The Alumni Donor Stories is a regular series that explores a Bizad alumni’s giving journey. Sonny Yuen (BBA 1985) shares his story.
Q: Tell us more about yourself and your background
I graduated from NUS Business School in 1985 and worked in the first three years in the aerospace industry. I was in the semiconductor materials sector for 15 years and in the banking industry for over 20 years. Later, I co-founded a headhunting firm JonDavidson and I am still leading the firm.
I love meeting people and connecting people. I enjoy learning from others. This led me to become an active member of various alumni associations, including the NUS Business School Alumni Association (NUSBSA).
I like golf although I am not very good at it. Recently I started hydroponics farming as a hobby.
Sonny Yuen (BBA 1985) is the co-founder of headhunting firm JonDavidson.
Q: When did you start your giving journey? Do you remember your first time?
I started thinking about giving since I was 17 but as I was not rich, my giving is mainly in my time and volunteerism.
Q: What led you to give to the NUSBSA Bursary Fund?
When I was 17 years old, my father needed a heart operation to replace his defective valves. We needed about RM30,000, which was a princely sum in 1978. The surgery could only be done in New Zealand or United Kingdom then.
My mother went to appeal for donations and I received help from my schools and some religious organisations. It was very vivid to me as I was sitting for my O levels on the same day my father had the operation.
Without the help from others, I would not be able to pursue my studies beyond O levels as I would have to work to support my three younger siblings. My mother was a homemaker with no working experience.
Sonny started thinking about giving since he was 17.
Q: What advice would you give to those who do not know where and how to start in giving?
Be grateful for any help you have received. It is more important to give your time and talents, rather than just money. Start with a cause you are passionate with and do it today. There are always people in need.
The story first appeared on NUSBSA. Alumni who wish to join NUSBSA can connect with fellow alumni and get exclusive access to events and programmes.
