Jung Chang Keynote Speaker

Jung Chang is a renowned author and speaker known for her profound insights into Chinese history and culture. With a compelling storytelling style, she engages audiences worldwide on a range of thought-provoking topics. Her captivating talks often delve into the complex tapestry of Chinese society, providing audiences with fresh perspectives on China’s rich history and its impact on the world today. Through her powerful narratives, she explores the lives of iconic figures and untold stories that have shaped the nation. Jung Chang’s speaking engagements are an enlightening journey into the heart of China’s past and present, offering unique insights that inspire and inform.

Her highly popular books have made a lasting impact on the world of literature. “Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China” (1991) received praise from the Asian Wall Street Journal as the most widely read book on China. “Mao: The Unknown Story” (2005), which she co-authored with Jon Halliday, was described by Time magazine as “a powerful literary work.” “Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China” (2013) was acknowledged as a “notable book” by The New York Times. Her latest publication, “Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister: Three Women at the Heart of Twentieth-Century China” (2019), has been celebrated as “another significant achievement” by the Evening Standard London.

Chang’s writing prowess has transcended language barriers, with her books translated into more than 40 languages and accumulating a global readership of over 15 million copies. She has received numerous awards, including the UK Writers’ Guild Best Non-Fiction and Book of the Year UK honors. Her contributions to academia are highlighted by honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions like Buckingham, York, Warwick, Dundee, The Open University, The University of West London, and Bowdoin College. She holds the esteemed title of Honorary Fellow at SOAS University of London.

Born in 1952 in Sichuan Province, China, Jung Chang’s remarkable journey embodies the resilience of the human spirit. She lived through the turbulent era of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), where she experienced life as a peasant, a “barefoot” doctor, a steelworker, and an electrician before pursuing higher education. Her determination led her to become an English-language student at Sichuan University. In 1978, she made the courageous choice to leave China for Britain, where she pursued a PhD in Linguistics and successfully earned her doctorate in 1982 from the University of York. This achievement marked a historic milestone as she became the first individual from Communist China to be awarded a doctorate from a British university.

Jung Chang’s life story is a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and her deep understanding of the complexities of Chinese history. As a speaker, author, and academic, she continues to shed light on China’s past and present, captivating audiences with her extraordinary narrative and deep insights.

Jung Chang’s remarkable speaking capabilities are a testament to her unique ability to bring history and culture to life. With a captivating presence and an unparalleled depth of knowledge, she engages audiences around the world, leaving them inspired and enlightened. Whether delving into the intricacies of Chinese history or sharing personal anecdotes from her own extraordinary journey, Jung Chang’s speeches are not to be missed. Her gift for storytelling and her passion for her subject matter make her a sought-after and impactful speaker, leaving a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to hear her share her insights.