Book excerpt: This book tells the story of 24 foreigners who are long-term residents of Hong Kong. Their lives have been closely connected with those of their Chinese neighbours. Some were born and raised here, others came to seek opportunities for work and study, and some because they were forced to flee their homeland and start a new life. No matter what brought them here, they have dedicated themselves to Hong Kong and made an important contribution to society. Hong Kong gave them an opportunity to change their destiny, and it has become their second home.