Spotlight on Impact: Michael Scott and Leon Ng Championing Heart & Stroke’s Mission

This quarter, as part of our GVBOT Community Spotlight Series, we are proud to feature Heart & Stroke — an organization that has been at the forefront of advancing health outcomes in communities across Canada.

Supporting this mission are dedicated leadership volunteers, Michael Scott and Leon Ng, two provincial board members who bring unique perspectives to their roles. They provide advice, support and connection to the community, helping to shape a healthier future for British Columbians.

Learn more about Michael and Leon, what drives their commitment to Heart & Stroke - and how they see the business community playing a vital role in improving heart and brain health here.

An estate and trust lawyer, Michael Scott advises clients on probate, wealth transfer, and charitable giving. He is a member of the Vancouver Bar Association, the Law Society of BC, The Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners, and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.

What inspired you to get involved with Heart & Stroke?

I come from a family with a history of heart issues. Both of my grandfathers passed away from heart failure. I thought getting involved with Heart & Stroke would be a good opportunity to learn more about the risks of heart failure, as well as learn more about the safeguards.

You've been an advocate of employee-giving programs and their multiplying-effect. Why is this important to you?

I find that everyone wins with employee giving programs. The charities benefit, as these programs are effective in generating funding for charitable causes. And the companies benefit, as these programs are effective team building and cultural development exercises for employees. Heart & Stroke has a number of resources that support organizations with set up of payroll giving programs internally or through third-party platforms such as Benevity and CanadaHelps. An added benefit is that payroll giving provides our partners with the opportunity to match their employees' donations, doubling the overall impact.

What role do corporate leaders play in building a culture of giving back within their organizations?

They are leading by example, which often results in a trickling effect from the top down. Their influence sets the tone for what is valued within an organization. It normalizes generosity, encourages participation, and helps employees feel connected to something bigger than their day-to-day work. When leaders champion giving back, it shows they genuinely care—not just about business outcomes, but about people and communities. Also, they are the ones approving the giving programs run within their companies and finding ways to generate interest in giving amongst their employees.

Leon Ng is a proptech entrepreneur and founder of LNG Studios, specializing in real estate visualization and emerging tech. A BIV Top 40 Under 40 honouree, he is also a dedicated community leader and advocate for diversity in media.

What motivated you to join Heart & Stroke’s Provincial Advisory board?

I’ve had close friends and family impacted by heart disease and stroke, and that made me want to learn more. When I joined, I was one of the younger members on the board, I felt I could bring a different perspective, especially around technology and innovation. I’ve always believed in using tech for the greater good, and this felt like a meaningful opportunity to do that while supporting a cause that matters.

What excites you most about Heart & Stroke’s role in attracting and supporting world-class talent through research and innovation?

Tech is evolving fast. AI and data are transforming every industry, including health. I’m excited by how Heart & Stroke is embracing innovation through research and campaigns, and also by their strong advocacy efforts. They’re not just funding research; they’re pushing for real change that impacts policy and public awareness.

I can think of two examples where Heart & Stroke is using data to help save lives:

• Heart & Stroke has commissioned a study with UBC linking various datasets to identify gaps along the continuum of care for heart failure and will be using results of the study to advocate for addressing those gaps as data drives change in the health system.
• For cardiac arrest, Heart & Stroke has provided funding support for the provincial cardiac arrest registry managed by UBC and that data has been used in research studies and by B.C. Emergency Health Services to improve the quality of care.

How do you envision the future of health research in the Greater Vancouver region, and what role will businesses play in that future?

Heart & Stroke’s investment in research plays a key role in fueling Vancouver’s growing biotech and health innovation sectors. By supporting cutting-edge science, they help attract top global talent, create high-value jobs, and contribute meaningfully to our local economy.

What stands out to me is how Heart & Stroke also actively engages the business community, not just through fundraising, but through initiatives like its innovative CardiacCrash Course, an award-winning experience that teaches hands-only CPR and AED use in a high-energy, interactive way – designed for corporations, community groups and schools. It’s a great example of how education and impact can go hand in hand. Events like the Heart & Stroke Gala presented by the B.C. Lions, taking place on April 18, 2026, at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, also offer more than just a night out, they create space for meaningful conversations, client engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. That sense of shared purpose builds stronger partnerships and a more connected community.

As Vancouver continues to grow as a research and innovation hub, Heart & Stroke will be central in helping bridge science, business, and community.