Hi, I’m Mabel Kwong.

I like writing on the topics of Asian-Australian identities and multiculturalism. That is what this blog is about. Here you will find my thoughts about diversity, diasporas and what it means to be an Asian person living in Australia.

I am a person of Chinese ethnicity who resides in Melbourne. Often, I find myself transitioning between adopting a persona favouring Chinese values that I have been brought up with and a persona that takes on the Australian/Western mindset.

Having lived abroad in multicultural cities such as Singapore and Malaysia, I have come to appreciate different cultures and races around us. Meeting and interacting with people of various backgrounds is always an eye-opening experience – I often learn to see issues from fresh cultural perspectives.

This is why I am a big supporter of diversity. I feel that different cultures make our communities extremely rich and vibrant. A wide range of ethnic food, fashion and cinema as well as different languages usually makes everyday life all the more interesting. There is just so much to see, try and explore!

It fascinates me how we all mingle with one another in today’s multicultural world. I believe it takes an open mind to facilitate and maintain dialogue with people of different ethnicities. Personally, I feel that being open to new cultures makes one more approachable to people of all races around them.

Me enjoying Melbourne’s scenic sights.

My interests include: Asian diasporas, multiculturalism, diversity, ethnic community radio, hybrid cuisine, languages and the social sciences.

I am/have been involved in:

• Producing and presenting programs on Asian Pop Night, SYN Media (90.7FM)
• Freelance writer about Asian diaporas and multiculturalism
• Volunteer at the Asian Australian Identities Conference 4

In my spare time, I play video games, read, listen to both pop and classical music and explore new places.