Ling Fung Shum

Ling Fung is a Trade Union Workplace Organiser and researcher in History at SOAS, University of London. With over a decade of active engagement in the labour movement, Ling Fung sits at the intersection of professional advocacy and social theory, applying deep practical knowledge to the study of the broader landscape of social activism and collective resistance. 

Ling Fung’s primary focus challenges conventional definitions of resistance. While traditional narratives often prioritize visible, direct action, Ling Fung argues that resistance often exists in alternative, latent forms that are just as effective as overt confrontation. To understand these dynamics, Ling Fung adopts a distinct historical lens, examining how the legacies of past struggles fuse into and inform the social movements of today. By analysing historical events, Ling Fung investigates how previous generations’ strategies of dissent are repurposed in the modern era. 

They posit that contemporary resistance is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather a continuation of historical experience adapted to new institutional contexts. This approach allows Ling Fung to uncover how "quiet" everyday acts of solidarity are often deeply rooted in a lineage of historical resilience. Through this synthesis of 10+ years of grassroots organising and rigorous historical inquiry, Ling Fung offers a unique perspective on how social movements sustain themselves over time - proving that the past is never truly gone, but rather continuously reshaping the present struggle for social justice.

• Southern African History
• Alternative Resistance
• Social Movement
• Labour Movement