Marco Wong, a second-generation Chinese-Italian, has made significant strides in local politics as one of Italy's first city councillors of Chinese descent. Elected in 2019 in Prato, Wong's tenure coincided with a challenging period for the Chinese community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they faced undue blame and discrimination [33b9694f].
Prato has seen a remarkable increase in its Chinese population since the mid-1990s, growing from just 38 individuals in 1989 to over 25% of the total population of 192,500 today [33b9694f]. Wong's election was a pivotal moment, symbolizing a step towards greater representation and integration for the Chinese community in Italy. Despite losing his re-election bid in June 2024, Wong remains committed to advocating for the integration of immigrants and plans to stay involved in politics [33b9694f].
In addition to his political endeavors, Wong is also an accomplished author, having published works including the erotic novel 'Red Nectar' and various graphic novels. Through his writing, he continues to promote themes of community engagement and cultural integration [33b9694f]. Wong's journey reflects the ongoing challenges and aspirations of the Chinese immigrant community in Italy, as they seek to carve out a space for themselves within the broader Italian society while preserving their unique cultural identity [33b9694f].