East and South East Asia (ESEA) Heritage Month
ESEA Heritage Month celebrates the contribution of people from East and South East Asia their traditions and cultures.
Introduction
East and South East Asia (ESEA) is a diverse region of c.2.3-2.4 billion people. It covers countries such as China, Indonesia, The Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Korea, each with their diverse cultures, history and languages. According to the 2021 Census, there are 1.4 million people of Chinese and ‘other Asian’ backgrounds, forming 2.4% of the England and Wales population.
ESEA contributions to the UK
The ESEA community has contributed significantly to the UK including the Chinese seafarers serving the British Merchant Navy during World War II. Many of them were illegally deported in 1945-6 and no official apology has been made to this date.
In order to celebrate their contributions and also ESEA traditions, cultures and past, Besesa.n (Britain’s East and South East Asian Network) started the annual ESEA Heritage Month in September 2021. 2025 is also an important milestone for the community due to this year being the 50th year after the Vietnam War ended.
Racism and discrimination against the ESEA communities in the UK
Despite the ESEA Heritage Month having not been recognised by the UK government yet, it serves as an important reminder that racism against ESEA communities still exists in the UK. There were numerous hate crimes against the community during COVID which increased by 146% in Q1 2020 compared to the previous quarter. Therefore, there is still work to be done to tackle racism.
2025 ESEA Heritage Month Theme
This year’s theme for the ESEA Heritage Month is Reframing Resilience. Besesa.n has chosen this theme to re-jig the silent endurance and recognise the grit, struggle, vulnerability and connectivity within the ESEA communities.
How you can celebrate the 2025 ESEA Heritage Month
Inclusive Employers and Race Equality Matter have outlined ways in which you can celebrate the 2025 ESEA Heritage Month.
Inclusive Employers mentioned about:
- Giving ESEA colleagues the platform to share their journeys
- Discovering more about the ESEA Heritage Month
- Learning more about ESEA cultures and past
Race Equality Matter suggested:
- Learning more about the issues affecting the ESEA communities
- Using more inclusive terms
- Highlighting support networks which exist
- Inspiring and encouraging
- Creating a confidential reporting channel
Wishing one and all a great ESEA Heritage Month!
