Li Kim on FZ.com!
Last week, Phng Li Kim was interviewed by FZ.com for being a host on The Paranormal Zone. The interviewer was interested in how Li Kim manages to juggle being the CEO of the publishing arm of Kechara, a mother of 3 boys and a host on a national television program.
Since The Paranormal Zone aired on the 1st of October 2012, 3.2 million viewers have tuned in to watch the 13 episode program on NTV7!!
Season 2 will be out sometime in the middle of this year… and at the same time, NTV 7 will do a re-run of Season 1.
Take a look at Li Kim’s video interview below! I would like to send my personal congratulations to Li Kim for her very successful paranormal TV program!
Tsem Rinpoche
Through Their Eyes: Phng Li Kim
First Published: 3:18pm, Jan 24, 2013 | by Kristina Mariswamy | FZ.COM/Sam Fong
WE ALL wonder how working mothers do it. Juggling between their careers, ensuring their children and household needs are cared for surely takes a lot from them. Is there even time for more?
Just ask Phng Li Kim, host for The Paranormal Zone, a reality-based documentary series which premiered on ntv7 last October.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Kechara Media and Publications by day, and host for the show by night, Li Kim explains that this is just two of the many hats she wears. The mother of three also serves on the board of the Kechara Buddhist organisation and is involved in various community service work.
“My days are interesting. Some days chaotic, but most of the time, when I go to bed, it’s a gratifying day.
“You put everything together, I mean, are there days that is frustrating? Of course!
Wearing a simple summer dress, the host was all smiles throughout the interview, with nothing diva-ish about her demeanour.
“You know that slogan where people talk about balancing your time? I’ve come to believe that it is a concept that’s hard to achieve, because you can never balance.
“Always, at some point in your day, moment to moment, one aspect will give in to another aspect, so, to me, managing life is more what is important at that time, what’s your priority and what you want to achieve in life,” she explained.
Always needing change
“You will notice a pattern in my life, I never can stay very long,” she said, listing down how between kindergarten and high school she had switched schools close to six times before furthering her education in the United States.
“There I had to stay put lah, because my father said if I decided to change he will cut funds,” she explained, laughing.
Li Kim graduated with a degree in Business Administration at the age of 21, and returned home to Malaysia to work in her family’s glove factory in Johor Baru. She went on to make several other career changes before settling in her position as CEO of Kechara Media & Publications.
Why be afraid to explore anything new
Li Kim may have a colourful resume when it comes to the various jobs she has held or aspired to, yet being a host for a paranormal reality show was not something she ever imagined herself doing.
A strong follower of the teachings of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche, the spiritual guide of the Kechara Buddhist Organisation, Li Kim explains that the idea came about in the beginning of 2011, when the Rinpoche suggested she host a show on the paranormal during supper.
“Personally, I’m so insensitive, I can go to the same place everyone is talking about, saying, ‘Aiyo, It’s so haunted, this and that,’ and think, ‘What?! Where?! So in my head I thought, ‘Yeah right!’ and he told me,’ I know what you are thinking…’
“Rinpoche always says, why be afraid to explore anything new, to enrich my life, learn more, benefit others. I had nothing to lose, so I gave it a shot,” she said. An arm of the company, called Kechara InMotion, then began exploring the possibility of doing the show, and eventually produced 13 episodes.
A learning experience
When asked if hosting a reality show on the paranormal ever scares her, Li Kim responds matter-of-factly that she had no qualms at all.
“I have some episodes that are very heavy, in a dark way. And some episodes, like in the haunted house, that is supposed to be very scary, but I did not experience fear,” she said.
“I’m sure people are expecting me to say, ‘Aiyo, so creepy, so scary,’ and all. But, I think because I myself am new to the paranormal, I am learning with every episode, just as my audience are, so it’s a learning thing.
“Have there been moments (when) it feels kind of creepy? Yes. There are episodes where you feel like something is going, and you just go with it. I can’t just pick up and say,’ oh it’s too creepy, I’m leaving! My job is to sit in the fear,” added Li Kim, laughing.
Unlike most shows on the paranormal, however, The Paranormal Zone does not aim to invoke fear in its audience at all. Instead, its goal was to create awareness and provide education on the paranormal.
“Our goal has always been to provide fun, excitement, entertainment and most importantly information as well as education, for people to make decisions, informed decisions to eliminate the fear factor.
“We are not out to scare people just to create awareness that such beings exists, and you should not deny its existence, but instead, develop the compassion and respect for them so that you don’t generate fear. Because fear generates fear and that’s how all the negative aspects of ghost and spirits and all happen,” Li Kim further explained.
The host said that she always remembers Rinpoche’s teachings on the paranormal to help keep her composure during tense times.
“These spirits are also lives just without the body and physical form that we know.
According to the host, the biggest misconception about her is that she has a kind of “gift” in dealing with the paranormal.
“People think because I’m hosting The Paranormal Zone that I’m some kind of sifu or some kind of master. I am not, what I am is a person who has developed tremendous curiosity for the paranormal based on my trust for my teacher who told me to just do it, she explained. “I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve enjoyed that tremendously.”
Season 2
The show, which aired weekly on ntv7 between October and December, reached a total of 3.4 million viewers at the end of its first season. According to Li Kim, her biggest gratification comes from the response the show has gotten from the public.
“We get a lot of our feedback from our Facebook page, and a lot of people have been asking us good questions there. We have not been getting any shallow questions at all. A lot of people are actually telling us that they appreciate and have learnt a lot from the show,” she said.
Her biggest fans, however, still are her three sons (aged eight to 13), who according to Li Kim are very supportive of all her endeavours.
“They realise that what I’m doing like publishing the books, being a liaison, and hosting the show is something that brings benefit to more than just myself and my family. They understand that, and they don’t give me any pain about it,” said Li Kim adding that she was most thankful for her sons’ understanding.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Through-Their-Eyes-Paranormal-Hostess.mp4
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
wow, i hope my mom gets very successful in the paranormal zone and i hope she is always safe when she does the shooting. i know that my mom always does a good job and she did a excellent job here. i hope soon everybody watches her on tv, nice job mom!!!
I had watched the Tsem Paranormal zone and really like the concept of creating an awareness and educational on spirits existence. I believe many will benefit from the paranormal show. :0
Li Kim looks great in this interview. She is eloquent and represents Rinpoche and Kechara well. As Rinpoche’s PA, she personifies the qualities of a leader with compassion and all the while looking fabulous as she does.
Not only does she have to juggle multiple portfolios like Kechara Media and Publications (KMP), Tsem Paranormal Zone (TPZ), Tsem Ladrang as Rinpoche’s Personal Assistant, she also sits on the Board of Directors of Kechara and is also mother to three children.
Not a feat for the faint hearted if you ask me! Even with all this on her plate, she remains a pillar of calm, resolve and is always a shoulder one can cry on (so to speak). She is the epitome of someone that focuses out!
Most of all, she is incredibly happy doing all of this as she committed and really wants to serve Rinpoche well! She is such an inspiration and a breath of fresh air! Thank you Li Kim!
Thank you for having this great show and creating more understanding about the beings in the spirit realms. As the stereotype is that spirits or the unknown is scary to us.
我个人很赞成利用现代人的生活方式和生活习惯来宣扬佛法，因为只有透过这样的方式，才能吸引跟多的人来接触佛法，因为这样才能把我们所学到的佛法知识运用在现代的生活模式上。可是我们还是在遵守2600年前佛陀的教育，只是运用现代人听得懂及看得懂方式，把佛陀当时的智慧用全新的方法来呈现罢了。这是仁波切的智慧与远见，谢谢仁波切。
woo hoo! i am so proud of my mom! she can juggle so many thinks it is breath taking, i am as lucky as a thousand leaf clover to have her as a mom. Please live long mummy, so you can do the dharma, entertain and teach people so many things.
Thank you, Rinpoche for posting this wonderful article on Li Kim.
I have the privilege of working rather closely with Li Kim for the past 1 year both in KMP and on TPZ. Boy, was it one heck of an experience. She is an amazing Boss. A little strict and demanding at times but deep down I know she only wants me to fly. I think 2012 has been the most eventful year of my life. I have accomplished so much both spiritually and at work. And I would not have done this without a supportive, caring and sincere Boss. And to be honest, I wasn’t the best employee around and have driven Li Kim up the wall a couple of times. I disappointed her but guess what, she did not give up on me. She continued to nurture me and gave me many chances to get things right again. I am extremely thankful to Li Kim for her care, TRUST and for giving me the freedom to explore and be crazy and weird whenever I needed to. This is the generous, loving, caring, responsible and giving Li Kim.
Congratulations on your achievements! I hope that I will always be able to work for you in many years to come. Love you very much, my dear Boss.
Cheers,
Wendy
I’m very proud of Aunty Li Kim, she is a very hardworking and caring lady. Sometimes I just feel like she’s my mother, she never stops caring for us. Although she’s quite fierce sometimes, but I know that she does that for our own good. If the person doesn’t care about you, he/she will not even bother to talk to you. So it shows that she does care, and I really respect and admire her for that.
Thank You for sharing Rinpoche.
Love, beatrix.
I agree with what everyone has said about how special Li Kim is but i’d like to add that even though Li Kim has so much on her plate, she never complains and is always there to be supportive and find solutions. She is an incredible leader who cares very much for her Guru and her team, which makes her a great reflection on Rinpoche. I rejoice as Li Kim goes from strength to strength. Li Kim, love you lots! xx
Congrats TPZ for hitting 3.2 million viewers! Not only the shows are fun, they’re educational as well. We get to know more about the paranormal activities..
Celebrity host LiKim is really capable like her mom. Head of few departments, liaison to Rinpoche and raising a family all at the same time.. What an Iron Lady! She serves as an inspiration to me! =)
Thank you for sharing, Rinpoche!
Li Kim is an incredible person! She does so much and she can balance all of it. Imagine having 3 kids and juggling it with so many port folios! She sure is amazing! I respect her a lot! And I never hear her complain. Salute! She listened to Rinpoche’s advice and went all the way. Now look at her 2 elder boys, they are also following their mum’s footsteps and being involved in Animal Befrienders Coalition (ABC).
Dear celebrity Li Kim u r so awesome. Ur mum Datuk May, ur sons and all ur family will be very proud to u.
Thanks hosting such amazing show (TPZ) to let our eyes get open…
Li Kim is really brave and cool, especially when it comes to touching an unborn baby/a baby ghost! She didn’t flinch or even bat her eyelids!Also in the episode with the moving cup, where the air was ‘heavy’ with the presence of spirits who were very disturbed beings, seeing the way they had died.
But what she says and what Rinpoche has always reminded is about is to be compassionate,as these beings are in a state of suffering.
Li Kim has captured the essence and import of the paranormal series in her summing up of the series.
She is a great lady, considering that she wears many hats and is the mother of three boys.
Li Kim is always sincere, straightforward and honest in her approach with everything, including being the host of TPZ! People love her for who she is on TV and in person! She doesn’t pretend to anyone that she is not, even though she is now famous, hehe! Thank you Li Kim for being who you are and we are looking forward to the 2nd season of TPZ, and if possible, no more singing in the haunted house, :p!
It’s not easy to be mother and provider to young children, at the same time doing dharma work as spiritual practices and happiness; and being the host for TPZ. But Li Kim is taking all in her strides because she believes in Tsem Rinpoche and she wants spiritual happiness.
Go, girl!
Forgot to mention that i’m soooo looking forward to Season 1’s reruns and Season 2 . Can’t wait!!!!!
The interview with Li Kim is very interesting and i’m a great fan of the Paranormal Zone.
Li Kim is always so calm on the show, even if she well knows that the location that she is filming at is highly ‘inhabited’ by spirits. She displays great courage and also what i love about the show is she has a marvellous sense of humour !
I have known Li Kim for some time now, and always find her to be very hard working, efficient , kind hearted , generous , caring and a lovely person to be around. And i have also seen her with her sons and she’s a superb mom – her sons absolutely adores her !
Dear Rinpoche,
I have been follow the Paranormal Zone for few episodes, it is a great series. I wonder if there is existing of spirit, past life and future life.
There is some unsolved question in my mind as a fortune teller told me that – you will not die of natural death, but in an accident. He told me that the reason he disclosed this to me is for my own good, so that i have sufficient time to collect merits by doing more charitable work/good deeds now.
I am confusing and disturb by this all this while. What shall i do next ? Could you please shed some light…..
thank you
Chu
Kudos Li Kim and The Tsem Paranormal Team for bringing us one of the best and most popular Paranormal show in Malaysia. It is really scary to be in a Paranormal show Host but of thinking of the negative points you just went through it without much fear and now I can’t believe the first series is over and i have to wait for the Second Series to come out.
It is a wonder how many thousand views this show has got, it was very exciting to be back at 9:00 PM every night to be watching Li Kim going on a new Paranormal Expedition every week.
Loving the motto: “What we see may not be real, what is real may not be seen”
Keep up the good work Li Kim and the Paranormal Team!
Love
Jutika
Wow! That’s a cool summary of the first season of the The Paranormal Zone and I think this is truly an amazing series because it has all the familiar paranormal genres that are found locally in Malaysia and the region. I wish I had watched all of the episodes as it would have been both an entertaining, spooky and learning experience.
I have heard so much of the Ouija board/ tipsin for a long time and I have never actually seen one done locally. However, I know many people might have played this in their youth. My dad told me that he played spirit in the coin. Instead of a bowl, he used a coin when he was young. Anyway, kudos to Li Kim on being such a fantastically natural and honest host. We all love you on screen and off screen. Hope to see you grow from strength to strength!
Aunty Li Kim is very hardworking lady. She has so many portfolios within Kechara and she really contributes towards Kechara. I really love the Paranormal Zone. It is a very great way to learn and experience what paranormality’s all about.
Oh yes and I really respect Li Kim a lot because even though she is on the high way to stardom, and with the million other projects and portfolio she handles she is still here with us – the Ladrang team that is. And recently we have been through some challenging experiences, some ups some downs and what’s amazing is during the downs…she did not abandon us, blame us or condescend any of us! And I respect that in a leader a lot! Someone who walks the talks and does not have an air about it. In fact she gelled with us, understood us and gave her best advice, like a friend would, like a kind bigger sister would do. She did not have to, but she did because she truly cared and that is what makes her the real star to me and I am sure to many of us here.
Her strength and positive points I like most, cos she has a lot, is her courage, loyalty and her straight forward frankness, and her fun flexible nature is what I like best. And if I had to play a pick game, who in Kechara I’d like to be as my mentor, I would pick Li Kim now. Like what Rinpoche said the other night about Li Kim is that she is a “giver”, but sometimes she also needs and she deserves to be given back. So thank you Li Kim for being real and here, BIG HUGSSSSS to you… and lets achieve our goal!!!
Bravo Li Kim Phng for being brave enough to be out there in the open to not only host the Paranormal show but to experience the whole thing for real. I believe her trust in Rinpoche, her Guru is what made it possible to be out there doing it and without coming back eat time freaked out.
I like what Li Kim said that it is a good program because it is not there just to entertain people but rather to educate people about the paranormal which is a subject that Rinpoche himself likes a lot because well… they are kinda everywhere, you can’t exactly ignore them. It also makes one realise that there is an “after life” after death… and it is not necessary in the pure heavens! Jeng jeng jeng… hence the fact is, there is reincarnation, but where we will reincarnate to is the question. And NO I do not think one man’s sacrificing his life can save us from nasty actions we have done, if he could we would be in heaven now and well the population to reduce naturally. And obviously it is not!
I really respect Li Kim a lot, she’s not just a mother of three, The Paranormal Zone’s host, she is also the CEO of Kechara Media Publication and Tsem Rinpoche’s personal assistant too. We have the same 24 hours but do we do as much as Li Kim does ? That’s makes me really respect her and she inspired me a lot .
Under the guidance of Tsem Rinpoche, Li Kim stepped out from her comfort zone, she would rather to spent most of her time for herself in the past, but today Li Kim is out there to use her celebrities identity to share more about spiritualism thru The Paranormal Zone (TPZ) and books that produced by Kechara Media and Publication.
Tsem Rinpoche advised Li Kim to be a role model of her 3 sons, she should spent most of her time to bring happiness for others and she does. 2 of Li Kim’s elder sons, Julian and Lucas is now folowing their mother foot step to spent their personal time for others, together with other 3 young Kecharian, (Beatrix，Edward and Sean) they started a FB fanpage to promote anti animal cruelty, do you think some kids like them will grow up and becoming a monster ? I don’t think so.
Once again, I thanks Li Kim for showing all of us to work hard to bring happiness for others. MAMA we love you !!
Check out Li Kim’s 2 sons and what they are doing during their free time:
http://blog.tsemtulku.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/animals-vegetarianism/animal-befrienders-coalition-abc.html
Li Kim is always a sincere and very hardworking person, she holds many port folio and yet she will never fail to do more as long as it is work that benefiting others.
Same as other ladies, she has a family, 3 kids, she is very busy, but she never complains about her busy-ness, she always smiles when you see her.
You might think never she get tired? Of course she will, how can a human being never gets tired one? But the only thing that makes her different than many people is she never focus on her tiredness, she only focus on what she can do or can do better.
Li Kim who holds Rinpoche’s teaching to her heart, she will do whatever Rinpoche told her to do, because of one simple reason. She trust her guru. The success of Tsem Paranormal Zone episode is one great example of her trust to her guru Tsem Rinpoche.
Thank you Rinpoche for tirelessly teaching us and Li Kim for your great example and successful result.
verry good experience she sharing on the tv show. i like it thank you guru ji.