How Did Creating and Leading a Nonprofit Impact Your Life?

Creating and leading the Horizon Asia Education Association (HAEA), a volunteer-driven initiative focused on empowering underserved communities through education, has been a transformative journey. As someone with a lifelong passion for volunteering, founding HAEA allowed me to turn a long-held dream into reality. This organization has provided me with a platform to make a tangible difference, adding new structure and purpose to my life.

From Sporadic Efforts to a Central Focus

Before HAEA, my volunteer work was sporadic, driven by free time and opportunity. Now, with education and community development as central priorities, I have the focus and stability to invest more deeply in our mission. Witnessing our students’ progress, seeing their confidence grow, and watching them move closer to their goals motivates me daily.

Strengthening Leadership and Organizational Skills

Leading a nonprofit has also enhanced my leadership and organizational skills. Managing volunteers, developing impactful programs, and building strong partnerships have deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to creating lasting, positive change.

Can You Discuss a Time When You Faced a Significant Leadership Challenge?

One of the most significant challenges I faced during my leadership at HAEA occurred while working with the Semai community in Malaysia. Navigating the political and bureaucratic barriers, particularly regarding Indigenous tribes, proved complex and demanding.

Political Barriers and a Strategic Pivot

During my eight-month stay with the Semai people, I obtained a teaching permit from JAKOA (Department of Orang Asli Development). However, when the project gained viral attention, the Ministry of Rural Development intervened, revoking my permit to avoid drawing attention to the Indigenous community’s struggles.

Faced with this challenge, we pivoted. We equipped students with solar panels, routers, and learning devices, allowing them to participate in remote classes via Zoom. This innovative solution allowed us to continue delivering a consistent education, despite the obstacles. Additionally, we began sponsoring international trips for talented students, providing them with opportunities to study ESL and other subjects abroad.

This experience underscored the importance of flexibility and adaptability in leadership. Even in the face of significant challenges, persistence and creativity allowed us to move forward and succeed.

What Is the Biggest Lesson You Learned After Four Years of Leading a Nonprofit?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the need to remain flexible and maintain an open mind. Leading HAEA has taught me the importance of understanding the cultural contexts of the communities we serve.

Tailored Educational Approaches for Diverse Communities

Each group we work with—whether the Semai community, Myanmar students, Thai students, or Malaysian students—has unique educational needs. I’ve developed different ESL study materials for each group, ensuring the content is culturally relevant and accessible. This tailored approach has made our programs significantly more effective.

Collaboration and Resilience as Key Drivers of Success

Building strong relationships with local communities and involving them in decision-making processes has proven essential for the sustainability of our initiatives. Additionally, I’ve learned the value of resilience. Leading a nonprofit can be challenging, but staying committed, especially during setbacks, is key to making a long-term impact.

In summary, my four years of leading HAEA have taught me that creating meaningful change requires continuous learning, adaptability, and unwavering dedication.

Join Our Mission to Empower Underserved Communities

Support our efforts to provide education and empowerment to students in Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Donate Now or become part of our Global Mentorship Program by Volunteering with Us to make a lasting impact on students’ lives.