Our Vision
To strengthen communities and elevate cultural understanding through food, while building accessible pathways into hospitality.
Why Food Matters
Food is central to culture, identity, and connection.
For many communities, particularly migrant communities, food is:
• A way to share heritage
• A pathway to participation in society
• A bridge between cultures
ABOUT
Our Purpose
Beam Charitable Trust exists to deliver public benefit through:
• Advancing education
• Preserving and promoting cultural heritage
• Supporting community wellbeing and inclusion
Our Approach
We take a practical and community-focused approach:
Share Knowledge
Through education and storytelling, we share deep cultural knowledge and culinary heritage across Aotearoa.
Create Access
We build accessible pathways through public events and initiatives that open doors into the world of hospitality.
Build Connection
Strengthen community bonds through shared food experiences that bridge cultures and foster belonging.
Our Values
Manaakitanga (Care)
Whanaungatanga (Connection)
Inclusion
Sustainability
Creativity
Practical impact
Our Trustees
Bee Keng Koh
Bee Koh is the Co-Founder and Director of Chow Luck Club, a multi-platform organisation that engages communities through food, storytelling, and events that celebrate cultural diversity across Aotearoa.
Originally from Singapore, Bee began her career as a school teacher before moving to New Zealand in 1998. She has since built extensive experience in hospitality, including owning and operating a restaurant and bar in Ponsonby and supporting the management of a resort hotel in Methven.
Through her work, Bee has championed diverse cuisines and cultural food traditions, creating platforms that connect communities and increase appreciation of Auckland’s rich food landscape. Her experience spans programme development, community engagement, and large-scale event delivery.
Bee is passionate about supporting people in hospitality through initiatives that build skills, create opportunities, and strengthen community wellbeing. Through Beam, she is focused on enabling pathways for individuals and communities to share their stories, develop capability, and participate meaningfully in the hospitality sector.
Sophia Ling
A passionate foodie originally from East Malaysia, Sophia Ling is the owner of a dental practice in Auckland, bringing hands-on experience in running a small business and managing day-to-day operations with care and professionalism.
She is passionate about supporting small food businesses and preserving cultural food traditions, aligning closely with Beam’s mission to strengthen and uplift the hospitality community.
Sophia joined Beam as a trustee because she believes strongly in its purpose to uplift people through food, culture, and opportunity. She brings a grounded, community-focused perspective to the trust’s work.
Jasveen Kaur is a Bachelor of Commerce graduate with experience in early childhood education. She is passionate about supporting children’s growth and development and is committed to contributing positively to the community.
Jasveen has a strong interest in teaching and aims to make a meaningful difference in children’s learning journeys.
Jasveen Kaur
Lincoln Tan
Lincoln Tan is an award-winning journalist who worked with the New Zealand Herald from 2005 to 2024, including as a senior diversity journalist. His work has focused on telling community stories and highlighting the experiences and contributions of diverse cultures across Aotearoa.
Originally from Singapore, Lincoln brings a broad background spanning journalism, hospitality, and event delivery. His experience includes co-owning and operating a restaurant and bar in Ponsonby, setting up Christchurch’s first Asian food court, and supporting tourism and hospitality initiatives across New Zealand.
Lincoln co-founded Chow Luck Club, where he has contributed to storytelling and content that celebrates cultural food traditions and connects communities through shared experiences.
He is passionate about using storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and preserve cultural narratives. Through Beam, Lincoln supports initiatives that promote cultural understanding, create opportunities for participation, and strengthen community wellbeing through food and shared experiences.
Jatinder Sidhu
Jatinder is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in financial management, immigration advisory, and community service. As a licensed Immigration Adviser in New Zealand and a Chartered Accountant (qualified overseas since 1997), she brings a strong foundation of expertise and a genuine commitment to public service.
She is a registered tax agent with the Inland Revenue Department and currently runs her own firm, supporting a range of business ventures. Her career has also included active involvement in charitable organisations, including serving in leadership and treasurer roles.
Outside of work, she enjoys travelling with her family, supporting cultural events, and also volunteering in local initiatives that strengthen community connections.