Jung Chang

Jung Chang is a renowned Chinese-born British author and keynote speaker, celebrated for her powerful storytelling and unique insights into modern Chinese history. As a keynote speaker, Jung is compelling and thought-provoking, delving into the intersection of history, culture, and globalisation. Her memoir, ‘Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China’, became a global sensation, selling over 20 million copies worldwide, winning the British Book Awards' Book of the Year in 1993, and remaining banned in mainland China. This best-seller cemented her status as one of the most influential voices in literature and history.

Jung’s early career journey was shaped by the Cultural Revolution in China. Born in Sichuan Province in 1952 to Communist Party officials, she initially joined the Red Guard movement at age 14. However, she soon distanced herself, disillusioned by the violence of the movement and political repression. After the Revolution, Jung pursued higher education, studying English at Sichuan University before leaving China in 1978 on a government scholarship. She moved to Britain, where she earned a PhD in Linguistics from the University of York in 1982, becoming the first individual from Communist China to achieve a doctorate from a British university.

Throughout her career, Jung has made significant contributions to literature, with multiple internationally acclaimed publications. Her second major work, ‘Mao: The Unknown Story’, published in 2005, further solidified her reputation and sold over 60,000 copies in its first six months in the UK. Her later works, including ‘Empress Dowager Cixi’ in 2013 and ‘Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister’ in 2019, underscore her deep commitment to unveiling historical truths about China. In 2024, Jung was awarded a CBE for services to literature and history, a testament to her enduring impact.

Jung is an ideal keynote speaker for events focused on globalisation, resilience, and cultural transformation. Her speaking topics encompass China's pivotal moments in the 20th century, the legacy of Mao Zedong, and the role of women in shaping modern Chinese history. Audiences leave her talks with a deeper understanding of China’s historical context and its global implications. Her personal journey and extensive research make her an engaging and authoritative speaker, inspiring audiences worldwide with lessons in resilience and insight into one of the world’s most complex nations.