gatherings, and mentors newcomers and young entrepreneurs. His memoir, Beyond Adversity, Dawn Awaits, shares lessons of resilience, gratitude, belonging and hope. An avid hunter, Pak also treasures the friendships, traditions and life lessons found along the hunting trail.
500+people reached
17library presentations
400+books shared
From Canton to CanadaA life shaped by grit and gratitude
A life in stories
Seventy-eight years of lessons, shared with warmth and honesty.
From arriving in Winnipeg in 1968 to building businesses, mentoring newcomers and serving rural Alberta, Pak’s stories are grounded in real setbacks, second chances and the people who made the journey possible.
What Pak brings to an audience
Stories that stay with people.
Community connection
A message that honours small towns, newcomers, volunteers and the relationships that hold communities together.
Practical life lessons
Hard-earned ideas about resilience, positive thinking, entrepreneurship, aging well and giving back.
In their words
What readers and audiences say.
Reflections from people who have read Pak’s memoir, heard him speak, or welcomed him into their community.
“Anyone, no matter their age, can find something to hold on to from your talk.”
— Bree, Roasted Readers Book Club
“Your journey isn’t just inspiring—it’s grounding... You kept going because you believed in doing the right thing and making a difference, one small step at a time.”
— Heidi Garcia Dayot, Manager, Hardisty Public Library
“Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Your courage, perseverance and generosity are inspiring. I believe it will create ripples that encourage and help your listeners and readers.”
— Lois Polege, Executive Director, Flagstaff Community Adult Learning
“Pak Wong lived an amazing life! This book should be read by young people starting out and also by anyone struggling on their life’s journey. A very inspiring book!”
— Sybil Akre
“Pak’s book, Beyond Adversity, Dawn Awaits, is a fascinating biography that transcends different cultures and eras. There is hope and inspiration in the book.”
— Brad Fenson, book reviewer
The memoir
Beyond Adversity, Dawn Awaits
Pak’s memoir traces an immigrant journey shaped by rheumatoid arthritis, entrepreneurship, family, friendship and an enduring belief that adversity can become opportunity.
Ask about the bookBring a meaningful conversation to your community