I Left My Heart in Malaya: A Memoir

In 1957, James Hung’s family moves from Hong Kong to Muar, Malaya-the country that would later become part of modern-day Malaysia. As a ten-year-old boy, James finds himself learning English for the first time, making new friends, and discovering a love of sports. During the five years he spends at St. Andrew’s Catholic School, he matures from a naughty prankster to a studious, responsible young man. One day, during Boy Scout Work Week, he knocks on the door of the Vitalingam home looking for work, and makes friends with the couple, beginning an unusual friendship. Not long after, Mr. Vitalingam becomes seriously ill, and James steps in to help. He creates bonds with the family that will last long after he leaves Muar. I Left My Heart in Malaya recalls some of the people and moments that influenced the author during his formative years, and created some of his most treasured memories.