Recent Research Projects

“The Chinese Diaspora of Southeast Asia and Hong Kong”

Funded by Hong Kong Museum of History, HKSAR Government                                                     Amount of Grant: HK$646,800

Project Investigator: Dr. Yew-foong Hui

Project Description:

The Chinese have been migrating to different parts of Southeast Asia since 111BC for political and economic reasons. However, it was only in the 19^th to 20^th centuries that large numbers of Chinese workers and merchants flocked to different parts of Southeast Asia. Hong Kong and Singapore played an important role in this migratory wave as British colonial ports that facilitated the movement of Chinese populations between South China and various parts of Southeast Asia. Moreover, as a cosmopolitan city on the doorstep of China, Hong Kong has had close connections with Chinese communities in Southeast Asia throughout the mid-19^th to 20^th centuries, and they continue to be relevant and active today. This project examines the history of Chinese migration to Southeast Asia, highlighting the connections between these Chinese communities and Hong Kong.