YCAR and its Asian Business and Management Program are pleased to announce the winners of its Spring 2026 adjudication of the China Insight Fund.
Melanie Cao (Schulich School of Business), Research Project category
Digital currency and e-payment system in China and its Implications for Canada
This study considers the digital currency and e-payment system in China since both aspects are much more advanced than Canadian counterparts and to explore the importance of Chinese digital currency and e-payments in enhancing the efficiency of the financial system as well as economic productivity. China developed its e-payment systems and digital currency in the past twenty years. Up to now, its mobile payment penetration is over 80%, with more than 1 billion users regularly using mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Over 90% of urban consumers use mobile payments for everyday transactions and in rural areas, adoption rates are growing rapidly. Canada is behind China in the development of digital currency and e-payment systems, despite Canada is recognized for its robust financial infrastructure, regulatory framework, and innovation in financial technology (fintech). This research is a continuation of my recent work on cryptocurrencies.
Chunlei Liu (Education), Graduate Student Field Work category
From Classrooms to Careers: Employment Experiences of Asian International Students in Professional Graduate Programs in Ontario
This research examines how Chinese international graduate students in professional programs in Ontario navigate the transition from higher education to employment in Canada. Positioned within the broader group of Asian international students, this study focuses on Chinese international graduates due to their significant presence in Canada’s international student population and their relevance to Canada–China educational and labour market linkages.
Jean Michel Montsion (Global and Social Studies) and Elic Chan (University of British Columbia), Research Project category
The Milk Tea Circuit: Exploring Chinese Foodscapes in Canadian Cities
This project will investigate the evolution and commercialization of milk tea in three locations in Canada: Vancouver, Toronto and Charlottetown. We will document the milk tea circuit in these communities to better understand the interplays between transnational and local factors, including density, and to observe how identity construction signalling occurs under different contexts.
Justin Podur (Faculty of Environmental and Urban Studies), Research Project category
Decolonization and the Environmental Question: Fieldwork on China’s Ecological Civilization
My fieldwork in China is part of a larger project arguing that Indigenous concepts of environmental management are fundamental to the resolution of the environmental crisis and that the suppression of Indigenous civilizations through colonialism is the root cause of all environmental problems. China has developed the concept of Ecological Civilization, with flagship projects like the Three-North Shelterbelt forest restoration and the scale and rollout of renewable energy technology, especially solar energy infrastructure. In practice, this rollout is inseparable from China's development, industry, and international relations. Through this project, the practice and theory of ecological civilization will be analyzed and incorporated into a global conception for how different civilizations seek to achieve sustainability in their management of the environment.
Established in 2019 and launched as the Canada-China Initiatives Fund, the CIF has been envisioned to refocus on, stimulate and support research activity as well as foster engagement between China and the world. In the context of this funding opportunity, the term "China” is inclusive of all Chinese-speaking economies.
The next application deadline for Monday, 26 October 2026. Learn more at this link.