#HOGA Meet the Team – Kent

The team at Give.Asia is made up of passionate and engaging individuals who all share the love of giving. In our ‘Meet The Team’ series, we’d like you to get to know us, and some of the faces behind Give. Asia and what makes each of them tick.

This week, let’s get to know the ‘Kawaii’ and Kind-hearted Kent!

1. Tell us briefly what you do you do at Give.Asia

Have a nice day, Givers! My name is Kent, and thank you for reaching out to me on my giving journey at Give.Asia. I’m a member of the Marketing team. I support all content on the social media of Give.Asia, including Facebook, and Instagram. 

2. What inspired you to start giving, and what does giving mean to you?

I started giving back in 2013, when I was a student at university. Together with some of my friends, we felt moved to help those less fortunate than us and give them our support. We gathered donations through Facebook, raising money with part-time jobs at restaurants and even receiving contributions from our college and boss.

I didn’t think twice about giving at the time – it felt like the right thing to do. After all, if I had luck on my side, surely it would be great to share a little bit of that luck with others who weren’t as blessed. So we all worked together to provide meals for people in need in our local area, along with clothes or whatever else money could buy to help them out.

3. What causes are you most passionate about?

Children’s Healthcare, Education and Hunger. 

4. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

Four years ago, I just completed an exciting 3-day motorbike trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, covering over 1200 kilometres of diverse terrain. The journey included bustling highways and desolate mountain passes, with stunning views of beach waves in the Middle of Vietnam and valleys, which especially have mountains, beaches, sun and wind. Despite the challenges, I felt alive and invigorated with each passing mile, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching my destination was indescribable. It was an unforgettable adventure, and I look forward to the next one.

5. What’s one thing you think everyone should try at least once?

I believe that everyone should travel to a place where they can be free to explore new ideas and experiences that can make their lives better. Personally, I love to travel, immerse myself in different cultures, try new foods, and visit places where economic conditions are challenging, especially for underprivileged children who lack access to education. After every trip, I encourage my friends and family to return to those places with me and help those in need. It’s not much and not often, but it brings me immense joy and satisfaction to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

6. Describe an experience that changed how you view the world.

I am fortunate to have been a part of a volunteer group that helps the poor and homeless, starting from my freshman year in college. Moving from the countryside to a big city to study and work, I understand the power of love and giving to the fullest extent. I believe that every act of giving has a long-lasting value, not only affecting the recipient but also influencing the people around me and to have a more positive perspective on the power of doing good together.

7. What’s one of your favourite jokes?

When it comes to friends I haven’t talked to in a while, I often start my messages with, “Hey, do you know what happened? It’s really terrible and you won’t believe it when I tell you.” Then I stay silent, leaving the other person to send me many messages. Sometimes, I wait until the next day to reply with something like, “The thing is, it’s been so long since we’ve gone for coffee together. It’s really terrible when I realise that our last hangout was two months ago.”

8. If money were no object, where would you travel to and why?

Now, I am drawn to Vietnam’s highlands, not just as a tourist. I want to contribute my knowledge of agriculture and teaching skills to help children in these areas. It would be a fulfilling experience for me to not only learn about their culture and way of life, but also to make a positive impact on their education and future. And for the future, I hope I can visit anywhere in the world, if I have the chance.

9. What was the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

If you don’t speak up about what you need, no one will know how to help you. If you want help with something, try your best first so that when you hit a wall, people will understand the effort you’ve put in.

10. A quote or saying you live by, and what it means to you

“As another living day is another loving day”,– I always strive to receive positive energy for myself and those around me. Let’s love more to share this positive energy with the people we meet every day.

I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Kent, and the sneak peek into the experiences that shape him. If some of his thoughts resonate with you, please feel free to comment and let Kent know.
Have a wonderful weekend!