Pei’s Blog – Why trusted voices matter

The role of public figures in creating lasting change

When I founded ACTAsia more than twenty years ago, I believed that education was the most powerful tool for creating lasting change. I still believe that today. But over the years, I have also learned that even the best educational programmes need people who can help their message travel further. The greatest challenge facing any NGO in this sector is not simply finding solutions to complex social and environmental issues – it is ensuring that those solutions are seen, heard and understood.

How to be heard and who we should listen to

People today are surrounded by information, with thousands of voices competing for attention every day. For organisations like ACTAsia, simply being heard can be one of our greatest obstacles. But when someone with credibility, integrity and expertise chooses to support a cause, they help open doors that charities often struggle to unlock alone.

At ACTAsia, we carefully consider who we invite to work alongside us. We are not looking for celebrity status alone; fame by itself does not create meaningful change. We look for people whose values genuinely reflect our commitment to compassion, sustainability and education. Whether someone is a scientist, physician, actor, dancer or musician, they have earned the trust of their audience – and when they support a cause they truly believe in, people listen differently.

Meeting Peter Egan – English actor and activist 

The generous support of actor and long-time animal advocate Peter Egan has helped communicate our message of compassion to audiences who may first engage through his work, before discovering ACTAsia’s educational programmes and campaigns. Peter has been a long-term advocate of our work, and I am very grateful for the time he has kindly shared to help ACTAsia amplify our message. His support has included our recent Plant Forward campaign, and he is passionate about ACTAsia’s Caring for Life for children education programme. Peter truly understands the importance of nurturing the next generation through empathy and compassion.

Conversation with Dr Greger – American physician, author and speaker on public health

Most recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr Michael Greger who also joined our Plant Forward campaign. Dr Greger is an American physician and public health speaker, internationally recognised for his advocacy of a whole-food, plant-based diet. Dr Greger is also a New York Times best-selling author of titles including ‘How Not to Die’ and ‘How Not to Diet’. His evidence-based approach encouraged people to think more deeply about the connection between human health, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. What struck me most was not simply his remarkable knowledge, but his generosity in sharing it.

Another well-known voice in the field of plant-based living who has been a supporter of ACTAsia this year is Heather Mills. An animal activist and entrepreneur, she has created several ranges of cruelty free food and make-up, most recently launching No Bloat. I connected with her when we were both invited to speak at an event, and we bonded over our passion and determination to make the world a better place for all living beings. She supports our Plant Forward campaign, and our mission to spread the word about the benefits of plant-based living. 

Voices from stage and fashion

We are equally fortunate to have the support of English actress Jenny Seagrove, a devoted animal welfare advocate and founder of the Mane Chance Sanctuary. Jenny’s compassion for animals runs through everything she does, and her voice has helped introduce ACTAsia’s message of kindness to audiences who have followed her work on stage and screen for decades.

Picture: Seamus Ryan

In the fashion world, designer Stella McCartney – who has proven throughout her career that luxury need never rely on cruelty – has supported ACTAsia’s sustainable, fur-free fashion work. Her backing of our Fur Free Fashion initiatives has helped carry the message of compassionate, sustainable fashion to designers, fashion students and consumers across Asia. Stella is an incredible role model for the industry demonstrating how ethical choices and beautiful fashion can go hand in hand.

Stella McCartney
Sylvie Guillem

The world of dance has also lent us its voice. Legendary French ballerina Sylvie Guillem, celebrated as one of the greatest dancers of her generation and a committed advocate for animals and the environment, has brought her grace and conviction to our cause – showing that compassion can be expressed through every art form.

Local Asian voices help to promote our message

Trusted voices also come from within Asia’s own cultural landscape. Taiwanese singer David Wong, who is celebrated as the father of Rock & Roll in Taiwan, and Jill Hsu (Xue Jieer), an actress & singer whose popularity is growing rapidly in mainland China, have both helped bring our message of compassion to music lovers across generations. This is a powerful reminder that local voices, speaking within their own languages and cultures, often resonate in ways that international figures cannot. 

Jill Hsu
David Wong

We were deeply saddened by David’s passing in mid-June this year. However, his kindness and his belief in a more compassionate world is a wonderful legacy that we will carry it forward in our work.

Why education is at the heart of our work

Education has always been at the heart of lasting change: education creates awareness, awareness encourages empathy, and empathy inspires action. But education also needs engagement. Every interview, shared video and public endorsement creates another opportunity for someone to learn. Whenever we create connections, I hope that:

One conversation leads to another, and these small moments of curiosity often become the first steps towards lifelong change.

The power of trusted voices

Every trusted voice brings something unique. Some reach families; others inspire young people; others connect with professionals, educators or policymakers. Their role is not to speak for organisations like ours – it is to help more people hear the message. Sometimes, all it takes is a familiar face asking a thoughtful question or sharing an inspiring story for someone to become curious enough to learn more. That first spark of curiosity can lead to lifelong change.

Collective responsibility for positive societal change

For charities, trusted ambassadors are not simply advocates; they are educators in their own right, reminding people that positive change belongs to everyone. As ACTAsia expands our Caring for Life education programmes and Plant Forward across Asia, I hope we will keep building partnerships with individuals who share our belief that compassion can be taught.

Compassion begins with education, but education grows through conversation. Every trusted voice that joins our mission helps that conversation reach another person, another family and another community. And that is how lasting change begins.

Help Us!

If you know a public figure – an actor or actress, a singer, a dancer, an artist, athlete, scientist, educator or anyone whose voice carries trust – I warmly invite you to recommend ACTAsia to them. And if you are a public figure yourself and share our vision of a more compassionate world, please do get in touch at info@actasia.org. We would love to hear from you. Every trusted voice that joins our mission helps our message of compassion travel further – to another person, another family and another community.

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Pei Su is a Chinese sociologist and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ACTAsia, an international NGO established in 2006. She is a strong advocate of education and training as the main vehicle for long term sustainability, aiming to inspire people to understand and appreciate the world we share, and to take responsibility for the protection and preservation of its inhabitants and resources.