STM Thought Leader: Kokofai (Benjamin Yong) (45)
Hey all! As I mentioned in this thread, we have put together the STM Thought Leader Global Council, where we acknowledge to those STMers who have gone above and beyond their duties!
The first STM Thought Leader I would like to introduce to you, is a family favorite. He always has a big smile plastered across his face.
Please welcome Mr Kokofai AKA Benjamin Yong!
Benjamin joined STM back in June 2011. Initially, he was too shy to post anything at all. In fact, instead of posting, he claims to have printed out, and read every single guide that was posted.
It wasn’t until his second month that he started posting. From what I read he seemed like an average, entrepreneurial-minded guy looking to make a little bit of money online. However, his personal circumstances were far from average…
I had absolutely no idea about all the struggles and handicaps he had to overcome to even get to that first month’s membership fee in the first place.
Benjamin had a rough start to life.
His dad abandoned him and his family when Benjamin was just 5 years old. Ever since then, he was raised by just his mum. To make ends meet, his mum had to work 2 jobs, from 9 am until 1am. every single day. 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. While his mum was at work, there was no one was around at home to bring up Ben, no one was around to prepare food for him, no one was around to help him with his math homework. He was left to fend for himself.
At the age of 10, Ben decided that he too would work to support his family. And so he did--like his mother, in two jobs--as car washer and a waiter. But then, when it looked like things could not get more difficult--another tragedy struck. Shortly after Ben turned 12, his mum got diagnosed with an incurable eye disease, which meant she could no longer work. And that meant that his family no longer had any source of income except for Ben.
Ben promised himself that once he finished school, he would work his heart out so that his family would never again have to taste such bitter hardship and suffering in their lives. He made a personal vow that he would one day provide his mother with a comfortable retirement for all of her sacrifices. And he decided that that if he ever married and had children of his own, he would become the most amazing husband to his wife and most loving father to his kids.
Ben didn't want to go for a 9-5 job because he knew he would struggle generating enough money to support his mum, sister and himself. He wanted a faster path, so he initially joined some direct selling companies. But during this time, he started toying with the idea of making money online after reading some online blogs and attending some guru seminars. Initially, he even made some quick money, basically by spamming emails. But soon, all of his accounts got banned, and he lost everything.
It was then that he realized he needed something more sustainable, and that is when he first stumbled upon the mrgreen.am blog... and shortly afterwards, to STM. That day, he once told me, "it changed my life - forever."
Ben’s first success came from flipping a debt of -$2000 into $16,000/month after his first 6 months at STM.
I actually first talked to Ben when STM hosted its first STM Hunger Games. At that time, Ben had just recently joined STM, and he was really just starting out in the industry. As captain for team Asia, I initially wanted to only pick members who already had several successful campaigns under their belts. At that time, Ben had none. But after speaking to him and being blown away by his insane work ethic and drive -- and indeed, his genuine hunger for success -- I decided that I had to offer him the final spot for Team Asia.
He ended up leading Team Asia to a massive victory.
And after just over a year at STM, Ben posted how he started generating $XXX,XXX (6 figures)/month.
Ben has literally been grinding at work since he was 10 years old. In his young life, he has never received any handout from anyone.
It has been purely his drive, mindset and hunger that has put him in a position where he is now… an extremely successful super affiliate. And even more importantly, one who is achieving his dream to provide his mum with a happy and comfortable retirement, and starting a family of his own.
Benjamin, on behalf of the STM team, we are honored and extremely proud to have you on as an STM Thought Leader.
Ben is the man! Major props to him for not giving up and achieving success. Respect!
Wow! What an amazing story, and what an impressive individual.
Ben, this is really one of the most touching posts I have ever read on STM.
Your dedication and hard work and perseverance are remarkable, and I am really honoured to call you a friend.
Bloody hell that's inspiring.
Many congrats on all your successes, both past and yet to come.
All i can say it's Respect Ben !
I met Kokofai through these forums maybe two years ago. I was heavily involved with Facebook and was impressed at his level of knowledge, and how much information he was willing to share. He really demonstrated his skills earlier this year when he pivoted from Facebook, and went into mobile 100% without missing a beat.
He's one of the few people in the industry I have a personal friendship with. We've taken a few work-cations together. I witnessed his proposal in Bali this year. And I will be the godfather to his son next month.
I think of all the benefits I have gotten from STM, the biggest has to be the networking aspect. Even though I've made a lot of great contacts for making money, a nice bonus has been the genuine friendships I've made.
p.s. you are still pok guy #1
If Mr Kokofai can do it with the handicap he had, then anyone can! No excuses!
Woaa hats off to you Ben !! Heard a lot about him on Adsimilis meetup 
Motherfucking respect.
Tremendous. I don't know you Ben, but I have to say I have personally found your follow alongs and success stories the most inspiring on the forum. Knowing the details of your upbringing makes it even more incredible. Thanks and well done!
Really happy moment for STM,
Great Move Mr Green!
You deserve all the success coming your way! Well done
one of my favourite people in this industry. the guy is like human pot. i smile when i talk to him instantly. his attitude is infectious.
Great story! I followed your follow alongs from the start and I'm sure you're a great motivation for a lot of people on this forum. Amazing job!
Met Ben in Singapore this year and was amazed by his attitude towards work and success! Great article, great person!
I remember when Ben first joined, his success story motivated the hell out of many users. He is truly one of the friendliest, humble dudes I know and success couldn't of come to a better dude. So much respect for you man.
Actually choked on a few tears reading this, it really is an honour to be apart of such a community and to have met so many amazing people through this. His side kick Joe Tan is another amazing dude as well.
Rocket Cow Kokofai, never stop
Great story! You earned it Ben
Ben Works.
Ben is Optimistic.
Ben Gives Back.
Ben Doesn't Make Excuses.
Ben Uses His Strengths.
Ben Has a WHY.
Wow very inspiring. Mad respect for Kokofai.
You earned your stripes!
so cool. I know I personally enjoy reading the guys posts. I haven't been here that long, but it was clear from the first thing I read of his that he was a leader around here.
Kokofai = BAMF!
you're rock! kkf
Congrats Ben I am always inspired by your posts and now having knowledge of the struggles you had to endure to reach your goals you are truly a amazing guy! I wish you continued success on your journey GOD BLESS brother!
Originally Posted by Mr Green
Originally Posted by dr_ngo
His son will be amazing ... with kokofai as his father, and with dr_ngo as his godfather ... this kid is going to be the next Bill Gates, and we will all work for him one day.
Awesome story! Not to many other industries out there where you can make a come up in just a few years even while being located in 3rd world country. Gotta love the game of affiliate marketing. Get rich or die trying. Respect!
Thank you so much guys for the kind words.
It's such a big honour to be recognised as one of the thought leaders of STM. So now, being recognised as one of the thought leaders, I will continue to give back to the community by helping & posting more frequently - because nothing feels greater than able to help people to change their lives.
Looking back when I first started, it has been a tough journey and I must admit it wasn't easy at all getting to where I am today.
Fortunately, I found STM and it has truly changed my life. Kudos to all the people behind this (Lorenzo, Besmir, Jordan, Maynzie, Caurmen and etc).
STM not only provided me with the info to start making things work, but also the friendship that I've made along the years being a member here. I've met great friends like the owners, charles, maynzie, cmdeal, joejoechen and many more, and these are the people who have helped me a lot along the way. I must say STM is like the greatest community for Affiliate Marketing ever!
I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for STM!
I love you guys. <3
P.S. - cmdeal it's definitely a great pleasure knowing you as a friend as well! Baby's gonna due in 1st week of November 
P.P.S - Charles you're soon-to-be godfather #1 
P.P.P.S - @Lozo & Maynzie - Thanks a lot for the opportunity in the first STM hunger game as I picked up a lot of knowledges from you guys! Love you all <3
P.P.P.P.S - To all, if any of you friends want to start exploring how to make money online and have their lives changed, just send them to STM, like I did to all my friends.
Very heart touching & inspiring story. Read your posts in STM and heard a lot of great things about you from Singaporean friend.
You deserve what you've done man! Glad to see Asian super affiliate here
Ben you thoroughly deserve all your success, to blast through all that you've had to endure is truly inspiring.
BIG story Ben!
I remember your first success story very well, you've come a LONGGGGG way.
I'll never forget your STM speech in Thailand
Wow. Incredible stuff here. I knew a bit of this but not the whole story - again, wow.
This is my first post, just going through the onboarding zone. I'm inspired, makes me think about all the things I have to be grateful for. Congratulations Ben
WoW..................Hats off to Ben!! You deserve all the success....Keep on the hard work..
Awesome!
Incredible. Very moving story and an example of dedication, hard work and education! I'm a printer too Gotta have the physical copy to carry around. Oh, the reams of study!
Huge congrats Benjamin! Really inspirational
But perhaps Benjamin wasn't handicapped at all? Perhaps it was the reason he was successful... 
Awesome story! Big thumbs up for you Ben
I know this is quite an old post but i only got to read it today and i thought it will be a good thing to pop it again to the top of the thread.
reading Ben's life story really moved me and makes me think again how many possibilities this industry have for us these days and how lucky we are to be part of this great Forum which enables all of us no matter how experience or newbie to be successful and learn new ways to generate enough income to pursue our dreams and Goals.
Congrats Ben!
Better late than never
Hey Benjamin!! What an amazing stories of yours! Thank you for getting me into STM!! Looking forward to meet you in KL!
This is an amazing story and VERY inspirational...great job Ben
It's not easy to get up in the morning and have to deal with family problems.
Above all, family always stays at the top of the pyramid and I guess this was one reason of Ben's success. It makes you feel good to hear that Ben did it, and respect is just a word that's not enough.
I actually know him. He lives in Malaysia.
Wow mad respect!
You deserve all the success coming your way! Well done
Awesome story! Congratulations Ben!
This is truly awesome
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