Dazed and Confucius Consulting began as a simple business idea conceived of by two like-minded cultural and arts sector experts who recognized common and recurring needs in local non-profit communities. It has since developed into much more.

The name, Dazed and Confucius, refers to the mandate and vision of its creators, Yumi Numata and Pennylane Shen.

Referencing the popular 1993 film Dazed and Confused, which depicts a 1970’s lost generation, Pennylane and Yumi felt the pressure of similar apathy and aimlessness ascribed to their own generation. With shared extensive academic backgrounds in social criticism, media, culture and communications, their experiences and education have contributed greatly to their rally against societal disregard of education, culture, art and community.

It is with this in mind that the creators set out to turn the confused into Confucius. Alluding to the great Chinese philosopher, Yumi and Pennylane stress the importance of theory and education leading to progress and practice. On an individual level, they also feel immeasurable and critical ties to their own personal identity politics. Indefinable, ever changing and even frustrating (or confused!) at times, both wholeheartedly believe their identities and Asian heritage undeniably fuel the passion and commitment for the work they pursue in diverse non-profit, cultural communities.