“It is Not Straightforward”: Resilience in the Bicultural Worlds of Multicultural Youths

This study explores the resilience of South Asian and Southeast Asian youths in Hong Kong, focusing on their bicultural experiences. Using Zimmerman’s resilience theory, Benet-Martínez’s bicultural identity integration theory, and Lilgendahl narrative identity theory, this research employs a narrative inquiry approach. Nineteen youths of Nepalese, Pakistani, Filipino, Indonesian, and Indian origins (aged 17–23) participated in in-depth interviews. The research questions were: (1) What are the experiences in heritage and receiving societies that contribute to the resilience among South Asian and Southeast Asian youths in Hong Kong? And (2) How do these bicultural experiences empower these youths foster their resilience? The findings reveal three themes: “Bitter-Sweet” cross-cultural experiences; Heritage Community Connectedness and Distancing; Appreciation and Culturally Grounded Aspirations. Despite facing discrimination and exclusion, participants valued cross-cultural connections and support systems in the receiving community. Solid religious faith and cultural responsibility provided support, with gender and ethnic differences noted. Resilience is expressed in forms of appreciation and culturally-grounded aspiration. The study advocates for culturally sensitive support systems to enhance the well-being of disadvantaged multicultural youths.