June 10

Born in 1852, Alexander Bethune built a successful career in commerce before turning to public service in Vancouver. Elected as the city’s 12th mayor, he focused on urban planning initiatives, sanitation improvements, and the expansion of public services during a period of rapid growth. Bethune was known for balancing business acumen with a commitment to social welfare, supporting local charities and community projects. After his mayoral term, he continued to influence Vancouver’s economic development through banking and real estate ventures. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the city’s modern infrastructure. Bethune died in 1947 at the age of 94, remembered for his enduring civic dedication.

Adolph Zukor (1873-1976) was a Hungarian-born American film entrepreneur who co-founded Paramount Pictures, one of Hollywood's first major studios. Arriving in the United States as a teenager, Zukor started in the fur trade before entering the entertainment business with the Famous Players Film Company in 1912. He championed the feature-length film format at a time when short films dominated, helping to elevate cinema to a respected art form. Under his leadership, Paramount Pictures produced classics by directors such as Cecil B. DeMille and Ernst Lubitsch. Zukor pioneered vertical integration in Hollywood, controlling production, distribution, and exhibition, which became the industry standard. He remained president of Paramount for decades, steering the studio through the golden age of Hollywood. Zukor's vision and business acumen shaped the modern movie industry, and he lived to celebrate his 100th birthday as an iconic figure in film history.

Born in 1916 in Fujian, China, Sudono Salim immigrated to Indonesia and established the Salim Group, a diversified conglomerate. In 1957, he founded Bank Central Asia, which grew into Southeast Asia’s largest private bank under his leadership. His business empire expanded into food manufacturing, retail, and automotive sectors, making him Indonesia’s wealthiest individual. Salim was also known for his philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare. He navigated his companies through the Asian financial crisis and significant political changes in Indonesia. He passed away on 10 June 2012 at the age of 95, leaving a lasting corporate legacy in the region.