THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

In this fast-paced money-making bloodsucking world, the last thing on our minds is whether we’re chasing the right things. Are we truly happy with what we do for a living? These three women knew exactly what their passions were and decided to leave money for contentment.
TEXT SHANTI GANESAN

MADELEINE YONG FROM ADVERTISING TO FOUNDER OF A SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS CENTRE.

"I had so much energy when I was working in advertising. But I started to wonder whether I wanted to spend the rest of my life using my creativity on consumer products. I decided then to dabble in NGO work and like anyone who liked working with kids, I started volunteering with a children’s home. I wanted to know more about issues faced by children in the country. I only realised then that there were not many advocacies and services for children. It was a real eye-opener and it brought my attention to many concerns.

Then, I wrote a proposal for a child helpline. It was to attend to two things— online counseling and referral services. But I just couldn’t find agencies that would help. This is what led me to soon open P.S The Children. It actually started in 1999 but the search happened 10 years
ago. I wanted to do something to help so I wrote to World Vision and they gave me RM48,000—I could do anything with that money so long as it was for society.

The complete article appears in the September issue of Marie Claire. Or subscribe today and get Marie Claire delivered directly to your door every month.