Yee Yang 'Square' Lee

About Me

“Kia ora! I'm a cultural strategist, creative consultant and chartered governance expert who brings fresh perspectives and asks challenging questions. My journey spans Malaysian theatre to NZ boardrooms – 20+ years of translating creative chaos into operational realities. I've served on diverse boards from billion-dollar foundations to priceless art collections, while building sustainable careers for artists as a BIPOC-focused artist manager. I co-lead SquareSums&Co, where we champion talent and creative ideas others overlook. WHAT I BRING: Insights and provocations grounded in deep multi-sector knowledge. Governance frameworks that creatively and culturally fit organisations. A track record of turning "that's how we've always done it" into breakthrough thinking. WHAT I'VE BUILT: Launched artists from local stages to international tours and festivals across 14 countries. Developed emerging talent into multi-award winners. Created The Oryza Foundation for Asian Performing Arts, Where The Asians At‽ and ASIAN(SOUND)SCAPES Festival – because I believe in creating change, not waiting for it. WHAT I'M AFTER: Board roles with cultural institutions, philanthropic foundations, creative tech companies, and social impact organisations ready to embrace new perspectives. As a Malaysian-Hakka-Chinese migrant fluent in five languages, I specialise in bridging cultural divides and making diversity more than window dressing. My recent work revealed how and why Asian musicians face systemic barriers in Aotearoa, and I'm investigating why NZ struggles to export creative talent to Asia-Pacific despite being neighbours. I thrive on thoughtful disruption and believe the best governance comes from constructive challenge and diverse perspectives. If you want someone who'll challenge assumptions, ask uncomfortable but vital questions, and help transform good intentions into genuine impact – let's kōrero. Because doing good IS good business. It's all about the ripples.”