Jerry Yan, former member of Taiwanese boy band F4 and lead actor in the popular TV series "Meteor Garden", had Thai fans swooning last Saturday during a brief stint on the stage at Bangkok Convention Centre, Central Lat Phrao.

But the Asian icon wasn't in the Kingdom to sing or promote his acting career.

He was carrying out his duties as an ambassador for World Vision's regional child sponsorship and explaining the details of World Vision Foundation Thailand's "For the Children" campaign.

Yan, who devotes almost three months each year to helping the non-governmental organisation, has been touring Asia to promote WV's child sponsorship since late October and has visited Mongolia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.

Thailand was his last stop before returning home to Taiwan.

And while he's appeared at smart venues to make his appeals, he's also seen for himself the dire circumstances in which many children in this part of the world still live.

When asked what prompted him to take up this role, the 29-year-old replies: "I have a real desire to help needy children.

"When I was young, my family was quite poor and used to receive help from other people. Because of their help, I can be what I am today.

"When those children grow up and discover their abilities, they will be able to help themselves. Help brings happiness. I want to touch their tiny hands with my warmth."

The event, which drew a crowd of 2,000, opened with a choir of hilltribe children and a video of the pop star's first trip in Mongolia to meet the five children he sponsors.

Winter temperatures in the country can fall as low as minus 44 degrees Celsius. Many Mongolian children have little food, and have no heating at home. Some street children can only find warmth in the underground tunnels.

F4's hit song was played after the screening and the crowd, which included fans from Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia screaming out his name.

The shrieks became louder as Yan appeared onstage looking cool in a pale green t-shirt and baggy brown trousers.

Was he exhausted after all the travelling?

"No, I'm not, not after seeing your [fans] faces," answers Jerry, setting off another round of screams.

And how does he feel about fans sponsoring children in his name?

Yan replies by giving the audience a thumbs-up.

"It's a good opportunity to do charity together. It's sincere and has meaning. My slogan is: 'If you love Jerry, please love everybody'."

But he surprised fans by explaining that his visit to Mongolia hadn't impressed the children.

"They don't know me and they don't know F4."

What are his plans after getting home to Taiwan?

"I have to get back to singing and acting. But whenever I have the chance, I advocate on behalf of child sponsorship and help make their lives better."

His advocacy certainly paid off. By the end of the show, fans had signed up to sponsor 304 impoverished children through World Vision.

The Taiwanese idol joined fans in decorating a Christmas tree and sang with a group of 25 children, before accepting handmade gifts from five representatives of the hilltribe children.

Before bidding farewell, Jerry reminded the crowd that the best Christmas gift is "to sponsor needy children and make their lives better".

To sponsor needy children or make donations, call World Vision Foundation of Thailand at

(02) 381 8863-5 or visit www.worldvision.or.th.

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation