Introduction

Tonight, as the city hums quietly and the rest of the world eases into rest, I write this message to Professor Lee, a distinguished scholar of Computer Science at Vietnam University. I do not know him personally, and yet I reach out with a hope that connects people beyond borders—one built not on institutions, but on a belief in potential waiting to be seen.

I have asked Professor Lee for something unusual: to help identify a student in his department. Someone brilliant. Someone creative. Someone who has had to fight harder than most. But more importantly, someone from an underprivileged background who might otherwise go unnoticed—not because of lack of talent, but because of the quiet cruelty of systems that reward status over effort.

The professor responds with curiosity, as he should: "Why are you asking for this favor?"

And my answer begins—not with statistics or slogans—but with memory.

Where I Came From

I was one of those students once. A barefoot boy walking miles to school every day, clutching notebooks with more hope than paper. We did not have much. But we had ambition, and a belief that education could unlock something bigger than our circumstances.

Years later, as I became a professor myself, I met young people who mirrored that same hunger. Students who stayed late in labs, asked questions that textbooks could not answer, and dreamed in code, poetry, and purpose. But I also saw them denied opportunities—not for lack of brilliance, but because they lacked the right last name, the right network, or the right bank balance.

It is from these wounds and wonders that Llivo was born.

Llivo: A Platform with a Deeper Purpose

Most know Llivo as a vacation rental agency. But Llivo was never about just homes—it was about giving people a chance to rise above circumstances. Our platform is a response to the reality that millions of bright, hardworking youth go unnoticed because the system wasn’t built for them.

As shared in The Story of Llivo, this mission was inspired by lived experience—by injustice, perseverance, and a dream to create something better. Llivo is a platform where hospitality isn’t transactional, but transformational.

We aim to:

• Create alternative livelihoods for underprivileged youth.
• Connect local knowledge and global curiosity.
• Support students, hosts, and guests who want more than just a stay—they want to belong, contribute, and grow.

A Global Mission for Young Talent

Llivo is building partnerships with professors, schools, and communities across the world. Why? Because educators are the first to see potential where others see poverty.

We are looking for students like the one I described to Professor Lee—someone who codes late into the night, who helps others without being asked, who dreams beyond what they’ve been told is possible. Someone who just needs a door to open.

Llivo will not only offer travel-related opportunities but also mentorship, platform visibility, and the chance to work on meaningful projects that cross national and economic lines. Through ethical travel, responsible hosting, and inclusive design—we are making space for underrepresented voices to lead.

A Personal Request

So tonight, Professor Lee, I do not ask on behalf of a company. I ask on behalf of the barefoot child I was, and the countless ones I have taught. If you know a student—one who holds untapped potential in their hands—please introduce them to me.

Llivo may be a travel platform on the surface. But its heart beats for people who are ready to journey beyond their limitations—and who simply need someone to say, I see you.

Thank you for reading. And thank you, more importantly, for teaching.

— Khurram Iqbal Founder, LLIVO

About Llivo

Llivo is a global platform that blends short-term rentals with cultural exchange, ethical hospitality, and a mission to empower overlooked talent. From offering affordable rentals to enabling hosts to offer personalized guest care, Llivo is changing what travel—and opportunity—can mean.

We invite you to read The Story of Llivo to understand how one person’s struggle gave rise to a platform built for everyone left behind by conventional systems.

Join the mission: https://www.llivo.com/signup

Disclaimer

This story is inspired by real values and lived experiences. While names and conversations are reflective, the intention remains clear: to honor those who strive, those who teach, and those who still believe in what people can become when given a chance.