Arian’s visit felt more than just a reunion. It was a reconnection with Chung Han’s family, a cherished bond that will continue to live on through the years.
To Arian and family,
We are deeply touched by your friendship and thoughtfulness. Your kindness will always be remembered with heartfelt gratitude. Your visit to Malaysia, the H Water Project, and Chung Han’s resting place meant a great deal to us.
Reflections at the columbarium at Nirvana 2
Happy meals together
Having fun together
Celebration of Life at Oxford, EMBA8 Reunion
Friday 29th May to Sunday 31st May 2026
Friday 29th May 2026
We arrived in Oxford on Friday afternoon, greeted by Arian, who kindly checked us into the Randolph Graduate Hotel.
Later, we visited Han’s college, St Hugh’s, together with Mo and his wife, Yasmin. The representative from the college kindly showed us around the college grounds: the Library, Drawing Room, Dining Hall and Garden. Walking along the same corridor, stepping on the same staircase, the children recalled that Han took us there 3 years ago.
After the visit, we went back to the hotel and got ready for the evening, specially organised to remember Han. This was the main event of the reunion this year, named “Celebration of Life and Ceremony of Remembrance for CH”, held at the Divinity School.
As we entered the magnificent hall, where a Harry Potter scene was filmed, there was a screen showing a slideshow of all Han’s photos. Meeting all the old friends from all over the world, I was trying very hard to hold my tears back as each of them gave a heartfelt speech about Han. When Arian handed me a bouquet of white flowers on behalf of Han, my tears fell instantly. How did Arian even know, of all colours, my favourite is white? I could feel Han was there with us during the whole event. Hom and Hwen did so well, catching up with all daddy’s friends and even thanking them for coming all the way to attend this memorable event.
Friends from the US, UK, Kazakhstan, Canada, India, Ireland, Bulgaria and so on: it was amazing how Han had connected all of us, and for our next generations to continue his legacy by keeping the connections alive globally. Throughout the evening, all of us shared our memories and experiences with Han, and how Han had impacted our lives. Love, you are truly and dearly missed by all of us.
Saturday 30th May 2026
Next morning, we had breakfast at the Alice Dining Room, which brought back memories of Han 3 years ago. The beautiful setting was the same, the sausages and sautéed portobello mushrooms were as delicious, however, Han was not there with us.
We were invited to join the programme held at Saïd Business School for the morning and afternoon. There were a few presentations by Han’s coursemates. One of them was Ralitsa, who shared her experiences in business, both failed and successful ones. Another coursemate shared on human skills in a world of AI, whilst another talked about leadership. Halfway through the lectures, Hom went to the front row and sat through the remaining lectures. Everyone was so amazed at how Hwen and Hom could sit still and not fall asleep throughout the day! I’m sure Han was so proud of his two little munchkins. It was an insightful and definitely a new experience for the children and myself to attend business lectures like this. What a privilege to even enter the Saïd Business School building, and to attend talks from successful entrepreneurs around the world. The children had the privilege to experience what daddy went through during his EMBA year: the lectures, coffee breaks, and even the luncheons in the Pyramid Room.
After a long day of sharing at Saïd Business School, Arian took us out to visit Christ Church. We were lucky to catch a boat race final between the colleges. Shortly after, we went back to the Randolph and got ready for college dinner. The dinner was held at Balliol College, another spectacular building in Oxford. Again, we continued to bond with Han’s classmates over a three-course meal. The children really enjoyed the company and the food.
We ended the evening back at the Randolph Drawing Room, the EMBA8 custom. Han used to play the piano in this room during their stay in the hotel. Han lives in me: I took the courage and played some of our favourite songs as requested by our friends. It was a beautiful yet melancholy evening. You are truly missed, Love.
Sunday 31st May 2026
After breakfast, Arian took the kids shopping. He knew very well Han would have done that. He took them to an Oxford merchandise shop and got them an Oxford jacket each. Hwen and Hom were so happy, and they knew how much Daddy loved Oxford. Arian then took us punting, which Han would have done too. We went with Ralitsa and her two sons. Arian shared that Han used to go punting with him. All of us had a great time on the river.
It was a magical and meaningful weekend for all of us. Thanks to Arian, Lucy and Grant, who made the Celebration of Life for CH come true. Heartfelt thanks to Arian, who took all the effort to make us feel at home from the beginning till the end. The children are now inspired to get into Oxford University one day, just like their daddy and his loving friends from around the world.