SHARING HOPE

For Kuching Food Aid founder Shen-tel Lee, her organisation's origins are rooted in a moment of crisis. However, her entrepreneurial spirit, a deep sense of community, and a growing understanding of how technology can fuel social good transformed a simple act of kindness into a lifeline for thousands in need.

- ZENA KHAN

Off the bat, Shen-tel is immediately identifiable as one-half of the kitschy accessories brand Sereni & Shentel and Bowerhaus. But this is The Giving Issue, so we’re sharing a side to her that not many know about. To really get into this story, there are three things you should know about Shen-tel Lee. First, she’s a proud Sarawakian-Australian deeply in love with Kuching. Second, family is the cornerstone of her life—as a mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and sister. And third, she’s great at Instagram in an effortless way that draws followers to her account, all of whom I’m certain feel like they are being drawn into the confidence of one of their closest friends. And with good reason.

Scrolling through Shen-tel’s posts, Stories, and Highlights, it becomes apparent that her Instagram account is a private journal made public. Carousels of photos and videos throw up treasured memories that move beyond her style or haunts she frequents; they reveal what makes her tick. One such endearing series of photos shows Shen-tel horsing around with her husband, Dato’ Bobby Ting, and two sons, Benjamin and Kingston. All four of them are decked out in Krispy Kreme paper hats while in the American doughnut shop, having a ball of a time. Travels to exciting locales are documented in editorial-style Reels, packed with tips on where to stay, where to eat, where to shop, and why to do these things in those places. Cameos from friends show us her girlish sense of humor.