IN HER OWN WRITE
Lawyer, cofounder of ONE, and now author, Hannah Kam discusses her newly launched book, ‘How I Co-founded An NGO’, with Kathlyn D’souza
Tell us about the events that led up to writing this book.
I was approached at the beginning of 2016 by someone from MPH Group Publishing, saying that they’ve read a bit about the events that ONE has held, our website, and the previous articles in The Star and various publications. Then they asked if I would like to share my story by publishing a book. To be honest, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. I’ve always liked writing, and more importantly, what I wanted to do was to encourage young people to get involved in nation building through One—the kind of work where we give people a platform to voice their opinions on what they want to see for the future of their country, and also have an active role in implementing whatever reforms that they want to happen.
Do you have a favourite chapter?
I’m very fond of the beginning. I think that’s something quite unusual, as the more current stuff is towards the end. But since day one, civic engagement and being part of something bigger than just yourself, has always been my passion. It all really started from a very young age. My parents were very supportive of my extracurricular activities, and I also talked about my internship with UNHCR, which played a pivotal role in developing my interest towards women empowerment and community work.
In your book, you mention that you never shy away from a challenge; tell us more.
Ihave this ‘never say die’ attitude; I learned that from my father. When I was young, he gave me two pieces of advice. One was ‘dare to fail’. You live life if you take on risks and challenges, instead of sitting in a corner being cautious. The other was ‘don’t give up’—because if you’re doing what you really love and what you believe is for the betterment of our nation, nobody should be able to stop you.
What would you say to someone debating about whether to pick up this book?
I’d like to encourage people to pick up this book because of how real and personal it is. I think I have not sugar-coated anything, at the same time it will encourage some people to understand that if you have the heart for nation-building and the willingness to work together with your fellow Malaysians, I think anything is possible. If we are to move forward there is nothing more powerful than a collaborative effort.