Phng Li Kim is as highly accomplished as her mother, May Phng. Since graduating from Pepperdine University in California with a BSc in Business Administration, Li Kim has managed a wide variety of companies, ranging from the manufacture of latex surgical and examination gloves, to companies dealing in network marketing and IT digital signage. In short, Li Kim has ample experience in Management, Production, Strategic Planning, Human Resources, Finance, Administration, Product Research, and Sales and Marketing. Her professional expertise makes her well-suited to her current position as CEO of Kechara Media & Publications.

How did you find Kechara? Presumably you were introduced to Kechara by your mother?

Yes, my mother introduced me to Kechara in 2009 – my first encounter was an amazing private audience with H.E. Tsem Rinpoche that left me thinking, “Hey, Buddhism isn’t THAT boring. And Rinpoche is pretty cool!”

What were your reasons for joining Dharma work? Did you know much about Dharma when you started?

Since my first meeting with Rinpoche and my subsequent meetings with the Liaisons and other Kechara members, I was able to accept whatever I heard. I found it logical and that it didn’t expect you to believe in things that could not be possible. When I began, my knowledge in Dharma was close to zero and I knew a career in Dharma was one way to apply myself and my skills to start my spiritual path.

Did you have any doubts when you started?

When Liaisons JP Thong, Henry Ooi and my mother called me to ask if I was ready to take Dharma all the way, I said yes immediately. It had influenced me substantially to see my mother so involved and believing so strongly in Rinpoche; I knew I could not be doing the wrong thing. So while I may have had some doubts then, I definitely have no doubts now.

What is your life’s aspiration? Has it changed since you came to Kechara?

My aspiration has always been to be happy within and without. It hasn’t changed since coming to Kechara and actually, by coming to Kechara, I find myself coming closer to achieving my aspiration. Kechara helps me to find the true meaning of happiness that comes from a deep inner self, exuding an energy that creates happiness for everyone. My aspiration is to be happy with purpose.

Why do you like Rinpoche? Something about him must have had an effect on you to become committed to Dharma so quickly!

I just do. In Rinpoche’s eyes I see and feel true compassion. In Rinpoche and his teachings, I find hope that I can be a better person. There’s nothing I can say (which has not already been said!) about Rinpoche’s skilful methods of teaching. I can only add that Rinpoche is a high being who has caught my heart and made me believe in myself.