We met on a hike in Hong Kong in 2011 and have been like peas and carrots ever since (Forrest Gump is both of our favorite movies!), realizing we have a lot of things in common and shared values. After 2 years of continuously growing and bonding through shared experiences, we tied the knot and got married in 2013. Since then, we have built a life together filled with love, family and dreams for the future.
Irene was born and raised in Taiwan, studied in both Taiwan and New York, and currently works and lives in Hong Kong. Benny immigrated to Canada in the 1990s and is a Canadian citizen. He grew up and studied in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vancouver and Boston. Our life experience with a variety of different people and cultures makes us exceptionally accepting, optimistic and adaptive.
We each have several siblings and parents who are a big part of our lives. Family connection and support mean everything to us. We both come from kind and loving families. We are very appreciative of our multicultural upbringing and the value of family.
After 12 years of marriage and dreaming of building a family together, we got to the bottom of the causes of our infertility. We were not going to conceive biologically short of a complete miracle. Of course, the news brought grief, stress, frustration, and confusion, but for us there was also some comfort in the sense that we did not have to keep hoping and then dreading monthly rejection – that dream was over. We could move on. Still, we felt there was more asked of us. We still long to give our love to a child. After consulting with our medical team, we’ve decided to seek the help of a surrogate. We’re ready to give our child the world. We just need someone kind enough to help us get there.
We live in a warm apartment in Hung Hom, Hong Kong—a beautiful blend of calm and vibrant community spirit. It’s filled with natural light, cozy corners, and the kind of peaceful energy that invites joy and abundance.
The neighborhood is family-friendly and surrounded by lots of children and young families. We live close to big city amenities, quality healthcare, and good schools, while also being connected to nature, including walking trails, parks, and beautiful lakes through Hong Kong’s convenience and efficient transportation and infrastructure. There are parks, community centre, playgrounds, swimming pool, and library just down the street — making playdates, learning, and after-school activities just steps away. There are also kindergarten, elementary, middle and high schools within walking distance–making this a place where a child can grow from their first steps to graduation, all in the same loving community. This area is known for its strong sense of community and excellent schools. It’s a safe, welcoming neighborhood where we’ve built a happy home and look forward to raising our children.
Irene currently works in credit risk management within the financial services industry. Benny works as Compliance Head in an asset management company. Our daily routine involves full-time jobs and unwinding in the evenings. We are both fortunate to be working close to home and have established a steady work/life balance in our current positions and companies.
A few of Irene’s favorite hobbies include pilates, yoga, listening to music, reading, and going to the movie theater. Irene loves exploring fun outings such as art exhibitions, dance classes, concerts, plays, and sightseeing. Irene is always curious to learn new things, experience new cultures, and meet new people.
Benny has always been very athletic, but table tennis is by far his favorite sport. He picked up table tennis in childhood and still practices today. He joined several school leagues, won a few trophies in the Vancouver and Seattle Open tournaments, and volunteered for several youth programs. Benny is a talented photographer and the cook in our family! He makes all the fancy dinners for holidays and the best foods. Benny loves sharing knowledge with the younger generation and helps junior members learn and grow. He believes in doing his best to problem solve and get things done.
Our weekends are a mix of relaxation, community involvement, and time with friends and family. We stay active through regular bike rides, hiking, swimming, jogging and walks around the neighborhood. We also enjoy traveling and exploring new places and creating lasting memories. After 12 years of marriage, we continue to date and look forward to sharing these activities with our kid one day.
We’re also passionate about giving back. We make regular donations to causes that matter to us, including children’s health, animal rescue, and wellness for those in need. We participate in several child sponsorship programs where our donations provide essentials like food, water, healthcare, and education to young kids. We also joined volunteer groups that pay visits and offer support to children in rural communities or from unprivileged families. We are deeply committed to living a purposeful life and we can’t wait to welcome a child into that world of love and care.
Our surrogate’s well-being is just as important to us as the baby’s. We are committed to providing full financial support for all medical, legal, and pregnancy-related expenses to ensure our surrogate feels secure, cared and respected for every step of the way. We will offer whatever is needed to make the experience as smooth, safe, and comfortable, not just during the pregnancy but well into the postpartum period.
We hope to build a lasting relationship with our surrogate, fostering a supportive and positive experience throughout the surrogacy journey and beyond. After the baby is born, if our surrogate is open to it, we would love to stay in touch. We are aware that each surrogate may have a different approach to post-birth involvement, so we are committed to honouring whatever level of connection she feels comfortable with. No matter what, she will be a part of our family’s foundation, and we will always be thankful for the incredible gift she’s giving us.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and consider helping us build our family. Life is like a box of chocolate – we don’t know how the surrogate matching process will turn out to be. Anyhow, we’re so grateful for women like you, who embody remarkable strength, kindness, compassion, love and the profound act of giving. We hope the experience can be deeply fulfilling and foster a sense of purpose for you as well. You have no idea the happiness and love you would be bringing into our lives. We sincerely thank you for helping make our dream a reality.