I am currently a visiting Fellow with GRID Alternatives in Colorado, supported by the US State Department under the Community Solutions Program representing Malaysia. I am a chiropractor-turned-sustainable project manager. After studying and working in Australia for five years, I returned to my home country of Malaysia. Though I still value the importance of chiropractic medicine, my heart drew me to serve the rural communities of my country. Three years ago, I became a project manager for Impian Malaysia and coordinate various basic infrastructure projects in the rural villages across the Borneo region of East Malaysia--including the development of gravity-fed water systems, microhydro electricity, and solar lamps in riverine communities. I joined the Community Solutions Program to better understand strategies to address the challenges I face in my work in Malaysia, and to strengthen my non-profit management skills.
I am passionate about the environment, and I believe that introducing renewable energy to rural communities will help improve their living standards both environmentally and financially.
I am truly humbled to be given the opportunity to work alongside with amazing colleagues here at GRID and want to give a special shout out to Allison Moe, my supervisor and Brandee Cooklin, my mentor- who took me under their wings, making sure I am well taken care of and fully maximizing my learning opportunities with GRID. And to everyone here at GRID, thank you all for being part of my development journey which will equip me with skills and knowledge to make a positive impact, and enact changes in my community back home.
--- Lillian Chen, Programs Assistant