Dr. Robert Guen

Dr Robert Guen practices general dentistry in Brookline, Massachusetts. Guen was born and raised in Boston Chinatown, and has maintained an active role in the community since his youth. He has previously worked at the South Cove Health Center, and volunteered for various community cultural organizations, he said. Guen has also been a chairman for the “August Moon Festivals,” an annual Chinatown event that commemorates the overthrow of the Yuan dynasty in 1368 AD.

Guen was the founder of the Boston Type-A Sister City Relationship, in 1995. This organization fosters a continuous relationship with Asian political powers abroad. It represents Chinese all over the world, said Guen.

Though Guen currently lives in Jamaica Plain, he has continued to contribute to the Chinatown community. Guen has been on the Board of Directors at the Wang YMCA in Chinatown. He has coached the “Knights,” a local volleyball team, for the Chinese Athletic Club for about 10-12 years. He has also served as a chairman for the National Chinese Volleyball and Basketball Tournaments, which are held annually.

Guen has also been a member of the Chinese Economic Development Council since 1983, he said.
Additionally, Guen was selected by Tufts University, where he previously attended dental school, to speak at various events in Chinatown, including openings of research facilities. Guen said he wants to represent the community and help to bridge the gap between Chinatown and Tufts.

Guen said he would like to see more resources given to Chinatown organizations. “Chinatown is a very self-sufficient community. Given proper resources we try to solve our own problems,” said Guen.

Guen also said he believes it is important to give additional funding to Chinatown’s recreational organizations. “It’s the glue that keeps a lot of Chinese kids together. It ties the generations together,” said Guen.