Yen Hoang Lam, a 52-year-old GP residing in Wallington, near Croydon, shares her journey as a Vietnamese migrant who fled her homeland just after the Vietnam War and highlights a stark contrast in public reception towards migrants then and now.
Yen, along with her parents and younger twin brothers, embarked on a perilous journey by boat from Vietnam to seek refuge elsewhere. Recalling the harrowing experience, she vividly remembers the overwhelming smell of petrol and the sight of her father’s tears as he made sacrifices to secure their passage to safety.
Her family, part of Vietnam’s Hoa ethnic minority, faced persecution and betrayal from their own community, which compelled them to seek sanctuary in Macau before settling in Hong Kong temporarily. Choosing the UK due to its moderate climate, they eventually found themselves in Scotland, where they were warmly embraced by the community in Livingston.
Despite encountering racial abuse during her school years, Yen fondly remembers the support and kindness extended by her neighbors and the swift action taken by her headmaster to address the issue. However, she acknowledges a notable shift in the public’s attitude towards migrants today, expressing concern over the lack of acceptance and welcoming gestures compared to her own experience over four decades ago.
Yen’s story is part of a broader narrative being showcased in an upcoming exhibition curated by Voice ESEA, aimed at shedding light on the often overlooked history of the East and Southeast Asian community in the UK. Choon Young Tan, head of events at Voice ESEA, emphasizes the importance of sharing these stories to foster a sense of belonging and raise awareness of the struggles and triumphs of the ESEA community throughout history.
The exhibition, titled Yellow Peril Awareness Day, commemorates a significant event in US history that had repercussions worldwide, including in the UK. Mr. Tan explains that while the term “Yellow Peril” may be contentious, it serves to draw attention to the pervasive anti-ESEA sentiments and discrimination faced by Chinese and other Asian communities.
Yen believes that documenting these stories is crucial in preserving the legacy of the Vietnamese community’s resilience and resilience in the face of adversity. She sees the exhibition as an opportunity to educate and inspire others, showing that hope and positivity can emerge from even the darkest of circumstances.
