May is a time to stop for a moment and consider the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our world. Just like in all aspects of life, Asians have and continue to play important roles in sustaining our earth. I’ve chosen to highlight Asians and Pacific Islanders from other countries, not the United States, in the spirit of broadening our perspectives beyond our nation’s borders. But within our borders are myriad Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose efforts are just as important and noteworthy. Thank you to all!
Among the leaders of Asian sustainability is Ruth Yeoh. Not yet forty, Yeoh leads one of Malaysia’s largest corporations regarding environmental sustainability. Although a billionaire, Yeoh’s father taught her respect for the environment and the reality that without nature, there is nothing. “He wanted to instill in us the importance of protecting the environment from a young age.” It worked, as Yeoh now heads sustainability for the entire company and carries the message throughout Asia. (learn more about her here)
Yul Choi is a South Korean environmental leader with a very different experience than Yeoh’s. He has always been an activist, first on student matters while in college and later on environmental matters, especially issues of nuclear waste. He has been jailed for his actions, first serving a six-year imprisonment and more recently a one-year term, and also suffering house arrest. He remains optimistic, however, and now heads a foundation that is sponsoring leadership and educational efforts throughout Asia.(learn more about him here)
Rodne Galicha is a Philippine conservationist who has worked incessantly across religious and scientific fields to preserve natural places. He has focused on limiting mining on his home Sibuyan Island, where Mt. Guiting-Guiting National Park and several other natural reserves are located. Following the principles laid out by Pope Francis, he promotes the idea of dis-investing in businesses based on fossil fuels.(learn more about him here)
Sombath Somphone ís a Laotian agriculturist and educator committed to developing a more eco-friendly farm and food system in his native country and throughout southeast Asia. Over his career he has begun and led several organizations (including the first environmental NGO in Laos) to teach young students about leadership and holistic living. “I’m using the word heart,” he says. “Our education system doesn’t bring out the goodness of people’s hearts. They teach people to be more competitive but less caring.” (learn more about him here)
