The 2nd Leong Sin Nam Memorial Lecture: The Emergency & Chinese New Villages by Prof (Dr) Gary Lit

For anyone interested in history, especially during World War II, British Occupation, Japanese invasion, Communist insurgency, and the ensuing Malayan Emergency, also known as the Anti–British National Liberation War (1948–1960), yesterday’s Leong Sin Nam Memorial Lecture 2023 by Prof (Dr) Gary Lit Ying Loong surely was an engrossing 2-hour lecture.

If the Sky were to Fall ... by Prof (Dr) Gary Lit Ying Loong — If the Sky were to Fall … by Prof (Dr) Gary Lit Ying Loong

Dr Leong Oon Keong introduces Prof (Dr) Gary Lit

Hosted by Dr Leong Oon Keong at his event space 15 Clarke Street @ 15 Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil in Ipoh, Prof (Dr) Gary, originally from Kampar, Perak, shared his research and personal anecdotes of the events that transpired during those tumultuous times.

one of the attendees from Bukit Mertajam, sharing his experience working with businessman Tan Sri Robert Kuok

philanthropist Mr Koon Yew Yin shares his opinion on why there was an Emergency

a UTAR lecturer poses questions to Prof (Dr) Gary Lit during the Q&A session

Prof (Dr) Gary Lit was a Singapore Public Service Commission (PSC) Merit scholar in 1979. He then pursued his MBA and MSc in the UK, followed by PhD from the University of Melbourne in Australia. Upon his retirement, Prof Gary became a visiting Professor at several universities in Asia and Europe. This illustrious academician has also given numerous interviews with major newspapers and TV stations.

philanthropist Mr Koon Yew Yin (R) having a moment with Prof (Dr) Gary Lit

mememto time: Prof (Dr) Gary Lit 3rd from left

The years of extensive research on this dark history that had tainted the region, initially began when the Japanese planted spies in Malaya, known as the fifth column back in the late 1930s, until the Communist insurgency and when a state of Emergency was declared in the country (16 June 1948 – 31 July 1960), has been compiled in the book, If the Sky were to Fall …

a framed-up Register of Tenants for one of the new villages during the Emergency

Currently ranked among the top ten books in Malaysia, it is in contention for the Best Book in The Star’s Popular Award for a book festival in June. This 3rd edition is dedicated to the La Salle Brothers on the occasion of 170 Years of La Salle in Malaysia. Proceeds from the book sale during the above-mentioned lecture were also donated to the Lasallians’ school fund to assist needy students.

Video: Preview of The Emergency & Chinese New Villages by Dr Gary Lit

Event: The 2nd Leong Sin Nam Memorial Lecture: The Emergency & Chinese New Villages by Prof (Dr) Gary Lit
Venue: 15 Clarke Street, Ipoh
Date: 8th April 2023
Time: 3pm