Friday espresso: Compassion, and the Words That Come Before It
Dec 12, 2025 1:01 am
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Compassion, and the Words That Come Before It
When I sat down with Joseph Koh, CEO to hear about his decades of work with Orang Asli communities, I asked him what compassion means to him.
He said:
“Compassion to me is not about sympathy, compassion is about asking yourself this,
Can I look at a segment of society who are less privileged than me, and not do anything about it?”
There are many words that come before compassion, and one of them is “kepohness.”
The in-between words he mentioned? They’re the steps that turn compassion into something real.
👇Catch the full episode here!
https://youtu.be/Gzx4XWZj3UI
WHY The First Words Matter?
🧐 Curiosity opens doors to understanding. Curiosity is more than just asking questions, not for your own agenda, but because you genuinely want to learn more. When we approach a community with genuine curiosity, we create space for stories, traditions, and experiences that statistics alone can’t capture.
💛 Care transforms interest into action. Care means actively noticing what a community needs and showing up consistently to support it. It’s the beginning of making compassion tangible.
🌱 Connection grows from small gestures. Even a simple act of listening or showing interest can spark trust. Curiosity and “kepohness” together create bridges that allow communities to feel seen, respected, and valued.
WHAT Builds Strong Relationship?
🎙️ Conversation fosters authentic trust. True dialogue goes beyond polite questions. It’s about creating safe spaces for sharing perspectives, learning each other’s histories, and acknowledging lived experiences without judgment.
🤝 Confidence inspires empowerment. Joseph highlighted that compassion isn’t doing things for people; it’s standing beside them. Supporting local leaders, community projects, and initiatives nurtures independence and reinforces dignity.
💡 Kepohness — the curiosity with courage. It’s the gentle art of asking questions, checking in, and daring to care enough to not look away. It’s about being actively engaged, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.
HOW Lasting Impact Is Created?
🧭 Consistency beats grand gestures. Showing up regularly builds trust far more than occasional, large interventions. It’s the faces, the time, and the steady presence that communicate care more than words ever can.
🫂 Guidance ensures respectful engagement. “Go with someone who has been there,” Joseph advises. Partnering with experienced advocates or community insiders helps outsiders navigate cultural nuances and foster authentic relationships.
📅 Commitment is an everyday choice. Commitment means listening again and again, aligning actions with community priorities, and being willing to grow alongside them.
Compassion is not a feeling to check off a list.
It’s a journey built on curiosity, care, conversation, confidence, commitment, and a bit of courageous “kepohness”.
For communities like Malaysia’s Orang Asli, the path begins simply:
to see, to listen, and to walk alongside, with heart, humility, and unwavering presence.
Connect with me on LinkedIn for more Leadership, Change and Heart content!
That’s the espresso, keep the momentum! ☕😌
Stay caffeinated & curious!
Koo Lily
l Founder of mq Training Coaching Consulting l
Leadership Coach l Change Facilitator l Speaker l
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