Our Story
In August 2014, the world watched - and did little - as ISIS launched a brutal genocide against the Yazidis, a peaceful minority group in Northern Iraq. Thousands of men were killed, and thousands more women taken as sex slaves. Hundreds of thousands fled for their lives into Syria, Turkey and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Halfway around the world, a stroke had just left Willy blind. In desperation, the only prayer he found himself uttering was: “God, please use me for the rest of my life.”
The answer came quickly. Not long after his sight was restored, Willy received an email with a plea to bring medical aid to Yazidi refugees. A first trip in early 2015 with his friend Dr. David Yue soon led to many more, bringing relief and medical aid.
In 2017, Habibi International was born…
We are committed to the transformation of the lives of refugees and internally displaced persons in the Middle East.
We’re often asked:
“Why Habibi? What does it even mean?”
“Habibi” is a commonly used term of endearment across the Middle East that means “my beloved”. It is a reminder of how relationships are at the heart of all that we do, and that love should drive our actions. This is even more crucial in the contexts we serve in.
Our Values
We Follow Jesus
We take our cue from someone who was once a refugee and who understands suffering intimately. His message of hope, healing and freedom is what keeps us going. His approach of doing life with people - including those that society despised or did not protect - guides ours.
We Value People
We’re not here to run a program or complete a project - we’re here to come alongside friends who have tremendous dignity and worth.
We Pursue Partnerships
We can’t take on the world’s immense challenges alone, neither are we supposed to. We believe that everyone brings unique strengths to the table, and collaborations with others - especially local communities - are our best shot at moving the needle on issues.
We Are Pioneers
We aren’t afraid to do what others have not done before. We create platforms so that others can also serve.
We Respect Local Cultures
We are constantly learning from and amazed by the beauty and diversity of the cultures we get to encounter. Our local team is a microcosm of the multicultural society we work in, with all ethnicities and faiths.
We Practice Servant Leadership
We recognize that some of the areas we work in have painful histories of exploitation. We are here not to take but to give, not to be served but to serve.
OUR FOUNDERS
WILLY TAN
Willy Tan is the Co-Founder and CEO of Habibi International. Born and raised in Singapore, he moved to the United States for school and later worked in wealth management in Southern California. After sensing God’s call to serve displaced families in the Middle East, he began a new chapter of service. He now spends much of his time in Iraq and travels extensively across the Middle East and beyond, mobilizing people and resources to respond to urgent humanitarian needs. Alongside leading the work, he is completing his doctorate. Willy also loves history, travel, and archaeology.
DR. DAVID YUE
Dr. David Yue is the Co-Founder of Habibi International. After 32 years of medical practice in the Los Angeles area, David and his wife, Connie, felt God’s call to close their practice and begin a new chapter of service in the Middle East. They count it a deep privilege to share life with the people there and to serve in Christ’s name. David now serves as chair of the Habibi International Leadership Council and as its medical director.
THE TEAM
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Stephanie Tsang, Executive Director
Michael Mow, Logistics Manager
Elizabeth Lee, Financial Controller
Richard Cao, Creative Director
Jack Chao, Bookkeeper -
Willy, Country Director
Jonathan, Projects Director
Heidi, Operations Director
Kaizak, Office Manager
Ruth, MHPSS Program Manager
Jeslyn, MHPSS Program Manager
Germaine, Education Program Manager
Ginny, Dental Program Manager
Yuxiang, MHPSS Program Manager
Shirley, Special Needs Program Manager / Ronahi Children’s Institute (RCI) Director
Shaveen, RCI Operations Manager -
Samantha Cao - Board Chair
Daniel Chung - Treasurer
Danny Chu
Dr. David Yue
Dr. Jerry Tzou
Dr. Peter Chiu
Michael Chen
Willy Tan -
Chiew Lian Chua, Executive Director
Joy Ong, Administrator -
Zhi-Wen Ng, Board Chair
Suzanna Harjadi, Treasurer
Dr. Richard Hui
Evelyn Loh
Nicole Oon
Willy Tan, EX Officio -
Chiew Lian Chua
Daniel Chung
Dr. David Yue
Heidi Tan
Jonathan Su
Samantha Cao
Stephanie Tsang
Willy Tan
Zhi-Wen Ng