NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

by JOHNNY TAN

I am happy for all of you, and I know your loved ones are thrilled, especially those who have been there for you as the wind beneath your wings, assisting you to soar to new heights in your life’ s journey!

Another momentous occurrence for this month is the celebration of Father’ s Day. As y’ all already know, nine extraordinary women played a tremendous role in my life’ s journey. Since parenting is a team sport, I do have four great men who contributed to my knowledge, wisdom, and success in their unique“ fatherly” way.

First, my Malaysian father, who adopted me as a baby to carry forward the Tan family name. Baba, affectionately called by my sister and me, was the pillar of strength, courage, and character for our small family of four. Growing up during World War II and with only a 6th-grade education, Baba ' s dedication to his family ' s wellbeing perfectly complements his thriving small seafood business. He was also highly respected by his peers and customers in the industry.

Baba championed the opportunity for me to expand my bubble of quiet confidence when I was eighteen by sending me halfway around the world to continue my education at Louisiana State University in the U. S. Sadly, he passed away a year later while I was finishing my first year of college at LSU. I can still see and feel the pride in his eyes and the joy in his heart as I walked through the security gate at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, heading to the plane that would take me on a life-changing journey. That was the last time we set eyes on each other.

Looking back, Faith was already at work for me because I met Ben Wisdom, a mild-mannered midwestern gentleman from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, while I was transitioning between flights in Seoul, South Korea. Ben and his friend were returning from a business trip to Asia when we

4 | Inspirations for Better Living • June 2025