About Us

Curators

Angus
Hui Chong-yin

Angus is a journalist-turned-historian specialising in Chinese modern history and Hong Kong local culture and heritage.

He has garnered multiple awards for his work, including the Society of Publishers in Asia Awards and the Business Journalism Awards of the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.

He holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge, where he was awarded the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence, and a BA from the University of Hong Kong.

John
Mak Hiu-fai

John 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.

John holds an MA from The University of Chicago, and a BA from the University of Durham.

Our Journey

Photo credit: Mingpao

Journey commenced with a serendipitous luncheon between John and Angus, two erstwhile acquaintances who discovered a profound mutual passion for history. Angus recounted a pivotal moment from 2015, when he encountered the diary of Lam Ping-yu, a Chinese naval officer, igniting his fascination with the untold narratives of the past. Encouraged by John—who underscored the vital importance of preserving historical memory—Angus resolved to revisit this compelling story, acutely aware of the urgency as many veterans were nearing the end of their lives.

What began as a quest to uncover the stories of the 24 Chinese naval officers involved in the D-Day landings swiftly evolved from mere writing to the ambitious organization of a public exhibition. Initially modest in scope, the project garnered remarkable momentum, attracting over 30 esteemed collaborators, including prestigious universities and museums. High-profile figures, such as former Chinese University president Professor Ambrose King Yeo-Chi, graciously accepted roles as honorary advisors.

Their odyssey traversed borders, as they engaged with historians, veterans, and community members devoted to the preservation of history. Noteworthy encounters, including a meeting with General The Lord Dannatt, further galvanized their commitment to honoring the past. Their unwavering dedication—evident in his willingness to travel to remote locales—exemplified their shared resolve.

As they prepared for the exhibition, John and Angus invited contributions from a diverse array of individuals eager to lend their talents to this noble cause. Their journey illuminated the theme of connection—bridging the past and present, local and global, and fostering intergenerational dialogue. This project has drawn the team together across generations to share the D-Day story. What brings us greatest joy is alike volunteers donate their weekdays and weekends to ensure Lam's legacy engages all. This multigenerational effort is a testament to the profound and unifying impact of sharing untold histories.

Ultimately, their expedition serves as a testament to the notion that even in a tumultuous world, hope and power reside in collective action. The transition from discovery to exhibition stands as a poignant reminder that honoring our history not only enriches our understanding but also inspires future generations and fosters meaningful connections across cultures.

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Our Team

Executive Team

Tommy LAM

Sammi HUI

John CHAN

Ivan WONG

Adrian MAK

Elly LAU

Rainbow PANG

Exhibition Design

Quentin YIU

Editorial

Yan Lee
Tersea Mak

Social Media

Hailey CHAN
Andrew TAM

Event Photo

Jayne RUSSELL

Website

Macy AU
Mandy YU

Exhibition Support

Tammy NG
Emily TSANG
Jason NG
Wailung TSUI
Bobo HUI
Mathlide GUYONNAUD
Kaithlyn LAW

ABOUT HOSTING ORGANISATION

Urban Studies Institute

Established in 2017, the Urban Studies Institute (USI) is a registered charitable institution dedicated to urban research, conservation initiatives, architecture and community design in Hong Kong. Its objectives are as follows:

To foster research of urban planning, architecture, community and urban studies, with interdisciplinary perspectives and knowledge;
To develop the historical and contemporary narrative of Hong Kong’s urban evolution, in order to lay the foundation for the conservation of Hong Kong’s construction, urbanscape and natural environment;
To facilitate public dialogue on urban space and built-environment issues in Hong Kong;
To implement and promote community design in Hong Kong as a way to address social and urban issues.

ABOUT US