Reflections on Immigration, Industry, and Innovation

Adrienne Chan interviews father Ken Chan, who grew up in Hong Kong in the 1960s and immigrated to San Francisco in the 1970s. In Hong Kong, he reflects on the widespread use of kerosene, propane, and limited access to electricity. Domestic life involved manual labor, from handwashing clothes to boiling water for showers. Upon immigrating to the U.S., Ken observes the shift in energy practices, notably the introduction of hot running water, washing machines, and larger living spaces. He discusses the impact of the 1970s Arab Oil Embargo, which led to a shift towards energy-efficient vehicles and alternative energy research, contrasting it with the later American preference for SUVs and larger homes. Ken also notes his personal decisions to invest in solar heating and the fluctuating industrial interest in nuclear energy with his unique perspective in the vehicle manufacturing industry.