Chinese pavilion
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Lee migrated to Canada in 1962 to study at the University of Manitoba. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1966, and a public administration diploma in 1977. In 1967 he was hired by the City of Winnipeg as a research chemist. He helped organize the Chinese pavilion in the first Folklorama in 1970 and later became Vice President of the Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg. In the 1977 Manitoba general election, Lee ran as a Progressive Conservative candidate in Winnipeg Centre where he lost to Bud Boyce of the Manitoba New Democratic Party. Lee was on Winnipeg's Refugee Assistance Committee from 1979 to 1986. He also advocated for the construction of the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre in the Dynasty Building, the Chinese Gate and Garden, and the Mandarin Building in Winnipeg.