Le Mois du patrimoine asiatique est une occasion de reconnaître la richesse et la diversité des communautés asiatiques au Canada et, à l’EMBA McGill-HEC Montréal, de mettre en lumière les voix et les expériences qui façonnent notre environnement d’apprentissage et nos parcours de leadership.
Albert Augustin, EMBA 2027, Head of Royal Distinction at RBC Direct Investing
Mois du patrimoine asiatique : From Heritage to Leadership
Albert Agustin est chef, Distinction Royale chez RBC Placements en Direct, où il dirige l’équipe nationale et les initiatives stratégiques destinées aux clients fortunés. Basé à Montréal, il cumule plus de 22 ans d’expérience au sein du groupe RBC, avec une expertise reconnue en gestion de patrimoine et en accompagnement personnalisé des investisseurs autonomes.
Reconnu pour sa capacité à évoluer dans des environnements financiers complexes et à offrir un service de haut niveau à une clientèle sophistiquée, Albert s’implique également activement dans sa communauté. Il est membre du cabinet RBC GénérAction, où il contribue à différentes initiatives philanthropiques, et siège au conseil d’administration de la Fondation Nalie, un organisme qui soutient les jeunes femmes atteintes du cancer du sein.
Actuellement candidat à l’EMBA McGill-HEC Montréal (promotion 2027), il poursuit le développement de sa vision stratégique et de son leadership afin d’avoir un impact encore plus important dans l’avenir du secteur des services financiers.
Voici ce que représente pour lui le Mois du patrimoine asiatique :
Honouring Filipino Heritage
Asian Heritage Month reminds me to honour my Filipino heritage and the sacrifices of my parents.
My parents are immigrants from the Philippines. In 1981, my father was invited to Canada as a guest speaker. He was a critical voice against the Marcos, Sr. dictatorship and was involved in the broader struggle for democracy that led to the People Power Revolution in 1986. While he was in Canada, his passport was revoked. He was later placed on Marcos’ Order of Battle hit list. Because of political persecution, my parents could not return home. They were stranded and Canada allowed them to stay on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. They were later granted permanent residency through an exceptional process.
A New Beginning in Canada
I was born in Toronto. A few years later, my brother and sister were born in Windsor. Thanks to my parents, my grandmother immigrated to Canada to help take care of us and to build a better life. I learned so much about our culture from her. She is celebrating her 103rd birthday at the end of May!
We moved to Montreal when I was in grade two, and Quebec has been my home ever since. My wife is a Lafleur, so I would say that I’m well-integrated into Quebecois culture. Our daughter and son identify as Canadian, Quebecois, and Filipino. It’s wonderful to see, and I’m proud. In fact, they have given presentations on the Philippines at their school this month as well.
Embracing Diversity
I feel fortunate to have a diverse background and to come from parents with such humble beginnings. I was raised to be open, aware, and accepting of all cultures and people. Curiosity and positivity are family traits.
I feel that I’m living a dream, not only of my own, but also the dreams of my father and mother—especially as part of this wonderful EMBA McGill-HEC program. This experience has helped me become more self-aware and embrace my culture as a leadership strength.
Leadership and Cultural Values
After 22 years at RBC, I’ve grown into a leadership role in our organization. My parents’ courage and willingness to take risks for democracy taught me that leadership means having the courage of one’s convictions.
My lola (grandmother in Tagalog) taught me the bayanihan spirit is a core Filipino value of helping others without expecting anything in return. While I’m still growing professionally, I feel privileged to have influence on the people I lead and on our clients. The EMBA McGill-HEC program is allowing me to become a strong leader for my team, my organization, the business community, and society at large.
Most importantly, I want to have a positive impact on my family and teach my children the same values I grew up with. I want them to be proud of their three cultures: Canadian, Quebecois, and Filipino. I hope they carry forward the curiosity and positivity that allowed our family to thrive.
Albert Augustin, EMBA 2027
