HOF012: Mao Ly

Mao Ly was born in Phnom Penh and moved to Battambang, Cambodia in 1972. During the Khmer Rouge regime, he faced persecution and starvation. At one point, he was captured and condemned to be executed by Khmer authorities but somehow, his life was spared. During his detention by the Khmer Rouge, he was ordered to bury the corpses of those executed by the ruling authorities. He was witness to countless executions and found himself mentally and physically shattered by his horrible experiences.

He came to Canada in 1983 and fondly recalls many memories of his arrival in the country. He once worked as a catering chef, but now runs his own successful cleaning company. He appreciates the hospitality Canadians have given him and his fellow newcomers during their settlement in their adopted country.