Pang Yok Tong arrived in Wales in 1978 to reunite with his family, and his wife joined him in 1982. Like many newcomers, he initially found work in a Chinese takeaway, but quickly recognised a need for accessible Chinese groceries in Swansea.
Swansea
Ms. Yen Yen Lai
Yen Yen Lai is a 55-year-old woman originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she spent her childhood and formative years.
In 2008, when Yen Yen moved to Swansea, she was one month pregnant. She quickly found employment as a clerk at the local government’s bankruptcy management department, marking her first job in the area.
Ms. Nimmi Wui Yin Liaw
Nimmi Wui Yin Liaw, also known as Nimmi Platt, hails from Brunei. Her journey to the United Kingdom began in 1982 when she moved to pursue an honors degree in Education at Townhill Teachers Training College in Swansea.
Ms. Alice Zhong
Alice Zhong is a 55-year-old woman who immigrated to the United Kingdom in 2000. Currently employed as the head chef at a nursing home, her journey to the UK began through a personal connection: she married her husband after being introduced by family while he was visiting China. Following their marriage, Alice moved to Wales a year later.
Ms. Jodie Zhong
Jodie Zhong is a 21-year-old third-year student at Loughborough University, currently undertaking a placement year. Born and raised in Swansea, Wales, she is the daughter of parents who emigrated from Hong Kong. Her mother’s story of resilience in adapting to a new country, learning a foreign language, and rebuilding her life from scratch has profoundly inspired Jodie.
Mr. Peng Yi
Mr. and Mrs. Yi Peng immigrated to Wales in 1988. Mr. Peng was originally involved in real estate in Guangzhou, China, but they moved due to familial ties—Mrs. Peng’s parents were already in the UK. During their visit, the British government offered residency opportunities to Chinese nationals overseas. Motivated by their aspirations for democracy and freedom, the Pengs applied to stay permanently in the UK.
Ms. Suzanne Chung
Suzanne Chung, a skilled Qigong practitioner and representative of the British Health Qigong Association, recently showcased her talents at an international competition in China. Born and raised in Scotland, Suzanne has spent the past 14 years in Wales, where she’s deepened her connection to her Chinese heritage.
Mrs. Wai Fong Lee
Mrs. Wai Fong Lee MBE’s life story is one of resilience, family unity, and community service. Born in Hong Kong, her family’s immigration journey to the UK began in the 1970s when her father moved first in search of work. In 1970, he started working for relatives, paving the way for the rest of the family. Her mother followed in 1973, and finally, in 1975, Mrs. Lee joined them, reuniting with her parents after a period of separation.