Serving up a helping of kindness
#standTogether Kindness ambassador chef Wan is ready to help create the perfect recipe for kindness this national Kindness Week.
CHEF Wan is best known for his sassy onscreen personality, simultaneously dishing out quips and delicious meals.
But the celebrity chef is adding another feather to his cap: #StandTogether Kindness Ambassador. He joins fellow celebrity ambassadors like Lisa Surihani and Arwind Kumar in supporting the National Kindness Week campaign.
The campaign was initiated by R. AGE and property developer SP Setia to empower students and schools to create a new culture of kindness across Malaysia, in response to a rise in school violence and cyberbullying.
“Children need to learn kindness and empathy so they become good citizens,” said Chef Wan.
“This is why food is important to me – it’s the bridge that connects people. When people come together, they learn we aren’t so different after all! And that’s where empathy starts.”
Here, he talks about being a #StandTogether ambassador, the controversies he has been embroiled in, and how he works to help create a kinder, more responsible society.
R.AGE: What made you want to become a #StandTogether ambassador?
Chef Wan: I think the campaign’s aim to teach students to be kind citizens is really great.
Kindness is a fundamental value – we need to instill it in kids early so they can grow up achieving their dreams and becoming who they’re meant to be.
The campaign does exactly that, which is why I thought it was a great idea to join #StandTogether as an ambassador!
What do you think of the rise in hate speech in Malaysia, and what can we do to stop it?
Harsh words can really hurt. It’s a serious form of bullying, and it’s getting worse! We need to instill a sense of respect in people. Respect and kindness are the foundation we need to be better people. When people start to use these values in their lives, they will think twice before saying something that hurts people’s feelings.
You’ve been embroiled in a couple of online controversies before. What steps do you take to address the situation?
Honestly, my affairs only become a big thing because I’m a celebrity.
Not all people like to hear the truth, but those who are brave enough to tell the truth will get respect.
As long as you’re telling the truth, there’s no need to be scared! I never worry about what people think about me. To me, haters are like dust – I just shake them off.
But I’ll admit that sometimes when I’m angry, I might say the wrong thing in haste. When that happens, I apologise immediately. At the end of the day, I know in my heart that I’m telling the truth, and when it’s my turn to be judged in front of God, my conscience will be clear.
What are your plans for this National Kindness Week?
For me, it’s all year round! The students should also take this as a year-long or life-long campaign.
Be kind to each other! Hate destroys us. If we spend time spreading negativity and hate, there’s no more space for joy. So I plan on staying positive and being kind all year, and everybody should join me!
We all need to work together on this.