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Today is July 31st, 2019. We’re here in Sugar Land with Connie Kwan-Wong interviewing her for the Houston Asian American Archive. I’m Angela Hui. And I’m Mai Ton.

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Okay, so our first question for you is when and where were you born? I was born in December, 1976 in Hong Kong. Um, had your family lived in Hong Kong for many generations? My grandpa was born in China and moved to Hong Kong when he was a teenager, so

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since then, uh, lots of family were in Hong Kong. Um, and how about on the, on the other side of your family, were they also from China? Um, yes, originally and then they actually moved

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to uh, Indonesia, so um, but uh, after my mom got married, he moved back to Hong Kong, so. Okay. And so what were your parents’ occupations? They were restaurant business owner and uh, real estate investors.

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Mhm, and do you know what your grandparents’ occupations were? Um, my—same thing, you know uh, we focus in real estate and restaurants . Do you know how your parents met? Yes they met through their brothers and sister, my father’s brother was

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my mother’s sister’s boyfriend at that time so after that, both of them get—got married . So, describe your family growing up.

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How many people lived together, how many generations, and who was in the house with you when you were growing up? There were four of us living together, inclu—including my father, mother, brother, and myself. But

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we lived close to the grandpa so we get to see each other very often. Um, and what kind of elementary school did you attend in Hong Kong? Was it a British school, and international school, a parochial school?

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I attended a Catholic um, private school. Um, and did you grow up Catholic? Um, no actually when I was young, um, I believe in Catholic, but I still respect that religion, but my

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main religion is Buddhism. Oh, okay do you know what religion your family had practiced? Um, Buddhism. Oh okay. Um, so when you were growing up in Hong Kong, did you have any

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particular impression of British rule and do you feel that you were connected to the British Commonwealth um, or to China? Actually, I was very impressive by their rules. There was the stability and security of the British law

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and governments enable Hong Kong to become a center for the international trade, from just a small island. I left Hong Kong when I was eleven, and I was proud to be Hong Kong citizen. Um, and so when you were growing up in Hong Kong, the

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Cultural Revolution was happening in China, um, in mainland China. Were you aware of what was happening, and did you ever encounter refugees in Hong Kong or any of your family members affected?

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I believe um, the Cultural Revolution were actually happen between 1966 and 1976, so it’s finished, right before I was born, so it didn’t affect me and so I didn’t feel anything .

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I mean like, I was born the end of December, so the whole thing was finished already. Um, and did you know any people from mainland China?

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Mm, not too much you know like uh, all my relatives um, were in Hong Kong and Indonesia. So, I don’t—I don’t think, I don’t think they have been affected by that. Mhm. Were you taught about what happened in mainland China when you were growing up

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in Hong Kong? Mm, yes. When I was in school, um, they—I mean they gave some history, some background, but nothing really in depth.

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Um, and so you mentioned growing up with Buddhism and Catholicism, so what kinds of values, ideologies, or beliefs were you exposed to growing up? You know when I was a child, I visit orphanage and nursing home a lot.

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So I’ve learned that we should share our blessings with others whenever possible. Love the people around you and help the people who need you.

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I also—it is very important to be a good friend, good mother, good daughter, and a good frien—and a good citizen. Okay. And what did being a good citizen mean to you growing up? Giving back to the community.

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Um, try our best to give, actually not just try our best, do our best. Um, I believe together, we can make this world a better place. Um, so growing up, would you um, volunteer with your family or school?

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Yes, I do. We go to orphanage, nursing home, uh, we believe in giving them love, hope, and positivity. Um, and was that through your school or with your family? With my families. Oh, okay. Um, what made you switch from

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Catholicism to Buddhism? No—I was not really Catholic, I mean it’s just my school was Catholic. So we read Bibles, and all kind of things, but um, but my—but

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I still consider myself as Buddhism since I was young. Since my family was in that religion, we got to temples and yeah, and we pray. Okay,

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so when you were in school, were um, most of the other students Catholic or were they also from other backgrounds? I think combination. Combination, yes. Um, so I mean in Hong Kong, I mean there was a lot

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of freedom, you get to choose which religion you would like to believe in. And as I say, I respect in all religion. So, and it was a good school, and um, they teach us being a good person, so um, I actually enjoy

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going to a Catholic school when I was young. Um, and were most of the students also um, of Chinese descent or were there also British students? Uh, Chinese. Chinese, okay. And what was the school called?

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I actually I know in Chinese, but I’m not so sure in English. In Chinese it’s called Mm that means the name means uh, you have to be pure, uh,

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have the community and always uh, be ethical. Okay, um, so could you tell us about your move to Australia? How old were you when you left

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Hong Kong? I left Hong Kong in 1988 and I was eleven years old. Um, so why did your family move to Australia? Uh, we moved to Australia because my parents were uncertainty of the future of Hong Kong.

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They were concerning about the return of Hong Kong to China uh, by Britain in 1997. Oh okay, and can you—uh, do you know what they were concerned about specifically? Uh, economy, safety, security.

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Um, and uh, what did you know at the time about some of the differences between Hong Kong and China when you were eleven? Um... it was ruled by you know the British rules, so we have freedom of speech and

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we can have— like at that time, we can have as many kids as we want, but in China, they limit you to have a certain numbers of kids. And also um, we, we get… you know in Hong Kong,

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it’s not just with the Chinese cultures, but also with a lot of like British influences as well, so definitely different from China. Um, so culturally what were some of the British influences in Hong

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Kong that you noticed? Mm, in Hong Kong I would say, you know, like we celebrate Chinese holidays and British holidays. We have um, British high tea, we have a lot of

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like um, like uh, Caucasian cuisines, and all that. And again, we celebrate, like, the holidays as well, like yeah—so which is wonderful. And you grew up speaking English right? Chinese. Mainly—uh—I mean when I was in Hong Kong, um, of

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course I spoke in Cantonese, but my second language was English. Okay and the school taught in English? Yes. Okay. Um, so— Actually, Chinese and English .

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Cantonese. Yes, Cantonese. I mean if we have English lesson, then it was taught in English. Otherwise, in Chinese. Uh, so would you read uh, for example like British classic

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literature, or Chinese literature, other things? Um, when—I left Hong Kong when I was eleven, so I was not in the literacy side yet, so but we need to read like in some Chinese like uh, literatures

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and poems. Okay. Um, so could you talk about the move to Australia, and how the lifestyle in Australia compared to your lifestyle in Hong Kong? Um, it was a very smooth move.

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We migrate to Australia as an investor. So um, in Australia, Sydney there were lots of Asians, especially Hong Kong and Taiwan. So, I adjusted very well.

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Um, the good things about the schools in Australia is they just don’t only focus on academics, they also focus in art, music, sports, and outdoor activities, which are very different from Hong Kong. And I loved being

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mobile around it. Um, and so were there any adjustments you had to make when you first moved to Australia? Um, definitely, uh, language. Language was the hardest part for me.

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Um, although I’ve learned English, but it was like very simple English. Is—um, I don’t think it’s sufficient enough for me to

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communicate with people efficiently. I mean I—I was better in writing than speaking, so, the g—it was wonderful that the school has ESL class, so it helped me a lot .

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Um, do you have any particular stories that stick out to you about adjusting to Australia when you first got there? Mmm, I guess to learn about the culture and the language, because Australia um, Australian English

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has a distinctive accent, um, and also they have some slangs, which I have—I had no idea, so… I need to learn those . Um, so when you first enrolled in—sorry

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um, so did you notice any particular cultural um, differences in Australia compared to Hong Kong that stuck out to you? Um, Australia um, Australia are more laid back and they are—and Australia know how to enjoy life

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better. Um, they also believe everyone should be given an equal opportunity. Australia is very diverse because people from two different, two hundred countries around the world have migrate to

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Australia, so the culture of Australia is mainly Western culture. But leans towards the Britain, but it’s also influenced by the um, aboriginals. Mhm. So, what was like to go to a place where there was

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an uh, Asian majority to a place where there was a probably Caucasian majority? Um where I live, I live in Australia, uh, actually over there, there is— there is a majority.

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There were so many Chinese, um, I should say Asian, like from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam. So, it was not too big of an adjustment for me at least, and it was pretty easy .

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Um, and in terms of cuisine, was it—did your family still eat the same kinds of food or was it difficult to find ingredients or anything like that? Um, it was not hard at all.

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In Sydney, there was a Chinatown. So, you can find all kind of restaurants, um, and also big supermarket. So, there are lots of chefs who are from Asia.

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So, we had no problem finding good restaurant and good supermarkets. Um, and so what school did you first attend when you arrived in Australia? Meriden School Meriden School?

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Meriden School. And was that in all-girls or a co-ed school? All-girls, private school. Okay and had your school in Hong Kong also been all-girls? Um, yes and no.

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Um, my first part of elementary was all girls. And then right before I moved to the Un—moved to Australia, I went to a co-ed school for a short period of time.

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Okay. Um, so what was your experience I guess, throughout your education of uh, like all-girls schools? I love it. I could concentrate and able to build up my leadership skills.

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Um, so what did you enjoy studying when you were um, growing up in Australia? What were your interests? I love math and science, of course music and arts too, and also I always enjoy learning Chinese. Uh, in fact, I took Chinese as my elective in high school, but

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it wasn’t as easy as I thought. Uh, as I say, I—I, you know, I study Cantonese, so the pronunciation for Cantonese and Mandarin are completely different.

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But I surely enjoying it and so, uh, so, I’m so glad that I took Chinese as my elective, so I can keep my language and cultures. Uh, did you continue to speak Cantonese at home?

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Yes, we do. Um, and so did you already know any Mandarin when you um, started taking Chinese? Mm, not too much. Uh, no—when I was in Hong Kong, we focus in Cantonese, but

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we have—like they still teach us some basic Mandarin, you know like the pronunciation, uh, but I actually learn most of my Mandarin when I was in high school.

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Um, and what were some of the other ways that you tried to stay connected to Chinese culture? Um, you mean here? Oh sorry, when you were growing up in Australia. Um I, I have a lot of Chinese friends, so we always go

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to Chinese restaurants and we go to Chinese bookstores and also there, there were Chinese movie theaters in Sydney. So, I go to see movies at least

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twice a week. Um, so Chinese movies, were they from the mainland or Hong Kong? Hong Kong. Actually they have both, so you get to choose what would you like. Uh, do you remember what any of your favorites were? Favorite movies? Not really.

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Um, and were most of your friends in high school also Chinese? Yes. When uh, in my school a lot of Asians. So, majority of my friends were from Hong Kong.

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In fact, I spoke in Cantonese most of the time, at school. But of course the teacher say that we cannot speak in Chinese, we have to speak in English, so they try to separate us into different classes, so we still get to

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learn, but we get to play together during lunchtime and recess. Um, so what was the demographic breakdown of your high school? Would you s—what percentage were Chinese, you would say?

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Mm. I would say one third are Asian. One third? Oh, wow. Yes. Um, and the rest were Caucasian? Yes, Caucasian and also like they have Black, and different uh, from different countries.

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I guess the reason there were a lot of Asian in my school where I live, has a big population of Asian, I think that also affect the demographic. Um, and did you feel included um, by the other

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non-Chinese students? Yes! You know uh, we enjoy learning each other cultures, uh, for example, you know as I say, I don’t know too much about, like, I didn’t know too much about Australian slang and the

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kids were teaching me like some conversational like, Australian English, you know which was like very helpful. And uh, I, I used to bring lots of snacks to school, so and I share with them, so we talk about different

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cultures, and food and we love each other. Um, and your friends were also from Chinese descent, were they also recent immigrants from Hong Kong? Uh, yes. At—at that time lots of people from Hong

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Kong were not sure of the future, you know, so that’s the reason there were a lot of Chinese, um, you know around the area I live. I mean, they were all

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not sure about the future. But after 1997, actually most of them moved back, all my friends are in Hong Kong, all my Chinese friends are back to Hong Kong now, mmhm. Um, so when you were in high school, what were your plans or aspirations for the

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future? I always want to work in the medical field. I want to use my knowledge to help others. I believe one of the reason I’m on Earth is to help, and to bring opportunities to others.

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Um, and uh, what do you think influenced you to want to go into medicine? Did you have um—did your parents encourage you, your family, your friends? No. I always get so fascinated in the technology

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and um—so—and I love ultrasound. So after I graduated from high school, you know I study radiology um in the University of Sydney, and the reason I selected that program was I want to—I want to get into the

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ultrasound program uh at that time, in order for me to get into the um, ultrasound program, I actually need to get a bachelor degree in radiology and then I have to find a hospital to recommend and sponsor me to get

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into the master program for ultrasound. So, um, I—I always like—I always want to help people. I um, I feel that working in the hospital is the

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best place for me. Um, and was there a particular reason you were interested in ultrasounds? Um, I just think it’s so wonderful like from outside you can see the structures inside your body and especially the heart. It just keep moving and um I think I find

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it very fascinating. Um, and so after you received your um, Bachelor’s in radiology, did you say? Um I left um—I moved to the United States in 1998. I actually was in my last semester of

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radiology. I,—I—I have not finished my degree yet. The rea—reason I moved is because I got married to, with my husband in 1998. Oh, okay. So I have not

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completed my education. At that time, my parents um, was worried. Um, they were thinking, “Oh you should finish, like, you should finish your education before you get

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married and move to the United States.” But I say, “No, I ge—I want to continue my education there and I want to, you know, I want to move to the United States with my husband.” And um, he’s my

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role model. He have taught me so much and I respect—respect him so much. Um, and how did you meet your husband? Uh, he was my pen pal.

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Oh. What’s the story there? You know, actually the story was um, uh, how did he became my pen pal was like I think twenty something years ago, I bought a computer. I bought a computer but I just—I just bought the computer but

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I didn’t install at that time. Computer was very new. I just—lots of my friends bought a computer. So I said, “Oh, I have to buy one as well.” But after I brought it—it was sitting

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in my room for a long time. So um, one day my friend come over and ask me, “Do you want me to set it up for you?” I said, “Sure.” She said, “Do you want a technical support like uh, uh,

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chat room that if you have any questions, you can ask, you know, questions how to use the computer.” And I said, “Definitely.” So, I was having some questions, I was asking questions and then uh, and then he was—he was helping the technical support

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room. And then we were talking and I said I was from Hong Kong and all this and we were just talking and then he told me he was from Hong Kong too and now he’s in the United States and—and I said, “Oh that’s wonderful.” And after that, we just become pen pal.

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We didn’t write emails to each other, actually mail, pen pal. Because we want to learn about, diff—um, exchange in cultures, uh and also the difference between Australia, Hong Kong and the United States.

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Uh, we were pen pal for I would say for less—about a year or so. Uh, one day I came—um, I came to the United State—United States with my friends to visit.

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And I said, “Oh I’m coming um to San Francisco, um, would you like to meet?” You know, and then we met and after we met I knew he was the one I was looking for. You know, we have that very strong connection that um,

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he is an extremely giving person, very generous and very genuine. He’s very, uh, he’s very good with what he does, but he’s very low profile. Um, and he always put other

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people first and he believe—he also believe that um, we should help all the people who need us. Um, and so you met him on the tech support?

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In the tech support group right? Yes. What was his occupation at the time? Oh, he was a student. Oh, okay. He was a student but it was just he was really good in building computers,

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programs and you know how to use computers. That’s why he was in the technical support group you know. I um, actually I always tell others I met my husband through—because

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of my friend, because if she didn’t encourage me to set up the computer and sign into that like technical support room, I would have never met my husband. Um actually when I was a kid, my parents

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actually gave me a choice. Do I want to move to the United States, Australia, or Canada? And I pick Australia.

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Because the United States is too far from Hong Kong, but I—now I’m in Au—now I’m in the United States. So, was your husband in college or graduate program? At that time, he was in college. Oh okay, where was he studying?

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Uh, University of Florida. Oh okay, and do you know what he was studying? He was an engineer. Uh, was he also in college when you got married or had

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he graduated? College. Oh wow. And um, were any of your friends married at that time as well? Mm, no . So, were you the first? Yes, I was the first. I got married when I was twenty-one.

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Uh, so of course my friends ask me, think about it. You know, you are still very young. And I said, “No, I think I find the right one.” And I was my husband’s first girlfriend too.

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So, I think its fate brought us together. Um, and did he, did he visit Hong Kong before you got married? He was born in Hong Kong. Or to meet your parents I mean. My parents? Mhm. My parents uh, they were in Australia.

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Oh, sorry. I meant did he come to Australia that was what I meant. Right. Sorry. Yes so um he flew to Australia to you know to visit my parents.

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Actually, he came during my summer internship and then after we spend a month together, we decided we want to get engaged. But—so we had an engagement party um in Australia

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and also in the United States. But after two months, we decided we want to get, we want to get married, you know so everything happened in a

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short period of time. And I moved to the United States and now I’m here. Were you married in Sydney? Yes. Oh, no. I got married in the United States, I got engaged in Sydney.

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Oh. okay. Was it difficult to get a visa? To— When you weren’t married yet to get a visa to the United States? No, at that time, I—I have Australian citizen so I actually don’t need to have, have a visa to come in.

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I have a visa waiver, so I actually can stay here for three months without any visa. Then so after I got married, then I apply for my green card. Mhm. And was that a difficult process at the time?

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Um, actually I—I was waiting for my green card for a long time. The reason is um, well uh—S— nine—September 11th happened, you know, like during my up—while I was applying for my green card.

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So, everything got delayed. So, it took a lot longer than we expected. Um, so you mentioned that you got married after being engaged for two months right? Yes. What was it like to plan the wedding in such a short span of time?

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Um, my mother-in-law helped me a lot. So, I had my wedding in the United States and I actually didn’t have any family there. So um, only my parents were there.

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Uh, and then my husband’s side invite all his friends and fa—lots of his friends and family. So, it was pretty easy for me . Was it scary for you to make that move,

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the jump? Mm, not really because I guess I trust my husband a lot. Um, I know that he will always guide me to the right direction. Um, I believe in him, so—and

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I was very happy that I move to the United States. So, how did the United States compare culturally and demographically to Australia and Hong Kong? Hong Kong is a very small city and very dense.

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Um, it is even more populated than New York City. Since Hong Kong was governed uh by the United Kingdom, so Hong Kong not only with the Chinese culture, but also influenced by the Britain. We celebrate, again both Chinese and um, British holiday.

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Um, Australia is a uh, is also a low-density population and is very diverse because um, there were people from so many countries that migrate to Australia. Um, and it has their Western culture with the influence of

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aboriginal. Um, United States is definitely is um, primarily Western culture but it’s also influenced by many of the countries like Asian, African, Native American, uh, Latin Americans, you know.

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So in Australia, it’s just like a melting pot full of different kinds of language and cultures. So where in the United States did you move to Florida with your husband or—? In Fl- Um, I first live in Gainesville.

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Oh, okay. Florida. Yes, Florida. And was your husband’s family also living in Florida? No, Miami. Okay. Oh, okay. Um, so what kind of adjustments did you have to make to living in the United

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States? I had to make all new friends again. Um, I didn’t have any family here. So… and also I have to get familiar with the environment and the education system.

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So um, it—it—it was fine, I mean I guess because um, my main focus when I first move here was finish up my degree.

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You know, so I was really concentrate in studying and because I didn’t want to disappoint my parents, when I—uh when I decided to move to the United States, they didn’t really like it, but they

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didn’t stop me because um, they believed that that was my decision. So, my husband, since the beginning he always encourage me, make sure you, you know, do well in school.

00:32:01.290 - 00:32:16.640

You know, your parents put so much, you know, effort, you know, like to you, so make sure you don’t disappoint them. So, when I first move to the United States, I really concentrate in my education and I didn’t have too much problem with it.

00:32:17.340 - 00:32:34.950

Did you enroll in school immediately when you moved to Gainesville? Um, I actually when I first move here, I was looking for a university that offer the radiology program. Which—not many university

00:32:35.480 - 00:32:51.760

o—offer that program. So at one point I was thinking of moving to Chicago because they actually offer that program, but my husband was in—was studying at UF at that time, so I think you know it’s not I don’t want to

00:32:51.890 - 00:33:03.350

move him to Chicago and all that. And also, I was doing research um, you know, for different universities. I find out there was an ultrasound program—it’s

00:33:04.840 - 00:33:19.450

an associate’s degree in ultrasound, so I just enroll to it immediately. Because as I say—as I said, in Australia we actually had to go through a four years degree in radiology and then find a hospital to

00:33:19.450 - 00:33:31.740

sponsor you and recommend you. And then even if you have the—the—the um, sponsor and recommendation, it doesn’t mean you will for sure get into that program, because that program is extremely competitive.

00:33:32.090 - 00:33:44.500

I think they only pick fifteen students at that time. So, but when I came here I find out there is an ultrasound program here so I said, “That’s perfect, that’s exactly what I was looking for.”

00:33:45.160 - 00:34:00.000

Um, and what college was that that you enrolled in? Um, I got my associate’s degree um, in Santa Fe Community College and I got my training at the University of Florida. Did any of your credits from uh—

00:34:00.230 - 00:34:10.660

Yes transferred. Definitely, yes. Oh, okay. So, were you able to get the degree more quickly? Yes, I got a um, uh, like from all my science and math, everything got transferred, yes.

00:34:11.240 - 00:34:28.140

Um, and so once you received your associate’s degree, um, what did you do afterwards? Um, I was a um, cardiac sonographer. So um, I—I was very excited about you know, the technology

00:34:28.140 - 00:34:41.870

and all that. But in a couple, two years later, I now have decided I want to do more. So, I finish my bachelor degree in um, healthcare management. Uh, at the Univ um,—George

00:34:41.870 - 00:34:55.990

Washington University. Um, and where is that? In Washington—uh, Washington, but I did the online program. So I lived in Miami—at that time I was actually in Miami, I lived in Miami but I able to finish

00:34:56.070 - 00:35:10.070

my bachelor degree, you know. And it didn't take that long to finish because I could transfer a lot of my credits as well, but—but I want to go ahead and finish my bachelor degree. And at one point, I was thinking I want

00:35:10.070 - 00:35:24.660

to get my MBA, then um, I change my mind, because I don’t think I really like um, working in the management level in the hospital. I enjoy taking care of the kids.

00:35:25.590 - 00:35:38.000

I believe in direct impact. A lot of the time, I’m the—I was the first one diagnose the pathology and I work closely with the cardiologist and the

00:35:38.000 - 00:35:52.700

surgeon. So, I really loved it. So that’s why although I had my uh, healthcare management degree, I—I chose not to go to that route. Oh, so your bachelor’s was in healthcare management.

00:35:54.440 - 00:36:06.580

I see. And while you were receiving your degree online, were you also working at the same time? Um, was it difficult to balance those two? Mm, not too bad. Um, so when you were working as a cardiac

00:36:06.700 - 00:36:20.070

sonographer, what was your experience like what were your hours like for instance? I work from 7 to 7:30—uh 7 to 3:30. I spend mo—most of my day in the neonatal ICU,

00:36:20.930 - 00:36:36.500

pediatric ICU, and the operating room. Um, what was the demographic breakdown of your coworkers would you say? Mm very diverse, like um they uh—they were Asian, White, Black.

00:36:36.500 - 00:36:51.970

Uh, you know, it’s ver—it was very diverse. And I think 50% of my coworkers were from Asia—what I mean by Asian is from India, Thailand, you know it’s not just Chinese.

00:36:54.010 - 00:37:06.380

Um, and uh how about the gender breakdown, were there also a lot of other women working in the hospital? Mmh, I would say half-half. Mhm and how about the physicians?

00:37:07.160 - 00:37:23.480

The physicians most of the colleague I would say maybe 60% was male and 40% was female, like w—uh, the cardiologist I worked with.

00:37:24.830 - 00:37:40.840

Um, and how did you decide that you wanted to work um, as a pediatric cardia—cardiac sonographer? Um, as I said, I love kids, uh I love seeing, I love seeing new pathology.

00:37:41.650 - 00:37:57.240

Uh, so and I think it’s just so fascinating that I can use the ultrasound machine to see through the body and able to see the heart so clearly. I took care of premature babies, which is

00:37:58.130 - 00:38:09.910

like less than 0.5 kilograms. And they’re so tiny, and we’re able to use the probe to make a diagnosis on them. A lot of them were in critical condition.

00:38:10.770 - 00:38:23.000

So, the pathology was diagnosed when they were fetus. So as soon as the were born they actually need to be transferred to ICU.

00:38:23.570 - 00:38:36.930

And then we have to go there to evaluate the pathology to confirm—that is the pathology. And a lot of the time, they need immediate surgery. For example, to get certain circulation

00:38:37.870 - 00:38:53.450

going. So um, so I just think that it’s just so interesting. You know, I feel that I can use my knowledge to help the kids. Was it difficult to work with sick children or children in

00:38:54.090 - 00:39:10.150

critical condition? Mm. I didn’t have any problem, because I—my goal was to help them. My goal was to help them to find the best treatment.

00:39:11.130 - 00:39:24.490

And a lot of the time, I actually discuss the pathology with the—with the cardiologist and to see would that be the appropriate treatment. A lot of the time, you know the

00:39:24.750 - 00:39:35.500

cardiologist trust me a lot. Whatever I say, they believe in it. And um, they take my um, like um, advice and comments very seriously.

00:39:35.500 - 00:39:52.730

And while you were working as a sonographer, what was your husband’s occupation? He was in Hong Kong at that time . He was in—at that time, my—his grandpa was very sick, so

00:39:53.100 - 00:40:07.530

he need to go back to Hong Kong you know help him- to take care of him-- and help with his business as well. And so at that time, he went back to Hong Kong pretty

00:40:07.650 - 00:40:21.440

often. I would say every year, he needs to go back to Hong Kong for few months but only for a few years. After his grandpa got better, then he moved back here and then uh, finish his master’s degree.

00:40:22.170 - 00:40:35.930

So were you living alone at the time? Oh, with his family. Oh, okay. So, it’s so funny I was living with his family, and he was living with my family in Hong Kong. Um, so what was it like to live with his family?

00:40:36.750 - 00:40:52.970

Great. Um, my mother in law is just like my mom. She is very loving, very caring, she treats me like her own daughter. She want to make sure that, you know, like I have everything I need and never give me

00:40:53.170 - 00:41:07.660

any pressure, let me do whatever I want, and respect my opinions. Um, so was it just um, your husband’s parents? Or were there other family members as well that you were living with? Uh, just my husband’s parents and his brothers.

00:41:08.260 - 00:41:20.540

Oh, okay. Yes. Um, his older or younger brothers? Yeah, he has two younger brothers. Oh, okay. So were they still like children, teenagers at the time or—? They were in their—one of them, in their twenty,

00:41:22.980 - 00:41:33.930

early twenties. Oh, okay. Okay. And um, what was it like to all be living in a house together? Mmh, I think it was fine.

00:41:34.220 - 00:41:50.770

I mean, I guess I have a lot of—they give me a lot of rooms, you know so they never um, question or interview what I like to do. And they are very, very supportive on everything I

00:41:50.910 - 00:42:02.790

did. And I, I used to work in a hospital which is only two minutes away from my home and I spend lots of my time in the hospital. Um, who would you say were your close friends at the

00:42:07.360 - 00:42:23.410

time? Mmh, I think my—my manager in the hospital. She is from Malaysia, and her name is Janet. And I think she was my best friends at that time. She was my best friend. Um, in fact she hired me,

00:42:23.810 - 00:42:41.490

then um and after I graduate, you know, like um,—after I finish my internship at University of Florida, I actually they, they want to hired me to do research there. But, my husband think—thought that I should

00:42:41.490 - 00:42:59.700

move back to Miami with his family, because at that time, he had to go back to Hong Kong. So, so then I turned down the job, you know, like with the university. And one of the employees in the university, she

00:43:00.280 - 00:43:14.440

used to wor—she used to live, used to work in Miami. And one of her staff was the manager in Baptist hospital. So she called her friend and said, “Oh, I have someone really good, would you please consider

00:43:14.640 - 00:43:30.250

interview her?” And then I went for my interview with Janet, and she hired me immediately. And since then, we became very good friend. And how long did you work, for how long did you work as a sonographer?

00:43:31.520 - 00:43:39.750

Thirteen years. Thirteen years. Yes. Um, and how did you end up in Houston? Because of the medical center. I moved the whole family here.

00:43:39.750 - 00:43:57.360

You know, my husband is semi-retired. You know, I mean um, kind of semi-retired, so um, so he doesn’t—he only goes back to Hong Kong I would say twice a year to you know

00:43:57.640 - 00:44:12.400

to make sure everything, his business is running well. And uh, so most of the time, he’s here. Um, so what year did you move to Houston? Two—2008.

00:44:13.530 - 00:44:29.920

2008. Um, and so at what point did you stop being a sonographer and come to be the philanthropist, magazine editor and businesswoman you are today? Actually, I start giving back to the community when I—when I was a kid,

00:44:30.360 - 00:44:42.880

you know. But I further my passion when I was working in the hospital. When I was working in the hospital, I have seen a lot of kids and children that has been abused and neglected.

00:44:44.260 - 00:45:03.520

So I was telling myself, I want to do more for the kids. So, with my husband’s support and faith, um, I created my foundation to help childrens um we mainly—I want to use music to help them, to heal

00:45:03.860 - 00:45:14.140

them, to uh, give them confidence. And of course, I love to empower women as well. Mhm. And this is the CKW Foundation right?

00:45:14.460 - 00:45:25.060

That’s correct. Um, what year was it founded? 2012. And were you still working as a sonographer then? At that time, yes like when I first started. Yes, I was working in the hospital.

00:45:25.400 - 00:45:40.870

Uh, but then did you uh, did you stop being a sonographer to focus on the foundation? Uh, the reason I stopped working in the hospital is I—I was pregnant. I was pregnant five years a—I got pregnant. And I was in high risk.

00:45:41.170 - 00:45:56.310

So, the doctor recommend me not working in ICU and the operating room all the time. Uh, so the doctor say that I should not be standing too much. So, I finally retired.

00:45:56.360 - 00:46:10.200

My husband was so happy at that time because I’m a—I was a workaholic. And uh, so he said, “I always think I should work a little bit less,” so but I just—I just enjoy working in

00:46:10.200 - 00:46:24.530

the hospital so much. I spent most of my day working in the hospital. Um, so my husband was very happy that I resigned. Uh, so at what point um, so you started the foundation after you were pregnant?

00:46:25.170 - 00:46:38.470

Is that right? Or before? Before. Oh, okay. Before I was pregnant. So when I was hur—working in the hospital I started my foundation, and— but after that I also launch my uh, skincare and

00:46:38.650 - 00:46:51.640

accessories company, CKW Collection. Uh, we donate our profits back to the charities. And the reason that I started that was because um, I wanted to be self- sufficient.

00:46:52.580 - 00:47:07.120

I want to be able to contribute to the community myself. My husband could have easily you know, you know, give me all the funding and helped me with giving back to the community. But I believe

00:47:07.870 - 00:47:23.160

in working for the children. I believe in making my own money and give back to the community. Um, okay and so with the CKW Foundation, um how, how is the organization structured?

00:47:23.350 - 00:47:41.490

You mentioned um, music for children and also empowering women? Can you talk more about that? For the mission for the foundation is actually to raise awareness um, for the children that has been abused and neglected and we wanted to serve as the bridge between the wonderful

00:47:41.540 - 00:47:52.860

Houston community. And uh, but I have a lot of programs that we uh, want to use music to help the kids. And we partners— partnered with lots of organizations.

00:47:54.120 - 00:48:07.670

Um, so who, who plays the music? Um, we have people from the Houston Grand Opera, uh, the Houston Symphony, and also other musicians go to the charities that I believe and I connect them, and then—or

00:48:08.650 - 00:48:23.010

I sponsor the program so they can perform um, at the charities. Um, so the—the musicians th—do they go to the hospitals or...? They actually go to um, for example, Today's Harbor for

00:48:23.050 - 00:48:38.300

Children. They actually go to La Porte and do an opera, opera performance. Uh, I bring in musicians to play music and concerts for them. I bring in artists to teach them how to paint, express

00:48:38.390 - 00:48:55.420

themselves. And also, I brought in writers to teach them about creative writings and book signing and artists. Um, and how do you think these kind of artistic outlets help the children? I believe arts can make—arts can heal children and

00:48:55.620 - 00:49:10.490

also good for the soul and make beautiful children. Mhm. Uh, and then you mentioned um, uh, women’s empowerment. Can you talk more about that? I believe that you know, it is very important to empower women

00:49:10.490 - 00:49:23.370

because it can help them you know, to find a job. You know, to have a stable life. So, they can also give back to the community and also create a better family.

00:49:23.620 - 00:49:36.470

As I say, you know, I love children, I believe children are our future. If the mother is doing well, they are able to bring a better healthy family. That's another reason I support

00:49:36.740 - 00:49:54.200

womens. Um, so is there a program for women’s empowerment housed within the foundation or how does that—? I support—we support um the woman's home, we support the woman's home. A lot of the clients um, usually have maybe some mental issues

00:49:54.360 - 00:50:07.500

and uh, drug addiction. So, while they were in - during the treatment, of course, the family and kids were taken away from them. But after they finish the programs, they will—the organization will help them to find

00:50:07.500 - 00:50:20.800

a job, to get a stable life so they can have their families back. Um, so how um, how is the foundation itself structured as an organization? Um. It’s um, it’s family.

00:50:21.270 - 00:50:29.770

So, it is self-funded. Oh, okay. Um, so is there a board of—? The family is. With the family.

00:50:30.380 - 00:50:45.520

So uh, we believe in um, giving back to the community as a family. Um, and so what are your day-to-day responsibilities for the foundation? Um, I would say create a lot of programs,

00:50:46.530 - 00:51:01.690

partners with a lot of organization and, and to choose the right organization to partner with. I always visit the organization and the facility before I even considered

00:51:01.690 - 00:51:16.650

supporting them. And I even like to volunteer there, so that way I have a better understanding of the organization. Um, I look at their financial reports very clearly. I want to make sure the money are well

00:51:17.060 - 00:51:35.740

spent. I don't want the money go to a lot of the overhead and not so much to the program. Um, so another way for me to support is, as I said, I love to create program, so I usually work with the organization. I tell them that I want to create a program with you

00:51:36.140 - 00:51:50.760

to benefit the kids and women directly instead of me giving them a big check. I, I say I will underwrite all these things, and I will take care of it and I want to have these um, programs happen.

00:51:51.800 - 00:52:07.350

Uh, in fact, we will have four different programs like in 2020 we just finalize it. One of them will be a music program that we partner with Ars Lyrica, um, which is a Baroque opera company.

00:52:08.620 - 00:52:18.670

Uh, they will use music uh, to he—to help the kids with cancer in MD Anderson. So this is—this will be one of the programs, we will have the music program.

00:52:19.960 - 00:52:31.000

And uh, we will have an arts program at the Kids Meal. Uh, Kids Meal is like an organization feeding the hungry um, children under five years old, we will have an arts program for them.

00:52:32.530 - 00:52:48.050

And of course, we will continue having um, the uh, visual and performing arts summer camp. And um, we will also partner with the Women’s Home uh, to have like a lunch

00:52:48.050 - 00:53:02.390

series to raise awareness, you know, for the organization to net—to let the community know what they can do to help, you know. So those are the three programs that we are planning to

00:53:02.700 - 00:53:12.460

launch in um, 2020. Oh, sorry. Which are the programs you are planning to launch? Um, the four programs. You know, the arts program um, with the Kids Meal.

00:53:13.210 - 00:53:25.720

Um, the hospital program, the summer camp, and the lunch series. Oh, okay. So, um, which programs are already in place? The summer camp—the summer camp that we had last year.

00:53:26.190 - 00:53:41.420

And then wh—the program that we actually had done was mainly uh, related to art and literacy. As I say I—I—I uh, I underwrite the operas. So, the opera singers can go there to perform for them.

00:53:41.680 - 00:53:56.450

I, you know, I underwrite the literacy program. So, um the authors can go there to teach them like creative writings and, you know, on different things. So, things that I have mentioned that have already done, but I also

00:53:56.820 - 00:54:12.130

want to add a few more programs to what we have been doing. Do you ever meet the children or the women that you went to help? Yes, definitely. Um, I love uh, Today's Harbor for Children.

00:54:12.470 - 00:54:22.700

It used to call Boys—Boys and Girls Harbor. Uh, it’s located in La Porte. I visit them at least three to four times a year. Uh, um, you know,

00:54:23.160 - 00:54:40.320

every time I go, we always do a party for them with the musicians, with the artists, you know? Um, they—they actually remember me and they always ask me, “When are you coming back?” You know, I believe in direct, you know, like the

00:54:40.370 - 00:54:52.900

making a direct impact. The best thing for me is, I—I see the kid smile, they have a good time. They feel great. I want them to feel loved.

00:54:52.980 - 00:55:06.990

I want them to feel even someone you don't know well also love you. Don't give up. You know, um there is always something great happening. And you—you also brought up the CKW

00:55:07.740 - 00:55:20.120

Collection. Can you talk about um, when you founded that, how you decided to get into skincare and—? I founded CKW Collection in 2012 and it is a skincare and accessories company.

00:55:20.660 - 00:55:34.650

Um, we donate our profits back to the charities and we donate a lot of one of a kind crystal cultures to different charities. So far we have ra—we have helped organization raised over

00:55:34.650 - 00:55:49.020

- I would say $100,000. Wow, okay. Um, did you have previous experience in skincare, dermatology, or fashion design? Yes, I studied beauty therapy when I was in Australia when I was eighteen. And then

00:55:49.020 - 00:56:03.870

after that, like between, you know, between my life, like uh, like classes, like in college, like during summer and winter and all that between my breaks, I went to Hong Kong, Paris, you know, and also

00:56:03.920 - 00:56:14.780

get more education in, like uh, skincare. And also, I've got my license in the United States as well. Oh, sorry. License for—? Uh, for esthetician license.

00:56:14.860 - 00:56:27.450

Oh, wow. Okay. Yes. So, I—I want to keep up with the technology, um, with the newest product and all that. And that's the reason I still had my license in because in

00:56:27.450 - 00:56:43.470

order for me to go to a trunk show, if I have my license, it's just much easier. Um, so did you create the skincare formulas or did someone else create them? Um, th—I um, actually the product was tested formula manufacturer in

00:56:43.470 - 00:56:57.310

the lab in Florida. They actually helped me with the whole process and the testing was conducted in multiple stages um, of them form—of formulation and manufacturer to make sure the

00:56:57.740 - 00:57:11.390

quality and the con—consistency. Um, and were you involved in that process? Yes, I do. You know, I tell them, you know, what kind of ingredients I'm interested in, what kind of pro—what kind of result I'm hoping to achieve.

00:57:11.870 - 00:57:23.270

So, then we can, you know, create something unique. Oh, okay. So, um, do you know where the products are manufactured? In Florida. Okay. Um, and is it a—is it a factory?

00:57:23.330 - 00:57:37.310

It’s a lab. Oh, it’s a lab. Is it mainly for the CKW Collection or do they do other—? They—they do like—they create formula for all kinds of like, companies like cosmetics. So, I mean, a lot of people like to have their own products you know?

00:57:37.420 - 00:57:48.350

So um, they help not only my products. They uh, they have scien—scientists there, they have lab person there to help with producing different kinds of product.

00:57:49.690 - 00:57:58.730

Um, and how about the—the crystal collections you mentioned? Uh, did you design them? Yes, I designed them. Oh, okay. And do you know where they were manufactured? Hong Kong.

00:57:59.270 - 00:58:16.730

Oh, okay. Um, so how—how do you promote your skincare products and accessories? Um, mainly through trunk show and also um, I have selves representative that you know, help to promote a product and also online.

00:58:16.930 - 00:58:30.860

Do you use the products yourself? Yes, I do. Um, and what do you think sets your skincare products apart from other ones on the market? Mmh. Our products are very natural.

00:58:32.040 - 00:58:48.990

And I think what sets us apart is we focus in giving back to the community. Um, my target demographic for CKW uh, CKW Collection will be the people who believe in

00:58:49.170 - 00:59:04.540

an idea of beautiful inside and out. So the com—uh the company combine skincare, accessories, and charity together. Um, so what are your day-to-day responsibilities for the collection, the CKW collection?

00:59:05.800 - 00:59:17.020

I focus in designing and decide which, you know, which organization I would like to support and donate to. Uh, designing the clutches? The—yeah. Oh, okay. I see.

00:59:17.950 - 00:59:31.340

Um, and then how about CKW LUXE Magazine? When—when did you found that? We launched in 2015. Um, actually, I decided to

00:59:31.400 - 00:59:45.780

create a magazine when—on my birthday. My friends were asking me on my birthday party. My friends were asking me, “what would you like to do next year?” and I was just saying, “I want to launch a

00:59:46.030 - 00:59:59.330

magazine.” And then at that time, my friends say, “No, do you know how hard that is? It’s not easy to launch a magazine.” I didn't have any experience. Um, I had no idea what to do.

01:00:00.180 - 01:00:18.080

Uh, I was in the medical field, nothing related to publishing. And uh, magazine business is not that easy for some of the magazines. So, at that time my friends say, “Don’t do it.” You know, “It's not going to work.” But I was telling myself,

01:00:18.960 - 01:00:30.870

“I want to create a philanthropy inspirational and quality living magazine. I want to use the magazine to tell great stories and spread the message of love, hope and positivity.” CKW

01:00:32.070 - 01:00:47.120

stand for caring, kindness, and wisdom. And I— and also my initial as well. And I truly want to use this magazine to make a difference to the world. Mhm. And uh, what were some uh, exemplary magazines you had in mind

01:00:47.230 - 01:00:59.330

when you started um, some magazines that you thought were good models to follow? I—I didn't follow any model. All I—all I knew was I want to publish a publication

01:01:00.800 - 01:01:15.360

that is philanth- is related to philanthropy, quality living, and inspirational. I want to make Houston—Houstonian proud that we have a magazine that truly care

01:01:15.560 - 01:01:32.530

about the community. Um, so who writes and edits for the magazine and how did you find them? Uh, we have um, uh—we have different professionals contribute to articles to the magazines. Uh, we have health—healthy uh, healthy uh, healthy living editors, quality

01:01:32.530 - 01:01:44.680

living, travel editors. I also have a general editor who overlooked the whole magazine, you know, to make sure, you know, the—um there is no errors and all that. Um, and how did you find these people?

01:01:45.100 - 01:01:58.190

Uh, through personal con—uh connections and online. Um, and are they uh, employed full time by CKW? No. Um, they usually, you know, is we pay them through like, the articles. So, that’s

01:01:58.490 - 01:02:12.920

how we do it. A lot of them professionals, they actually like to contribute um, the articles to share the knowledge and experience, for example, my health editor, they

01:02:12.940 - 01:02:27.690

always share their knowledge of mental health and educate the community. Okay. Um, and so you mentioned a few kinds of stories that the magazine publishes. Are there um, particular examples that you think are really representative of

01:02:28.010 - 01:02:41.480

the stories you like to publish? You know, like on the magazine, we cover inspirational stories art, music, charity, education, parenting, health, and quality living, food, travel, and many more.

01:02:41.480 - 01:02:57.460

So I think all these topic are related to philanthropy, quality living, and inspiration. Do you play any hand in the stories that go into the magazine?

01:02:57.460 - 01:03:15.780

Yes, I select every topics, I approve every—every articles. I review every articles. The—I actually— I was the one that decide which page go to where. After I have all the articles ready, I actually spend

01:03:16.080 - 01:03:31.870

a lot of time rearranging it. I will print—actually, I will print a mock copy to make sure it flows well, to make sure that um, you know the contents related to each other. Uh and also, you know, I have um,

01:03:32.130 - 01:03:46.880

advertisement, you know, ad on my magazine, I want to make sure the ad will also match with the content as well. So, I want to make sure they're all in a good placement. Who do you think is the target readership for the magazine?

01:03:48.460 - 01:04:02.530

Readers who enjoy um, quality reading and uh, gaining knowledge. You know, my magazine is very different from other local magazine. Uh, when you look at it, you see a lot of contents.

01:04:03.500 - 01:04:13.730

Majority of my pages are contents. So is that magazine for everyone? I don't think so. If someone who is interested more

01:04:13.810 - 01:04:30.200

in social scenes, that may not be perfect for them. But the p—but we do have a social um section at the end of the magazine, but that is not our focus. But this magazine is, um is for someone who love to learn,

01:04:31.440 - 01:04:48.980

who wants to get inspired, who wants to give back to the community. Um, and so what is the current circulation of the magazine? Do you know? The readership per each edition is about 25,000. Oh, wow. Okay. And uh, it has been grow—uh, growing steadily.

01:04:50.210 - 01:05:02.880

And is that how many issues you print for each um—? Um, the—the readership is a little bit—we print like, we didn't print like 25,000 copies, um, but readership is 25,000.

01:05:02.880 - 01:05:18.920

How we calculate that is how many people will actually read the magazine. You know, our—our magazine, we put it in—the magazine is for sale in Barnes & Noble, Kroger, HEB. And we also distribute to thousands of waiting areas um, and

01:05:18.960 - 01:05:31.820

also um, events. So how we calculate readership is, for example, we assume each copy, maybe get one person reading it, or some we calculate as two.

01:05:32.420 - 01:05:43.680

The reason is, if you put in a doctor's office, most likely the magazine will be—we have more than two people flipping through it. So that's how we calculate readership is depends on where we put the magazine.

01:05:43.850 - 01:06:00.500

And um, how many magazines actually get to the people hands. Um, how many copies do you print of each issue? Um, about 20,000. 20,000. It’s depends. You know, like, um, if we know that we have um, a

01:06:00.610 - 01:06:11.230

lot of events coming up, we may print more. Um, and do you also have subscribers? Or is it mostly—? We used to have a subscription, but I decided not to do it because they can get it in the

01:06:11.230 - 01:06:20.550

store anyway. So, yeah. It's just easier for us. One less thing for me to worry. Uh, and is it uh, is it sold only in Houston locations?

01:06:21.770 - 01:06:40.400

Right now, yes. And I’m hoping to expand. Um, I'm hoping that uh, I can go outside of Houston, hopefully in Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. Oh, okay. Um and so, what are your day-to-day responsibilities um,

01:06:40.890 - 01:06:56.790

as the publisher of the magazine? Um, deciding the theme, contents, graphic, uh, review and approve articles, events, planning, and many, many more. Uh, do you have any future goals for the magazine?

01:06:57.340 - 01:07:12.770

Um, as I have mentioned, I wish that can uh go outside of Houston and I want to have CKW LUXE events at different cities. Um, do you have any particular topics that you hope to cover that you haven't been able

01:07:12.770 - 01:07:26.870

to yet? Hmm, I would think may—not really but I do want to cover events like in like different parts of Texas. I think that's what I will be working on.

01:07:27.970 - 01:07:36.450

Um, so what are some issues that you face in running the magazine? You said that your friends told you not to start it? Have you run into any of the issues that they talked about?

01:07:36.610 - 01:07:47.050

Fortunately not. Um, we have a lot of supporters um, who believe in the magazine. And I consider

01:07:47.760 - 01:08:01.230

my magazine is not really just a magazine. I consider that as a coffee table—coffee table book. So people will look at over and over again. So, with—because with the valuable contents.

01:08:01.890 - 01:08:13.480

Uh, so fortunately, I never had any problem. I mean, like, um, in fact, a lot of the advertisers, they came to me. I didn't even go to them.

01:08:13.960 - 01:08:31.270

They saw my publication, they contacted us, and we accepted them. And all our advertisers are actually by invitation only. Um, but uh, there are certain a—advertisers I—I accepted

01:08:31.320 - 01:08:43.520

because they also give back to the community. That's why I include them in the magazine as well. And have you considered putting the magazine online, um—? Yes, it is online, we have a website is it is online.

01:08:44.550 - 01:08:55.670

And next year, we will actually focus more in social media and um, digital. The reason is, for the younger generation, they tend to read a lot on their phone, on the tablet.

01:08:56.130 - 01:09:08.220

So that is the direction we will go to. But we will continue producing the high- quality living magazine. Um, because a lot of people they still enjoy reading the

01:09:08.420 - 01:09:22.630

magazine. They um, they enjoy the quality of the magazine and also reading online and actually reading on the magazine uh from the magazine is completely different. And so reading like a magazine, you can feel the paper, you can

01:09:22.630 - 01:09:39.050

smell the paper. So it's just completely different. And also the graphics looks very good on paper too. Um, and you mentioned having the magazine in waiting rooms, what kinds of um, places do you normally wh—what kind of waiting rooms?

01:09:39.110 - 01:09:51.940

Like hospitals or—? Doctor's offices. Um, Medical Center, for example, when we um, have my assistant distributed, like just say for example, Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza, like in Sugar Land in

01:09:51.940 - 01:10:05.920

Southwest. In Medical Center, she actually go to all the buildings go to every single office to distribute them. Go to every single one. And also, for example, I tell them, I need to have the whole

01:10:05.920 - 01:10:19.910

streets of gray streets cover. So she will visit every store, and give the magazine to every like store like in the waiting areas. Any—I would say any location that allow us to

01:10:20.110 - 01:10:34.970

put the magazine, and we think that there will be readers, we will leave it there. So because what we hope is to increase our readership. That is most important thing because even though just say you print a hundred thousand

01:10:35.210 - 01:10:45.830

magazine, and if no one is reading it, if you don't put it at the right place, then you don't get your message across. We believe in putting the magazine at the right place.

01:10:46.070 - 01:11:00.120

That's why we distribute a lot of the magazine at charity events, because that are our target audience, and we partnered with a lot of charities. They let us put the magazine, you know at the event, so all the guests will receive a copy of the magazine.

01:11:00.660 - 01:11:15.860

And um, and also we put our magazine on the gift bag and all that. So um, I—I think those are the perfect uh, readers for us. And when you're distributing to waiting rooms and places like that, are you

01:11:15.860 - 01:11:27.940

donating copies? Or do they purchase them? I—are donating the copies. Yes. Okay, and then um, with Barnes & Noble, HEB, Kroger, are you also donating them or they purchase them? They purchase it and so how we use

01:11:28.410 - 01:11:45.170

how we usually do is we firstly we will send to the uh, um, Kroger, HEB, and Barnes & Noble first. Then, I will have my assistant distributes to thousands of waiting

01:11:45.380 - 01:12:01.630

area and events and all that. And then after around two months, when the magazine is off the shelf, then we will leave bundles of magazine at different area for people to pick up for free.

01:12:02.230 - 01:12:18.440

Because when the magazine is on the shelf, we should not be leaving too many people out there for people to pick up for free. Otherwise, why would people go to the store to buy the magazine? And uh, so - but we believe in

01:12:19.140 - 01:12:33.590

some readers, they like to buy magazine, some don't. So we cover both areas, both readers. So the magazine yes, is for sale in the first—I mean two to three months. And after that, we will put them in

01:12:33.870 - 01:12:45.510

different locations for people to pick it up for—pick them up for free. But during the first three months, we actually distribute to a lot at events. So a lot of the charities also distribute our magazine as well.

01:12:46.430 - 01:13:03.780

Um, so what would you say is the proportion of issues that you sell to Barnes & Noble and places like that versus donate? Majority of my copies will be, I would say is distribute to the waiting areas and events.

01:13:06.530 - 01:13:20.440

Because um, yes, we Barnes & Noble and Kroger, and HEB and actually they got quite a lot of copies for me, but compare to the number of magazine I donate to is a big difference.

01:13:21.110 - 01:13:31.650

And then then you may think then how can we make profit out of, right? It’s by advertising. Magazine. Selling magazine, actually, you don't

01:13:31.650 - 01:13:46.370

make too much money, they keep 60% of the profits, the remain—the remaining 40% just barely cover the cost of printing for the magazine. And any copies they don't sell, they will just trash it.

01:13:46.990 - 01:14:05.920

So, so we cannot rely on the sales. So what we rely on is advertisers. Um as I said, I have some very

01:14:05.920 - 01:14:19.070

strong supporters, they have been advertised with us for four years. And I never need to worry about looking for new advertisers because it can cover my magazine anyway. Are you all right?

01:14:19.110 - 01:14:32.270

Yes. And also we have events. Um, although we are a publishing company, but we believe in giving back to the community. So I choose to donate my profits back to different charities.

01:14:32.930 - 01:14:45.090

So we have events and people buy tables and tickets. The profits from that event will help the growth and the production of the magazine and also help me with my charitable causes.

01:14:47.760 - 01:15:02.520

So I—the magazine needs the event and the events needs the magazine. Uh, so the advertisers, you mentioned that you select companies that are often involved with their own charitable work.

01:15:02.520 - 01:15:18.920

Is that right? Yes. Um, are they normally run by people you know personally? Or do they find you in other ways? Mm, mix. For example, um, one my biggest advertisers um, is B—Momentum BMW.

01:15:20.110 - 01:15:34.990

I was - I didn't personally know him the GM. Um, I was actually visiting the dealership next to his. Okay, I was just—and then I pass by his door and I sai—and I go

01:15:34.990 - 01:15:50.740

to the front desk. I say, “Can I leave some magazine in your waiting area?” And then—and then she said yes. While I was walking to the waiting area, a—a gentleman uh, stop me and ask me, “May I see your magazine?” I

01:15:50.950 - 01:16:03.570

say, “Sure” and then he asked me, “Is this your magazine?” I said, “Yes.” I say, “How do you know?” He said, “You don’t look like someone deliver the magazine.” So, and then he said, “That is very—that is very impressive. How can we

01:16:03.850 - 01:16:23.010

advertise with you?” And I told him, “Actually, this is by invitation only.” I say, “Do you do any chari—um, charitable works?” And, and he said, “Yes, we donate cars to charities.” I say, “Okay, that's perfect.” Because I'm always looking for advertisers that are very, very

01:16:23.080 - 01:16:38.130

giving. Um, so from then, they were my biggest supporter. And I um they support not only my magazine, they support my event they are - they always they always want to be my sponsors.

01:16:39.390 - 01:16:53.210

Um, so in what ways if any do you think your interest in Asia and your Asian identity, inform your work with the magazine? You know, I always like to share information. So, I use the magazine to share our culture’s, you

01:16:53.240 - 01:17:06.570

know, art and also cooking recipes. Um, and so you've also established the CKW Art Collection at the MFA Houston. Um, can you talk about that? When did that happen and—?

01:17:06.570 - 01:17:23.540

It started one and a half years ago. Um the Museum of Fine Arts uh Asian Arts curator, Bradley Bailey has been helping me and guiding me with that process of art and not only Asian art, I love

01:17:23.950 - 01:17:38.910

American art and European art. And have you always had an interest in art or art history? Mmh, I love it since I was a—since I was young. Um when I travel, I always visit museum

01:17:39.730 - 01:17:50.720

I—I enjoy learning new art, cultures. I just find it very fascinating. Like I'm not—I just love to learn. Do you have any favorite works of art or artists?

01:17:52.290 - 01:18:07.800

I love Impressionist. And I love Monet and he is really my favorite. Um, and so in general, uh with—with not just with the CKW Foundation, what boards do you

01:18:08.210 - 01:18:20.050

currently serve on and what boards that you previously served on? I am sitting on the board for the Women's Home, Kids Meal, Houston Symphony League, uh, and the University of St. Thomas Performing Arts.

01:18:20.570 - 01:18:36.520

Uh, I'm also on the—I'm also the Board of Trustee for the Houston Grand Opera, and I'm on the committee for the Performing Arts and Culture Committee for the Asia Society. And those are all the board I have been serving

01:18:37.430 - 01:18:50.560

now and the past. Wow, okay. Um, what causes are most important to you and why? Children and empowering women. Um, and what do you think is the biggest issue facing Houston children and families

01:18:51.240 - 01:19:08.400

right now? I think hunger, uh homeless—homelessness uh and also drug addicted caregiver and the broken um, foster system. And what do you think are the best ways to solve these

01:19:10.720 - 01:19:24.550

issues? I think it cannot—I think we all need to be aware of the situation. Maybe try to, you know, look around, you don't just focus too much on yourself.

01:19:25.700 - 01:19:35.320

Look at the uh, people around you. I think not one person can fix the problem. We have to act together as a community to improve the um,

01:19:36.550 - 01:19:48.410

the issues here. Um, so how do you balance your time between all of these organizations? Can you describe an average day in your life? I divide my day into four part.

01:19:49.020 - 01:20:05.870

One fourth of my time go to my charitable works, one fourth goes to my business, and half of my time go to um, go to my friends and family. Um so uh, in a

01:20:05.910 - 01:20:22.890

typical day, what—how many hours would you say you spend um working with the CKW Foundation, the collection, um, and CKW LUXE? I would say—I would s—I would say I

01:20:22.940 - 01:20:36.440

spend at least six, six hour—six, seven hours with my family. And then the other six, seven hours with my charity and work and business. Okay.

01:20:36.440 - 01:20:45.610

Um, so you mentioned that you have um, children. Um, one of—you said one of them was born in 2013. Is that right? Um, 2014.

01:20:45.610 - 01:20:58.290

2014. Um, so how many children do you have and—? I have two children. One were born in 2014. The other one is 2016. So they are five and

01:20:58.570 - 01:21:14.400

three. Uh, both daughters or—? Yes. Um, how—how did having children change your life would you say? Um, actually it didn't affe—change my life that much. Um, my husband and my mother-in-law help

01:21:14.780 - 01:21:31.380

me a lot. After I have my—after I have my kid, my husband, my mother-in-law, my hou—housekeeper were helping me. So, it didn't really affect my daily activities. But I—but I—but I do spend a lot of

01:21:31.620 - 01:21:47.210

time with my kids. Um, for example, I do a lot of activities with them. Since—since Zoe was three years old, she has been going to do charity work with me, going to see opera,

01:21:47.540 - 01:22:03.530

symphony, the Museum of Fine Arts, you know, together. So I feel like I have two new best friends now. How did having children affect um, your career and your husband's career? As I say not too much, because my

01:22:03.590 - 01:22:16.010

husband business is very steady. We are in—he is real estate investor. And also, uh, we have a trading company as well. And everything is very stable.

01:22:16.730 - 01:22:33.520

So, he only works for two weeks, every six months. So and he, he goes back to Hong Kong twice a year. Um, and you mentioned having to stop being a sonographer while you were pregnant.

01:22:34.160 - 01:22:51.660

Um, do you think having children was the main reason you didn’t go back? Mmm, one of the reasons. I think the other reason is I have started my publication. And I want to focus my time, I want to spend my time in giving back

01:22:52.910 - 01:23:05.330

to help others. Yes, when I was working in the hospital, definitely. I feel very fulfilling, uh because I was able to uh, help the kids. But I believe at

01:23:05.380 - 01:23:22.150

different stages of life, you want to help in a different way. Right now, I want to use the publication to make this world a better place. I want to make a direct impact to the kids and women.

01:23:23.200 - 01:23:36.060

So if I'm working the hospital, I would not be a—I will not—I will have to give up something, you know, I have to give up. If I was to work in the hospital, I will either have to give up doing less charity work, not able to spend

01:23:36.090 - 01:23:50.330

enough time with my magazine, or not enough time with my family. But I choose to spend majority of my time with my family and then the remaining half on my business and charity.

01:23:51.290 - 01:24:08.900

Do you ever miss your work with the hospital? Once in a while. Um, I still keep contact with my co-workers um, which is uh wonderful. Um, once in a while, they ask me do I want to go back to work.

01:24:09.130 - 01:24:21.040

I say, “Maybe but I’m not sure.” Um, so you mentioned you get help from your husband and your mother in raising your children. Do you also have nannies and other help?

01:24:21.040 - 01:24:33.960

Yes, yes. I have nanny and a housekeeper as well. Um, and what values do you try to instill in your children in particular? Do you have any kind of cultural traditions that you try to expose them to?

01:24:33.960 - 01:24:43.330

Yes. Caring, kindness, and wisdom. Uh, always care for one and all. Be kind with uh, to everyone and be wise in our understanding of others.

01:24:43.330 - 01:24:57.630

This is the core value in our family. Uh, since she was a child, I teach—since uh, my daughters was a child, I teach them the importance of giving.

01:24:59.550 - 01:25:10.760

Giving is not just you give what you don't need to others. You have to give what you love to others. So that is something that is

01:25:11.040 - 01:25:21.690

um, very important. I mean, like I always tell my daughter, make sure when you give something to someone that is something that you truly love.

01:25:22.790 - 01:25:35.560

And then I think she's listening. The reason I said that was um, we went to Switzerland. And I got her a watch. She love that watch. She say, “Mommy, I

01:25:35.690 - 01:25:47.550

really want it.” I say, “Okay.” I got it for her. And she wh—you know, it's actually it's not so expensive. It's like eighty dollars, euros, you know. And, um, and then she wear to school, I mean, like uh, because

01:25:47.550 - 01:25:59.990

she's learning how to read times. And then when she got home, she said, “Mommy, by the way, I give my watch to my friend because she loved it. And I love this. And I have to give what I love to my friends.

01:25:59.990 - 01:26:15.640

So she gave it to her.” I say, “Good job, Zoe. But next time ask Mommy first.” But I’m, um, but um I was very happy in a way that I knew that she loved that watch and because she love her friends.

01:26:16.480 - 01:26:31.850

And she knew that her friend loved it. And then she rather her friends to be happy. Yes, and also I—I—I introduce them Chinese cultures and language and family value.

01:26:32.770 - 01:26:45.990

Family value is very important to us. We always like, you know, to spend a lot of our family time together. Respect elderly. Um, I always teach them that.

01:26:46.100 - 01:26:58.180

Okay, when we get older, make sure you still come to—I know you will have your family. But I hope that you will still come back to see grandma, come back to see your parents because we always love you.

01:26:58.290 - 01:27:08.710

We will always miss you. Um, and so do your parents, live um with you in your home as well? Um, your—my parents? Mhm. My parents.

01:27:08.740 - 01:27:16.910

My mom is in Hong Kong right now. Oh, okay. Oh, so was that your mother-in-law? My mother-in-law. Oh, okay. So, do your husband’s parents live here?

01:27:16.930 - 01:27:26.220

My uh, my mother-in-law lives here. And um, my mother-in-law and my father-in-law, they are not together. Mhm. Um, when—when did she move here?

01:27:27.950 - 01:27:40.500

Uh, I would say thirteen years ago? When I moved to Houston, she moved with us. Um, and do your children speak Cantonese? Yes, some Cantonese and also some Mandarin.

01:27:41.160 - 01:27:58.370

Uh, every Sunday they go to Chinese school. Oh, okay. Um and uh, at Chinese school do they—do they learn Mandarin? Mandarin. Oh, okay. How do you compare your upbringing to your children’s? Somewhat similar. I grew up in a very like, love family.

01:27:58.720 - 01:28:13.660

And also we believe in giving back to the community and make this world a better place. Do you guys speak Cantonese at home? We speak Canonese and English.

01:28:13.660 - 01:28:27.450

I, grand—grandma speak to the girls in Cantonese all the time. Me, I would say half and half? But I should speak more Cantonese to them. So my husband speak to

01:28:27.450 - 01:28:38.250

them in Cantonese and English. So we speak in English first. And then Cantonese or Cantonese first, English. That way, she can fully understand what we were trying to tell her.

01:28:39.460 - 01:28:52.510

But she's still not too good with her Cantonese she understand most of them. But But she still get confused sometimes. So we need to translate it for her. And um, did you say you hope that her Cantonese will be better?

01:28:52.690 - 01:29:02.140

I hope Cantonese and Mandarin. In fact, she really wants to improve her Cantonese. She wants to go back to Hong Kong with us. Like— Um, to live there?

01:29:02.140 - 01:29:14.480

No, no. Like, to visit. Oh, okay. And have you um, have you visited Australia or Hong Kong with your children? I haven't gone back to Australia for over twenty, twenty-one years. I moved here like twenty-one

01:29:14.530 - 01:29:31.730

years ago, and I have not gone back since then. Um, I used to visit Hong Kong every two to three years. But after I have my kids, um, it was very difficult. Uh, so we have not been going we have not gone back

01:29:31.850 - 01:29:49.230

to Hong Kong. But uh, we are planning to take the kids back to Hong Kong to visit next year. Um, do you hope that your children will remain connected to

01:29:52.240 - 01:30:22.580

their Chinese heritage? Yes, definitely. Yes, I think it is very important that they keep their heritage and culture um and live

01:30:26.530 - 01:30:46.260

American culture. But I also think that, you know, it's great for her to also keep uh, the Chinese

01:30:49.230 - 01:31:23.520

culture that way she get the benefits of—of both. and communitarianism. Do you

01:31:25.630 - 01:31:49.440

consider yourself politically active? Not at all.

01:31:59.170 - 01:32:13.260

I don't like to get involved in politics. All I want is to make this world a better place. Able to give is a blessing. I don't believe money, status, and power can give you a true happiness.

01:32:13.840 - 01:32:26.970

I believe giving, helping others will actually bring you a long lasting and true joyfulness. So, I do not like to get into politics.

01:32:27.510 - 01:32:40.930

Do you feel that there's less potential um, to affect positive change with politics than um, with your charity work? Say that again, please. Um, so is that wh—is that uh, is the reason—is there a particular reason

01:32:41.040 - 01:32:52.910

why you prefer um, your charity approach, as opposed to um, getting involved in politics? You know, when there is politics involved, there is a lot of things you would have to consider. But

01:32:53.030 - 01:33:12.680

for me, I want to give back in the most genuine way. And I want my priorities are always children and women, and I don't want to have any things influenced with my mission. Mm. And so, do you see yourself as Chinese-American, Asian-American, or

01:33:13.800 - 01:33:27.220

something else? I see myself as Chinese-American. You know, I love my Chinese culture and language. Uh, we have very strong family value, and we always like to stay together. But I also love the American culture, you

01:33:27.220 - 01:33:38.540

know, uh, you know, being you know, like, open communications and all that I—I think, you know, both cultures are great. And it's just wonderful that we can combine both of them.

01:33:39.560 - 01:33:56.220

And what role would you say your Chinese cultural identity plays in your everyday life if any? Mmh… I just hope that my daughter can keep the Chinese culture and heritage as well.

01:33:56.730 - 01:34:09.540

Uh, while she's living in the United State. And I really hope that she can, you know, do a lot of charity work, and

01:34:09.760 - 01:34:24.910

able to give back as much as possible. I always tell her, “You don't just do your—oh, you just don’t try your best to help others, you have to do your best to others. You have to put, you know, what you think

01:34:24.910 - 01:34:40.390

into action.” So, I really hope that you know, like, my—she will be able to continue. And so what hopes do you have for the future? Mm, my daughter continue my legacy.

01:34:40.970 - 01:34:56.520

Um, we able to—we—we were able to give back to the community as a family. And what legacy do you hope to leave? After I pass away, I still able to uh, help the community.

01:34:57.270 - 01:35:16.080

Uh, so in fact, I brought in an insurance policy, that after I pass away, it will benefits to charities, I hope that when I’m not on Earth, uh, my char—we still can able to help and give back to the community.

01:35:17.710 - 01:35:32.710

And who would you say are your biggest role models? My husband! Um, he, as I say, he's very genuine. He is just—I've never met someone that is

01:35:33.580 - 01:35:47.430

so giving, so generous. She uh, he doesn't, you know, actually, he—he's in Hong Kong. A lot of people know who he is, but never met him and, and he's extremely humble person, he doesn't

01:35:47.470 - 01:35:59.750

really want people know too much about him. So that's why—he never sho—um he never really go to social activities and all that because he wants to give back in a very quiet way.

01:36:00.470 - 01:36:18.030

And um, he always tell me, you know, always put yourself in someone else's position. Yes, something maybe something not so good happen. Just think about they may be going through a hard time.

01:36:18.030 - 01:36:35.330

They may be undergo a lot of difficulties. So be understanding, you know, forgive and you know, just uh, try to help them, be very understanding. Mai, do you have any questions?

01:36:35.330 - 01:36:42.490

No, I got it. Yeah, thank you so much. Thank you so much. You're very welcome. Thank you. Thank you for being so prepared. Okay. Press stop.

01:36:42.910 - 01:36:43.740

This one? Yeah.