“Paying it forward”, the latest in the Greater Good Series events organised by the National University of Singapore, brought to life the concept of the circle of giving through the stories of the late Tan Sri (Dr) Tan Chin Tuan, as told by his granddaughter Ms Chew Gek Hiang, and Mr Lee Kok Wah. Ms Chew, council member of the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, recounted that her grandfather realised that education was key to achieving success in life. As such, the Foundation he founded in 1976 continues to support mainly educational causes and help others achieve their potential, so they can, in turn, contribute to society.
200 children and adults from 25 charities supported by Tan Chin Tuan Foundation (TCTF) demonstrated their talents for an audience of over 850 individuals in a More Than Words Showcase on 8 September. They include students from Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS) who presented a theatre performance of The Little Prince. Fully funded by TCTF, the More Than Words programme has reached more than 2,500 beneficiaries to date.
Chief Executive Officer of Tan Chin Tuan Foundation Ms Yap Su-Yin shared how families and businesses are increasingly leading the way in addressing social challenges. Ms Yap said “The contributions of the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation reflect the founder’s philosophy that all donations should make a difference; otherwise it would be money ill-spent. In sharing the legacy of the late philanthropist and banker Tan Chin Tuan, we hope to amplify the potential for positive impact to cascade and benefit society over time.
Ms Chew Gek Khim, former chairman of the National Environment Agency (NEA) from 2008 to 2015 was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at the National Day Awards. She was instrumental in the upgrading of existing hawker centres and the construction of new ones. “It is gratifying to see the creation of more hawker centres, which indirectly help cap rising food prices. I am also happy to see how NEA has evolved, and it now attracts qualified and talented young people who aspire to make Singapore’s living environment even better.” said Ms Chew.
A new 75-strong Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra set up earlier this year will stage its inaugural concert tomorrow. The orchestra was established earlier this year, with funding from organisations such as the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation and the Lee Foundation. It also successfully applied for the National Arts Council’s Presentation and Participation Grant.
72-year-old Madam Keh was excited to have her portrait taken by a professional photographer. The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation organised a photo-taking initiative, Project Wish with Care Community Services Society. Conducted over two days on 18 and 19 July, the photographer and his wife visited 20 seniors to take candid shots of them in the comfort of their homes. For many of the beneficiaries, it was their first time having professional portraits done. These framed portraits will be gifted to the beneficiaries.
