Michael Lee-Chin, a self-made investment tycoon who grew up poor in Jamaica, emerged Wednesday as the surprise $30 million lead donor for the Royal Ontario Museum’s $200 million Crystal addition.

Lee-Chin is the chair and CEO of mutual fund firm AIC Ltd.

In recognition of Lee-Chin’s gift, the ROM will name its addition the Michael A. Lee-Chin Crystal. The interior atrium court will be called the Hyacinth Gloria Chen Crystal Court, in honour of Lee-Chin’s mother.

Lee-Chin, 51, grew up in Jamaica. At 19, he moved to Canada as an engineering student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.

In 1977, unable to get work as an engineer, he took as a job with as a financial advisor with Investors Group.

Following a stint as regional manager for Regal Capital, Lee-Chin purchased AIC Ltd. for $200,000 in 1986. At the time, the company had $800,000 in assets. It now currently manages $11.7 billion in assets.

Last year, Lee-Chin acquired a 75% interest in NCB Jamaica Ltd., that country’s largest bank.