39 Recognizing how his work in Geneva also benefits people in Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Kyu Tae found it satisfying to know that he was still contributing to the community and culture he came from, by protecting civilians caught in armed conflicts, through the provision of essential health care, access to education, family reunification, and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyu Tae was amazed to see how the ICRC team adapted to continue to help the people they served, but he found it sobering that the pandemic continues to exacerbate issues for refugees and displaced people. Kyu Tae is undeterred in his commitment to becoming a humanitarian and credits the HKUST traineeship with helping him make the transition to a career. He’s always thrived outside of his comfort zone, but the trainee position gave him an opportunity for international experience and exposure, and the confidence to see what he is capable of. After his traineeship, Kyu Tae continued to follow his humanitarian calling, taking the role of Protection Delegate at the ICRC in northeast Nigeria. He is now in charge of running a program for relatives of missing families, providing them with protection, and mental health and psychosocial support services. It’s clear that whatever happens next, Kyu Tae dares to make a difference.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk5Njg=