When Vincent Hee was just 15, his homemaker mother was diagnosed with cancer. Shortly after, his father was retrenched from his breadwinner job. To help his family of five pay for mum’s medical treatments and make ends meet, the young man took on odd jobs and tuition assignments after school. Despite the hardships, Vincent has fond memories of the generosity of his relatives, family friends, school teachers, and even strangers, who had chipped in with money and rallied around him with emotional support.
Today, Vincent is a 43-year-old self-made multi-millionaire with a varied portfolio of businesses across Asia. Yet, he has never forgotten the kindness shown to him as a teen, and has made international news during Chinese New Year for his US$2 million (S$2.7 million) direct cash donation to a charity initiative that rescues Nigeria’s “witch children” and alleviates child mortality caused by pneumonia.
The donation was supposed to be in the form of the purchase of “The World’s Most Exclusive Dinner”, a lavish three-day experience put together by Director of World of Diamonds and philanthropist Karan Tilani, as well as a host of sponsoring partners. However, the last thing publicity-shy Vincent wants is fame, and he even offered to forgo the dinner. Eventually, the Singaporean and his Malaysian wife Jane agreed to a hectic media blitz for one very simple reason: the children.
CLIMB TO THE
TOP When Vincent talks about the kids he’s helping, his face lights up immediately. “They are so cute!” he gushes, as he asks me if I’d seen the before-and-after photos of a beneficiary named Hope at an exhibit. “I love small children. That’s why I’m in the education business.”
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.
