Joshua Wong

Here is a biographical and thematic profile of Joshua Wong — his life, activism, philosophy, and some notable quotes:

Joshua Wong — Life, Activism, and Influence

Early Life & Background

• Joshua Wong Chi-fung (黃之鋒) was born 13 October 1996 in Hong Kong.

• He was diagnosed with dyslexia in early childhood.

• He grew up in a middle-class Christian family (Protestant / Lutheran).

• His father, Roger Wong, is a former IT professional.

• He studied at United Christian College (Kowloon East) for his secondary education.

• He later enrolled in the Open University of Hong Kong for undergraduate studies in political science / public administration, though his activism frequently disrupted the continuity of his studies.

Activism & Political Career

Scholarism & Early Mobilization

• In 2011, as a secondary school student, Joshua Wong co-founded Scholarism, a student activist group focused on resisting Beijing’s influence over Hong Kong’s education.

• Scholarism first gained wider attention in 2012 when it organized protests and rallies against a “Moral and National Education” curriculum proposed by the Hong Kong government, seen as favoring pro-Beijing ideology.

Rise during the 2014 Umbrella Movement

• Joshua Wong gained international visibility during the 2014 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong (often called the “Umbrella Movement”).

• The movement demanded more open, democratic elections for the city’s leadership and opposed restrictive measures imposed by Beijing.

• Wong was arrested multiple times for his involvement in occupations of public spaces and civil disobedience actions.

Demosistō and Later Activism

• In April 2016, Wong co-founded the pro-democracy political party Demosistō, serving as its Secretary-General until its dissolution in June 2020.

• After the imposition of the Hong Kong national security law in 2020, Demosistō disbanded, and Wong, along with other activists, faced increased legal pressure and disqualifications from electoral participation.

• Over the years, he has faced multiple convictions and jail sentences connected to protest activity and charges under the national security regime.

• In 2025, he faced a further charge of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the national security law.

Philosophy, Values & Approach

• Wong frames his struggle not as revolutionary overthrow, but as persistent activism to preserve Hong Kong’s freedoms:

  “We are not seeking revolution. We just want …”

• He often emphasizes that Hong Kong’s identity lies in its openness, exchange of ideas, and civil liberties:

  “Hong Kong has always been a symbol of the vibrant and free exchange of cultures, commerce and ideas. This reputation is threatened…”

• On responsibility and future generations:

  “If I don’t commit to fighting for the future, 20 years later, 30 years later … Hong Kong will be more at risk and in greater danger.”

• On activism and collective effort:

  “People may recognize me as some sort of superhero … If we need to save Hong Kong, we can’t rely on superpowers, we can just rely on the people.”

His writings (e.g. Unfree Speech: The Threat to Global Democracy and Why We Must Act, Now, co-written with Jason Y. Ng) expand on these themes of free speech, authoritarian challenge, and global solidarity.

Legacy & Impact

• Despite his youth, Wong has become one of the most internationally recognized faces of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.

• Media outlets like Time and Fortune have included him among the most influential youth and leaders.

• His activism has inspired younger generations in Hong Kong and elsewhere to engage politically and defend civil liberties under pressure.

• His legal struggles, arrests, and sentences reflect the tightening constraints on dissent under the shifting political environment in Hong Kong.

Notable Quotes

Here are selected quotes that capture Joshua Wong’s vision and resolve:

• “We are not seeking revolution. We just want …”

• “If I don’t commit to fighting for the future, 20 years later, 30 years later … Hong Kong will be more at risk and in greater danger.”

• “People may recognize me as some sort of superhero … If we need to save Hong Kong, we can’t rely on superpowers, we can just rely on the people.”

• “Hong Kong has always been a symbol of the vibrant and free exchange of cultures, commerce and ideas. This reputation is threatened…”