RUNDOWN:
5:45 pm               Registration
6:00 pm               Opening Remarks
6:05 pm               Presentation
6:15 pm               Fireside Chat
6:45 pm               Q&A
7:05 pm               Closing Remarks
7:10 pm               Book Signing
7:20 pm               End

ASHK Members Ticket: HKD 80
Non-Members Ticket: HKD 100

Asia Society Hong Kong Center (ASHK) is pleased to host a presentation and dialogue with Matthew S. Friedman, an internationally renowned expert on modern slavery and human trafficking, founder and CEO of the Mekong Club, and author of Awakening the Advocate: Memoirs of a Modern Slavery Activist.  In conversation with author and Director at Zab Capital Sylvia Yu Friedman, Matthew will present the key messages from his book, the importance of continued focus on fighting modern slavery, especially in light of ongoing cyber slavery operations in Myanmar and Cambodia, and what the loss of USAID’s development funding and initiatives means for the countries of Asia.

Matthew S. Friedman is a leading, internationally renowned global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking. An award-winning public speaker, author, filmmaker, and philanthropist, Matthew regularly advises heads of governments and intelligence agencies.

Matthew is the author of 15 books ranging from action novels, non-fiction accounts of his human rights work, to a book that outlines his unique philosophy of “time.” A long-time supporter of film and the media arts, Matthew was an executive producer and advisor on four award-winning films, one of which was nominated for an Emmy and another executive-produced by Emma Thompson.

As the founder and CEO of The Mekong Club, Matthew is considered the leading catalyst of the anti-slavery movement in Asia’s business sector by captains of industry.

He has managed and directed tens of millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting millions of people for the World Bank, the U.S. State Department, and the United Nations. His work over the last 30 years of pioneering and managing international anti-human trafficking projects from Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Hong Kong has given him access to many influential networks in different countries throughout the world.

Matthew is married to Sylvia Yu Friedman who is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker, international speaker, and author of Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women who also fights the scourge of modern slavery.

Sylvia Yu Friedman is a bestselling Penguin Random House Author, TV Host, and Advisor to Ultra High Net Worth families. She is ranked as the #1 Top Voice in Hong Kong by Favikon. Since 2005, Sylvia has spearheaded philanthropic initiatives for some of the world’s wealthiest families, making a significant impact on countless lives while shining a light on the worst human rights abuses of our time.

Sylvia provides advisory services to prominent family offices in Asia and across the globe. She also offers coaching on How to Write a Book.

About Awakening the Advocate: Memoirs of a Modern Slavery Activist:

If you’re looking for a way to make a positive impact on the world, Matthew S. Friedman’s inspiring book is the perfect guide. Through his incredible experiences and tireless activism over 35 years, he shows us that one person truly can create a ripple effect that leads to global change.

As you read his powerful stories, you’ll be reminded of the immense suffering in the world, but you’ll also be uplifted by the sheer strength and determination of those who fight against it. Friedman’s message is clear: we each have the power to make a difference in our own unique way.

This captivating sequel to his previous memoir, ‘Where Were You: A Profile of Modern Slavery,’ is bound to leave a lasting impact on you. It will ignite your passion, challenge you, and encourage you to take action toward bringing about meaningful change.

In this book, you’ll learn how a once-shy boy from a New England town dedicated his life to battling the scourge of human trafficking in over 40 countries.

Join us on an unforgettable journey with a man whose compassion and relentless dedication to justice have made him a global force in the fight against modern slavery. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.

Buy a copy of Awakening the Advocate from our store.

Sign up link:

https://tinyurl.com/54dydncj

The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and participants and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, do not reflect the opinion, position or official policy of Asia Society Hong Kong, its members, or its committees. Asia Society Hong Kong does not endorse or approve and assumes no responsibility for the content of the information presented.