My motivation to become the co-founder of Child’s Dream stems from my experience of working, living and travelling in Asia for many years. While working in Hong Kong and in Singapore as a private banker, I started developing a keen interest in helping the marginalised in society. I had the privilege to meet many wealthy and inspiring people who really care about the less fortunate by either helping with money or by engaging directly in various charity projects. I always admired them, but I never thought that I could work for a charity full-time or even establish my own foundation.

When I left the banking industry in the summer of 2003 to take a mid-career break, I joined Daniel in Chiang Mai, where he came up with the crazy idea of establishing our very own charitable foundation. My initial reaction was blunt incomprehension. How? Why? When? With whose money? Who would trust us? We have no training in that field! We are two bankers! And, and, and… I nevertheless gave it some thought and my initial doubts turned into excitement. Our own charity was born: Child’s Dream.

Since life usually does not turn out the way you have planned it, I had long ago decided to indefinitely extend my break from the financial industry. I have never regretted this decision.

I truly enjoyed my life and work in the financial industry, but only now I know and realise that something had been missing to make me perfectly happy. By managing, leading and growing Child’s Dream, I experience every day that helping others is what fills the gap. It is also a great opportunity to give something back to society and to say “thank you” for the very privileged life I have been able to live so far.

Curriculum Vitae >

Biography >