Our Stories Gallery

Our Stories Project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to collect the oral histories of the Chinese community in Wales.

About Our Stories

Led by the Chinese in Wales Association in collaboration with Swansea University, National Museum of Wales and National Library; Peoples collection and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This project aims to capture the Chinese Community in Wales contribution to Wales, whilst exploring the lived experience of travelling to and settling down in an alien world; a new country with a different language, way of life, work ethic and climate.

This project tracks the highs and lows of experiences faced by individuals and families during their Welsh journey and showcases precious objects, items that have offered comfort to their owners during their journey.

Also visit Museum Wales: St Fagans Museum Cardiff, ‘Wales is’ Gallery to see Our Stories ‘Wales is Our Home’ display. Display open 12th November 2024 to 12th November 2025.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Mr. Mike Tan

Mike Tan, a Malaysian Chinese civil engineer and karate master, arrived in Cardiff in 1974 to study civil engineering. Over a distinguished 30-year career, he contributed to transformative infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Grangetown Viaduct and Butetown Tunnels.

Mr. Leun Fai Ng

Ng Luen Fai, originally from Taishan in mainland China, moved to the UK at the age of ten and settled in the small town of Ferndale, Wales, in 1960. With his family overseas in Hong Kong, he joined his brother, who managed a laundry business started by their grandfather. Mr. Ng recalls the quiet streets and modest lifestyle of Ferndale, which was vastly different from life in China.

Mr. Peter Wong

Peter Wong, originally from Hong Kong, is the sole Councillor of Chinese heritage among the 22 local authorities in Wales. His journey began with humble beginnings, as his family arrived as economic migrants, living five to a single room in a shared house.

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. 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.

Mr. Yok Tong Pang

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.

Mrs. Temmy Woolston

Temmy Woolston, born Temmy Kwok in Cardiff in 1976, shares a rich and resilient family history. Her mother, Angela Jim, immigrated to Wales as a teenager in the early 1970s, following her father, who opened Cardiff’s first Chinese restaurant, the Rice Bowl. Angela faced overt racism and workplace discrimination but responded with remarkable strength and dignity, standing up for herself and others.

Ms. Roxanna Lau

Roxana Lau, now in her 70s, is a remarkable individual whose journey from Hong Kong to Wales reflects resilience, warmth, and a deep connection to community. She first arrived in Wales in 1995, joining her husband, who was studying at Cardiff University. The couple later settled in North Wales, where they raised three sons.

Ms. Cailian Fan

Ceilian Fan, a 55-year-old entrepreneur, operates a BNB (Bed and Breakfast) in London alongside her family, including her husband, son, and daughter-in-law. Her journey to the UK began in Manchester and eventually led her to North Wales, where she now feels deeply connected.

Mrs. Teresa Fu

Teresa Fu, born in China, immigrated to the UK in 1980. She initially settled in Ellesmere Port with her family, where they lived for 15 years before moving to North Wales in 2010. Teresa is currently 59 years old.

Mr. GuangHao Fu

Guanghao Fu, also referred to as “Fuyan,” is a 33-year-old individual who is married but does not yet have children. Originally from China, Guanghao moved to North Wales during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a transition marked by both logistical efforts and unexpected challenges.

Mrs. Linda Yip Ming Ying

Linda Yip Ming Ying is a dedicated and resilient woman with a rich story of perseverance and service. When she first arrived in the UK, Linda began her journey working in a Chinese takeaway, often spending long hours cutting up potatoes and learning just how challenging it could be to earn a living in a new country.