Luminox: Can you share more about your journey or how you became a tattoo artist?
Alvin: I started my career in advertising followed by video production. In 1998, I went back to the family business which was not related to arts or creativity. In 2010, I started tattooing which made me feel like I was going back to my roots as an arts/creative person.
Luminox: How has your work as a tattoo artist evolved over the years?
Alvin: I started in the tattoo industry as a hobbyist which evolved into a profession. The tattoo industry has changed a lot with many young artists coming up. Customers also used to see tattooing as an artform, and now it is an accessory to the body.
Luminox: When did you start raising funds to help those in need?
Alvin: From a young age, I have been giving back in small but meaningful ways, whether through monetary donations or clothing contributions. When I became a tattoo artist, the strong sense of camaraderie in the industry further inspired me to support the community. My first major initiative was in 2018 for the Dignity for Children Foundation. I led a fundraising project with a group of tattoo artists, where we dedicated one day's earnings to the foundation, which supports Orang Asli children. Through this effort, we successfully raised approximately RM14,000.
The next project focused on raising funds for earthquake victims in Palu, Indonesia. As a winner of the Fjällräven Polar Expedition, I connected with another Malaysian winner, and together, we helped raise approximately RM10,000 to RM12,000 for those affected by the disaster.
Another notable project took place during COVID when I collaborated with fellow tattoo artists to raise RM44,000 through our artwork, supporting underprivileged communities in Malaysia.
Luminox: Which was the most memorable experience in helping the community?
Alvin: Each one of them was special but what stood out the most was helping the Orang Asli children through the Dignity for Children Foundation as we personally delivered groceries to each family and managed to interact with the community.
Luminox: How do you balance work as a tattoo artist and your fund raising efforts to help the community?
Alvin: I do not see it as separate. I think it is just part of me, I try my best to help anyone.
Luminox: What was the biggest challenge during your fund raising campaigns to help the community?
Alvin: COVID was a challenging period. Although raising the funds required effort, distributing them was delayed due to lockdowns, forcing me to hold onto the donations for nearly six months. During this time, I remained accountable to friends and fellow tattoo artists, ensuring transparency in how the funds were managed and eventually distributed once restrictions were lifted.
Luminox: How does Luminox resonate with you?
Alvin: As a child, I was a scout and a huge fan of Bear Grylls. As I grew older, my love for nature led me to actively hike across Malaysia, the region, and even the USA. During COVID, I rekindled my passion for camping, finding it to be a peaceful escape. I also had the incredible opportunity to be a winner of the Fjällräven Polar Expedition, where I embarked on a 300km dog sledding journey through the Arctic, facing extreme cold and harsh conditions. Coming from tropical Malaysia, where cold weather is rare, this was a significant challenge. I was proud to be the second Malaysian to win this expedition.
Luminox: Luminox celebrates Everyday Heroes – individuals who embody resilience, determination and contribution to the community. What keeps you motivated despite challenges?
Alvin: I always want to do something to help the community. I find it very hard to ignore the less fortunate and I want to help.
Luminox: Bear Grylls slogan is about “Never Give Up”. Have you felt like giving up and what kept you to push on? How does it also resonate with your work and fund-raising efforts to help the community?
Alvin: There were many moments when I wanted to give up, especially during personal challenges. However, the unwavering support of my family and friends has always kept me moving forward. As long as I am able to keep working and helping others, I will keep doing so.
Luminox: What will you tell your 20 year old self?
Alvin: Don’t think too much and just do it. Sometimes overthinking leads to no action.
Luminox: If you could inspire others to take action, what message would you share?
Alvin: Be kind. Kindness fosters a cycle of generosity. When you give to others in the community, the gratitude and the impact you create in someone's life become a priceless gift in return.
Luminox: Any future projects or goals for helping the community?
Alvin: My next project involves fundraising through the sale of my artwork sketches. Each piece holds deep personal meaning, so I will carefully curate them to support those in need within the community.
Alvin's pick: Bear Grylls Survival, 45 mm, Outdoor Explorer Watch - 3741
