Today, the superstar has been named ambassador for World Vision Malaysia’s (WVM) 30-Hour Famine campaign, something Wong is proud to be a part of.
This year’s slogan ‘Strike Out Hunger’, encapsulates the organisation’s hope for a world free from hunger so vulnerable children and communities can thrive.
With Wong as their ambassador, WVM hopes to raise RM1.6 million to fund its community development work in Sabah as well as projects supporting vulnerable children and families through SUKA Society and Fugee School.
A portion of the funds will also be used to help marginalised communities in Sri Lanka.
“As a Malaysian myself, I feel honoured to be this year’s ambassador. This is a cause that is close to my heart and I believe that together we can make a difference in the lives of children who are facing poverty and hunger,” said Wong during the launch of the campaign recently.
To that end, Wong has travelled to Sabah with the WVM team to visit communities and families there who will benefit from the programme.
“The world is so big that we often forget there are people who lead totally different lives than us, hence why it’s important to experience it for ourselves and walk in their shoes,” he said.
A long-time humanitarian, Wong recalled working with an orphanage in Taiwan, saying that seeing 100 children cramped into a tiny space when he visited years ago, changed his perspective on life.
“I drag some of my celebrity friends there occasionally like Mayday and David Tao to contribute, sending in donations and other essentials that the orphanage might need,” he said.
Touching on the need to teach the younger generation compassion for others, Wong said he tries to incorporate good values in his own children, teaching them the importance of being grateful for what they have and being less wasteful particularly with food.
When asked about his future singing engagements, the Kuala Lumpur-born singer-songwriter told FMT that he hopes to hold a concert in Malaysia by the end of the year. His earlier concert was shelved because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On a personal level, Wong said striking a balance between work and family life was important to him.
“I’m glad that I was able to persuade my parents to come over to Taiwan for Chinese New Year this year and they were thrilled to spend more time with their grandchildren.”
When asked if he intends to bring anything from Malaysia back to his kids in Taiwan, he smiled and said: “They love the Yeo’s chrysanthemum tea and Cap Tangan peanuts.”
The World Vision Malaysia’s 30-Hour Famine, which is open for registration, will culminate in a countdown on Aug 13 at Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam with Wong in attendance.
Visit World Vision Malaysia’s website for more information.