Kids Who Rock Asia – 16 Inspiring Kids From Around The Region!

PHOENIX SEILEAFI BRAVE DALINO TOOMALATAI: Samoan Princess

Tell us what makes you rock?

I am half-Filipino, half-Samoan, Hong Kong-born girl and daughter of High Chief Masoe Hogan Toomalatai and Katrina Dalino Toomalatai from one of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines. I’m a real island girl who learned about the Samoan culture from my own father. Samoa is the heart of Polynesia and the Philippines, belonging to the Southeast Asian region. I am developing to be a versatile young heir who loves everything that any child my age does. But what makes me extraordinary is my love for the culture and how I represent my heritage line through cultural gatherings here in Hong Kong, like the Samoan Independence Day. I am trained to dance the Polynesian dance

What is your proudest moment in your life?

I am proud of my achievements but it wouldn't be possible if not for my family. Academically, I am proud to have won second place in a Solo Verse Speaking (Non-Open) Competition in the Hong Kong Schools Music and Speech Association's 73rd Hong Kong Schools Speech Festival 2021. I am also proud to have helped my mom in Maple Bear Canadian International Kindergarten and Nursery in storytelling to little toddlers during her Winter Camp. I am proud to be a bigger sister to my cute young sister, Trinity. I am proud when I watch my Dad in the Lion King Show, doing what he does the best, dancing the Fire-Knife Dance in Hong Kong Disneyland. But ultimately, it's when I step on stage to represent my Dad's culture by dancing the Taualuga.

Who or what motivates you?

My family motivates me. My mom always guides me, my dad teaches me and my sister Trinity motivates me to be at my best.

ALEXIS CHIANG: Youtuber And Curious Young Rockstar

Tell us what makes you rock?

Hello! I’m a curious 7 year old who loves to explore, learn and share! Last year, I started my YouTube channel TolTol’s Playlab (https://www.youtube.com/c/ToltolsPlaylabCreativeKids).

Right now, I’m on a mission to build an animal encyclopedia for kids! In my episodes, I share interesting, fun facts from my research and what I find fascinating about our animal friends from a kid’s perspective.

I hope my channel can inspire other kids to have a fun learning experience and to love the animals and the world we live in!

What is your proudest moment in your life?

When I started my channel and uploaded my first video! I didn’t know there was so much to do even after taking the video. My mommy (she’s my partner!) and I designed the channel art and wrote the descriptions together. When we uploaded our first video, only my family watched it, and we had fewer than 10 views. But I was still so excited and proud of what we accomplished together as a team!

Who or what motivates you?

When I become 10 years old, I want to start a company to make cool products for kids.

My parents run their own companies and they share a lot about their work with me over dinner. What’s cool is that my parents also listen to my ideas and help me think about how I could start my own company.

Please have a look at my latest video! https://youtu.be/WUGwJjV55OA

ALUDRA MASON: Entrepreneur And Owner Of Gluten-Free Girls

Tell us what makes you rock?

My mummy thinks I’m an energizer bunny, with endless amounts of energy all day. I can go on and on and on. So my high energy makes me rock!

What is your proudest moment in your life?

My mummy and I are gluten intolerant. So for my 8th birthday, we launched the Gluten-Free Girls. It is a home bakery business, where mummy and I baked gluten-free goodies for people like us! I am so proud to start this business with my mummy.

Who or what motivates you?

My parents and friends. I am easily motivated, I love life!

FINNEGAN FOX: Motivated Adventure Kids Raising Awareness For ADHD

Tell us what makes you rock?

Being a thoughtful, kind, conscientious and creative kid despite struggling many years with ADHD. A good thing about having ADHD is that I am very bold - I snowboarded down black diamonds the first time I saw snow! Also, when I earn money, I donate to help animals and people in need.

What is your proudest moment in your life?

I decided that I wanted to get my diving certification, so I did basic and advanced training all on my own.

Who or what motivates you?

Miss Hinds, who was my shadow teacher at ISS, because she taught me how to manage my ADHD. And my parents because my dad discovered a gene and created a frog, and my mom is incredibly kind and helps people who are in crisis.

MIKAELA O: Young Skateboarder Champ

Tell us what makes you rock?

Skateboarding is hard and sometimes it hurts when I fall but that's okay you just have to try again. I love going down ramps that are taller than me it feels like I am flying.

What is your proudest moment in your life?

I joined my first skateboarding competition even though I was afraid. I was nervous but it was so much fun! I came in 4th and did not get a trophy but next year I will try again.

Who or what motivates you?

One day I will be able to do a kickflip like Sky Brown & Mia Kretzer and my coach. I love all my skateboarding friends they play with me and we encourage and cheer each other on.

EDEN BARNARD: Aerial Hoopster

What makes you rock?

I am really into aerial arts and have been training for four years in aerial hoop, also known as the Lyra and aerial silks.

What is your proudest moment?

Being asked to be in a Singapore Airlines advert and in the Singapore Kindness Movement commercial.

Who or what motivates you?

I’m excited to be an interior designer one day!

ATLAS MASON: Avid Learnder + Model

Tell us what makes you rock?

I love numbers and planets and am named after the Greek Titan Atlas. I only watch educational TV, if it’s not educational, I am not interested. My learning appetite makes me rock!

What is your proudest moment in your life?

My proudest moment was when I got to model with my mom! I even made some money, which I am saving, of course!

Who or what motivates you?

I am self-motivated. I love learning.

ELLISON BARNARD: Author Of A Children's Book + Art Designer

What makes you rock?

I’m hard working and dedicated to things I’m passionate about.

What is your proudest moment?

I’m really proud of myself for writing a children’s book that focuses on the detrimental effects of elephant tourism. I read my book, ‘Ellie’s Elephants’ to local and international supporters at a fundraising event at Samui Elephant Haven. My art is also featured in their ‘The Painted Elephant’ colouring book.

Who or what motivates you?

My mom, because she is dedicated, hard-working and always tries to achieve her dreams.

GRACIE THOMPSON: Young Change Maker Full Of Empathy

Tell us what makes you rock?

When my 81-year-old chess teacher got into a road accident, he lost his memory and ability to move on his own. The doctors said he would not live for very long. My sister and I visited him every day afterwards and we sang his favourite songs to help him start to remember again. After about 6 weeks, he could start to speak again, sing along with us, and walk without help. He improved so much, it was amazing.

What is your proudest moment in your life?

When I won three gold medals at the school sports day. It was my first time on a real track field.

Who or what motivates you?

My mum because she is always on my side to help me and she teaches me new things.

SEDTHAWUT AMNAJMANEE AKA TOMMY: Responsible For The Sufficiency Economy Learning Center

Tell us what makes you rock?

I live with my grandmother. I try very hard to learn at school to be successful in business in the future. I am responsible for the Sufficiency Economy Learning Center at Baan Bang Thong School, a life skill project. I play football with the Gate of Football Foundation and go to Phuket Vagabonds Rugby Academy. This junior rugby development programme is connected to the NGO Asia Center Foundation. I am on their scholarship programme and attend their youth group, where we are currently learning about ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens’ which is really making a big impression in my life.

What is your proudest moment in your life?

I’m proud that I have my grandmother to help, support, advise and teach me to be a good person. I’m proud to have teachers that believe in me and give me important jobs to look after.

Who or what motivates you?

My grandmother and my teacher Khun Jeeratipt.

PIMLADA ‘MOOK’ RONARITH: Girl Sports Rockstar

Tell us what makes you rock?

Girl power!

I love sport and play football at school with the Gate of Football Foundation and rugby with Asia Center Foundation Junior Rugby Development Program. I represent my school at sport and play Takraw, a traditional Thai ball game. My teachers and coaches say that I am fearless and determined and I am always eager to play to my best ability. I can take on the boys at any sport, no problem!

What is your proudest moment in your life?

I helped our team to win in a Takraw competition and was recognised by the team as being a valued player.

Who or what motivates you?

Coach Elle from Gate of Football helps guide me and keeps me motivated to perform well and do my best.

‘MATTI’ EMMANUEL MARTIN PUNO: Football Star + Philathropist

Tell us what makes you rock?

I am intensely determined to be and go beyond what I am today or perceived to be. “My curiosity and dreams have no boundaries. As a child, I was good at golf and great at basketball, and yet I chose to be a football player. This zest brought me the opportunity when I was 13 years old to go to the British International School Phuket (BISP) on a football scholarship, where I became the football team captain. Moving away from my family at a young age was hard; however, I have learned, experienced, and grown so much during my time here, especially being independent. For my summer holiday, I chose an internship on a farm in the Philippines driving regenerative practices, as I seek to learn something new and meaningful”.

What is your proudest moment in your life?

Becoming the head student at BISP was a memorable moment in my life, as it proved that others acknowledged the hard work I put into school every day. Another proud moment was when I earned the opportunity to play for the U16 Philippine National Team in Indonesia. Lastly, I got to spend at the farm, where I could see firsthand what progressive farm life was like, the possibilities that address environmental concerns and fair labor practices. At the farm, I completed a project on sustainable livestock feed with black soldier flies - designing a model to feed the chickens at the farm.

Who or what motivates you?

The thought of being able to improve the life of others and make a contribution to the environmental issues we all face today is something I always have wished to do; luckily, I was able to do that in a small way at the farm. One day I hope to do this on a larger scale. This is what motivates me in my everyday life, as I hope that as I gain new experiences and learnings, one day I will hopefully be able to contribute to our world.

LAI CHUN YEE JUN: Young Drummer

Tell us what makes you rock?

People see music as a tool for success, while others see it as an opportunity for self-expression. The drum is an instrument that brings me joy, to learn how to overcome challenges like reading sheet music quickly. I serve at church in the junior worship team. She has won her first gold award in drumming from the HKCYAA in 2021.

What is your proudest moment in your life?

That I can run faster than my dad!

Who or what motivates you?

My mom, Kayun is a Christian singer-songwriter and motivates me in my musical life. I’m proud of them both.

LEILA KASSAR: Artist And Creative Soul

Tell us what makes you rock?

Experimenting with all the different art forms. I like pottery, painting, sculpting, singing, dancing and writing. I like things to have order but I want to do things in my own way. I don’t like rules.

What is your proudest moment in your life?

I have an intense fear of needles and pain. I always put off having my ears pierced until three months ago when I braved it and now I wear my earrings proudly.

Who or what motivates you?

Frida Kahlo

MILLICENT DUNCAN: Artist With Exhibition

Tell us what makes you rock? 

I love art! All sorts of art. I like to sculpt and I love to paint. I’m sensory so I love the way the different textures feel through my fingers.

What is your proudest moment in your life?

When I was 5 my first artwork was displayed in an exhibition. I way very proud that day.

Who or what motivates you?

I love nature and flowers in particular so you will see a lot of flowers in my artwork.

ANDRE CHUNG CHEUK HEI: Essay Winner

What makes you rock?

I was the winner of the junior category of the John Locke essay competition.

What is your proudest moment?

In this competition, I saw not only the opportunity to exercise my English composition, but to learn how to do research and cite sources, all while writing about a series of intersecting topics I am very passionate about. And indeed, if I won something, I could prove my ability to my family, my friends, the world, and myself.

Who or what motivates you?

The classics, alternate history, and some science fiction and fantasy, as well as historical nonfiction, some anthropology, and some philosophy books.