As someone who grew up balancing tradition in a modern world, I’m always drawn to stories that imagine the future through a different lens—especially one that isn’t all doom and dystopia. Especially right now.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Abigail Hing Wen—author, filmmaker, and creator of the new book The Vale. It’s a hopeful and imaginative adventure that explores AI, creativity, identity, and moral responsibility.

I pick Abigail’s brain about the fear surrounding AI and how she manages to show us its more hopeful, human side.

We talk about everything from ethics and empathy to what it means to see girls and women in empowered roles. I loved hearing about her vision for young readers, her personal connection to the story, and how she brought this whole world to life—including an original short film featuring none other than Lea Salonga!

This conversation hit on a lot of themes that matter to me—discipline, imagination, storytelling, and representation. Please preorder The Vale from your local bookstore or Barnes and Noble and support stories that inspire.

I’ve been enjoying these conversations and hope you have too. If you have, please rate my podcast on your platform of choice and share it with others! If you would like to support with a donation to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, you can become a patron of the show by visiting my website or Get more from Mimi Chan on Patreon

For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan.

THE SIFU MIMI CHAN SHOW CREDITS Host: Mimi Chan Intro Music: Mike Relm

Discussed in this episode:

LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI

Paramount Plus original film, LOVE IN TAIPEI

Website – Abigail Hing Wen

Instagram – Abigail Hing Wen (@abigailhingwen)https://youtu.be/ARAVXpfWeP4

TikTok – Abigail Hing Wen on TikTok

Facebook – Abigail Hing Wen

Threads – Abigail Hing Wen (@abigailhingwen) • Threads, Say more

X/Twitter – Abigail Hing Wen Updates (@abigailhingwen) on X

Goodreads – The Vale

Barnes & Noble – The Vale

Bookshop – The Vale

SUPPORT THE LAUNCH BY

PREORDERING THE VALE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 16, 2025

Submit receipts here to receive a free Vale sticker sheet.

Drop by Chinatown Ice Cream Factory in Manhattan for a free trial sized scoop with receipt.

Indie Bookstores Preorder Campaign — The Vale

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Disclaimer: I am not a writer. I do not claim to be. Apologies for grammatical mistakes, long drawn-out run-on sentences, and anything else that drives you crazy. I promise it was not my intention. Be lenient, please.

The post 428. Abigail Hing Wen on AI, Representation, and Imagination first appeared on Sifu Mimi Chan.