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Kota Kinabalu: FORMER school headmistress and wife of the late Datuk Stan Yee, Datin Amy Jean Yee, recently unveiled her latest work, “Around the World in 500 Years”, a book documenting five centuries of her family lineage intertwined with global historical events.

The launch, held at the Kinabalu Club and officiated by Datuk Adeline Leong, featured a discussion panel. 

In her opening speech, Adeline described the book – which took ten years of research to complete – as a priceless and voluminous work, a labour of love and deep passion for research and writing. 

She highlighted that the project involved oral histories, interviews, online research, and extensive archival work.

Adeline, who knew Amy Jean for her love of gardening, admitted she never imagined her venturing into such an extensive writing project. 

“What makes this book remarkable is not just the hard work, but the joy and interest Amy Jean found in discovering new information along the way. She has brought history alive and close to our hearts today,” she said.

Spanning 500 pages, the book traces the wanderings of Amy Jean’s ancestors across continents, covering fifteen generations. 

It highlights how, as early as 1525, European nations entered the dawn of globalization, reaching the Americas, while printing and gunpowder technology spread from China. 

At that time, average life expectancy was only 35 years. Rich with historical detail, the book situates the Yee family’s story within the broader tapestry of world history, offering readers both a personal narrative and a window into the forces that shaped societies over five centuries.

Amy Jean’s inspiration for the book came from her grandmother’s bedtime stories. 

She recalled being deeply moved by those tales, even when they were frightening or not entirely accurate. “I believed whatever she said,” she admitted. 

During her research, she discovered some of her grandmother’s stories were slightly exaggerated, yet she remembered her as a gifted storyteller whose words left a lasting impression.

The book has been described as a true work of art. After countless rounds of re-checking and editing, the process was far from easy, but Amy Jean’s perseverance paid off, culminating in a rewarding final product. 

In her speech, she explained that the book is not only a record of family history but also a reflection on broader issues, including women’s rights dating back centuries. 

She noted that it was fitting for Adeline to moderate the discussion, given Adeline’s longstanding advocacy for women’s rights.

The book features several fascinating stories of strong, remarkable women from the past, whose extraordinary lives continue to inspire. 

Amy Jean also expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to perfecting the book, acknowledging their support in the dedicated section.

Reflecting on her journey, Amy Jean admitted that at the outset she was uncertain whether to continue compiling the book, questioning if it was worth the effort or if readers would be interested. 

However, with the encouragement and support of close friends, she persevered and ultimately brought the project to completion.