Mr Kim, a true enthusiast in the world of art, has dedicated his life to self-improvement. Even at the age of eighty-five, he continues to find joy in the Lunar New Year and remains a passionate contributor to our community. His love for calligraphy has led him to create meaningful New Year calligraphy scrolls, the proceeds of which he generously donates to Guide Dogs WA.
Mr Kim's family history is marked by epic ventures, beginning when his father moved to Vietnam. Despite facing numerous challenges, not even a registrar's error that mistakenly recorded their family name as "Yu" could dampen Mr Kim's zest for life and indomitable spirit.
Having dropped out of elementary school, Mr Kim's talent and self-teaching abilities shone through as he learned to make dentures from his father. He used his business acumen to establish spectacles, watches, jewellery, and starch production ventures. However, the onset of the Vietnam War brought perilous turns to his fate. Drafted into the army and caught in political turmoil, he faced numerous ups and downs with unwavering determination.
Despite numerous hardships, Mr Kim never gave up. Though left with nothing, his relentless survival instinct helped him and his family escape to safety in stages. It was not until 1984 that the last of his family members settled in Western Australia, reuniting in a happy home.
Yet, resettlement brought new challenges, such as language and cultural barriers. Despite these initial difficulties, Mr Kim remained true to his roots, overcoming obstacles to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Although his business journey had challenges, he never feared failure and ultimately chose a fulfilling retirement.
Retirement was not the end for Mr Kim; it was a new beginning. He dedicated his time to his beloved activities like calligraphy, painting, poetry, and singing, starting at four in the morning and immersing himself fully. This meditative practice brought him inner peace and added endless colour and joy to his life. Through self-study, Mr Kim continuously honed his artistic skills, frequently winning awards in the Chinese community.
As they age, Mr Kim and his wife enjoy government-subsidised aged care services and actively participate in CWCC Balcatta Community Hub activities. They have made new friends who speak Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese, finding a warm and welcoming sense of home and belonging. They engage in various activities, integrating into the community and enjoying their golden years to the fullest.
In Mr Kim, we see a brave, resilient individual who embodies the spirit of dreaming big and never giving up, no matter the obstacles. His story inspires us all to pursue our innermost dreams relentlessly. May we all live as richly and meaningfully as Mr Kim.
Chung Wah has been servicing the WA community since 1909, dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, Chung Wah CC has 40 years of professional care experience helping seniors and people with disabilities improve their well-being and better integrate into the community. This year's theme, "Celebrating Our Cultural Strands," reflects our 40 years of commitment to understanding, integration, and moving forward together for a more harmonious and better community for all.
