Popular Malaysian singer-songwriter and actor Michael Wong will arrive in Vientiane next week, according to the World Vision Office to Laos yesterday.

Mr Wong will visit Laos from June 10-14 as World Vision Malaysia 's goodwill ambassador. He will visit development projects in Khammuan and Savannakhet provinces.

During his time in Laos Mr Wong will trek through poor rural villages to meet children and families living in poverty, and learn how he can respond to the needs of the communities they live in. He will also visit exciting projects to understand how community development works in Laos and how these projects improve the lives of poor people...more info>>

After his visit, Mr Wong will return to Malaysia to raise awareness and promote the fight against poverty in Laos and in other parts of the world.

He will be promoting a special campaign called the “30 Hour Famine” through which young people learn about poverty and are given opportunities to raise money and awareness to eradicate poverty and hunger around the world.

The hope is that through Michael Wong's personal experience and example, the youth of Malaysia will become more active in their support for those living in poverty, especially children.

Michael Wong has recorded over 8 albums and has 10 movie and drama appearances to his credit. He is in the Malaysia Book of Records as the Malaysian Chinese male composer with the highest number of awards and also for his best selling album entitled Tong Hua. He has earned 44 awards for his music.

Gaining more and more recognition globally, Mr Wong was recently appointed as Tourism Malaysia 's ambassador. His participation in the A Music records label in Hong Kong has also gained him more recognition in Asia .

World Vision is an international NGO working in 31 districts of 6 provinces in Laos to create lasting change for children, families, and communities living in poverty. Through child sponsorship funding, World Vision works in many sectors, such as mother and child health, food security, and education.

By Vientiane Times