Charlie Shuan-Yi LIN

Nations Representative, Vietnam

⸻ My Journey of Service and Purpose ⸻
My name is Shuan-Yi Lin “Charlie/Chris/Nghị”, and I believe that every life has the power to bring hope to others. For me, that power has always been found in service. Recently, I discovered that my greatest joy does not come from what I achieve for myself, but from what I am able to give to others — especially children. I serve as Charter President 2025–2026 and proudly represent Vietnam as Nation Representative 2025–2026 in a volunteer organization, this is more than just a title. It’s a calling, a responsibility, and a chance to join others in building a world where children are celebrated, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive.
⸻ Discovering Kiwanis ⸻
When I found Kiwanis, it felt like coming home. The mission – “Serving the Children of the World” – aligned perfectly with my values. What began as curiosity became a lifelong commitment. Through Kiwanis I met mentors who inspired me, peers who encouraged me, and young leaders who gave me hope for the future. I realized that Kiwanis is more than an organization. It is a family bound by compassion and action.
⸻ Service in Action ⸻
One of our latest contributions was organizing Mid-Autumn mooncake festivities for 300 children in Bình Thuận. For many families, the season is hard, so we wanted to create a day where the kids could simply feel celebrated. Alongside that, we’ve donated uniforms and toys to children at St. Joseph Charity School, partnered monthly with other groups to distribute essentials to people in need and the homeless, and supported refugee communities through food-parcel outreach.
We’re also developing a Kiwanis Language & Communications Center – a safe environment for children, students, and working professionals to build communication skills and confidence, so they can uplift themselves and reach bigger opportunities.
For me, the true reward was not the number of cakes distributed or projects done but the smiles on children’s faces. That project reminded me why service matters: it changes lives in ways that numbers cannot capture.
⸻ Stepping into Leadership ⸻
My philosophy: leaving positive & lasting impact. It is about encouraging people, giving them opportunities, and helping them succeed. That has guided my work in Kiwanis and beyond. My journey is still unfolding, and I want others to be part of it. Come help us serve the children of the world.