RUNDOWN:
17:45     Registration
18:00     Opening Remarks
18:05     Presentation
18:30     Fireside Chat
18:55     Q&A
19:15     Closing Remarks
19:20     End

Tickets are complimentary; registration is required

Asia Society Hong Kong Center (ASHK) is proud to host the co-curators and historians behind Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day, as we mark the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Angus Hui and John Mak, in conversation with Professor Anthony Cheung, former President of the Hong Kong Institute of Education, will discuss their ground-breaking findings, starting with the chance discovery in Hong Kong of a first-hand account of Chinese participation in the Normandy Landings of D-Day.  Join ASHK to hear more of the story, as they reveal the latest findings in their ongoing quest to unearth this important and largely forgotten history.

Angus HUI Chong-yin is a journalist-turned-historian who specialises in modern Chinese history and Hong Kong local culture and heritage. 

Hui was a journalist with two prominent Chinese language publications. His news reporting covered a wide range of topics, including the 1967 Riots, Hong Kong’s football history, and the rise and fall of China’s private economy. His works were recognised by the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) Awards and the Business Journalism Awards of the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.

Hui holds an MPhil degree in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) from the University of Cambridge, where he was awarded the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence, and a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese History and Culture from the University of Hong Kong.

John MAK Hiu-fai is a public policy professional with an interest in local community development and building bridges across different sectors, cultures, political affiliations and generations.

He has received multiple accolades and recognitions, including being selected as an inaugural Obama Scholar, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honouree, and an Asia 21 Next Generation Fellow by Asia Society.

Mak holds a Master's degree in public policy and international development from The University of Chicago and a Bachelor's degree in politics, philosophy and economics from the University of Durham.

Professor Anthony CHEUNG, GBS, JP is currently Research Chair Professor of the Department of Asian and Policy Studies at The Education University of Hong Kong. He was formerly Secretary for Transport and Housing of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government from 2012 to 2017. From 2008 to 2012, Professor Cheung was President of The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd), the predecessor of EdUHK. Professor Cheung is an Honorary Advisor of the “Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day” Exhibition project.

About Lost and Found in Hong Kong: The Unsung Chinese Heroes at D-Day:

In 2015, a group of history enthusiasts made a discovery in a residential building in Hong Kong slated for demolition: a diary belonging to Lam Ping-yu. Lam was one of 24 Chinese naval officers dispatched to Britain for training during World War II. As part of their inaugural mission in Europe, many of these officers participated in the Normandy Landings and Operation Dragoon, contributing to the liberation of France.

Lam Ping-yu’s diary is believed to be the sole known primary source documenting Chinese involvement in D-Day. His writings are filled with vivid accounts of his excitement, frustration, envy, and even romance through the twists and turns of life, and importantly offer insights into Lam’s connection to Hong Kong, including his participation in Operation Armour, a British-led mission aimed at alleviating Hong Kong’s dire circumstances following Japanese occupation in 1945. Lam’s words give a rare glimpse into the city’s post-war recovery.

The diary was first showcased in an exhibition that premiered in 2024, attracting international attention and support. Since then, the curatorial team has made additional research breakthroughs, uncovering more details about Lam’s life. The exhibition is scheduled for a relaunch in June 1945, promising to present this little-known chapter of history in even greater depth.

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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.