ONEfor10 Philanthropists - Community Chest 公益金

Real generosity toward the future lies in giving to the present.

Albert Camus

Philanthropists

“Don’t give to get. Give to inspire others to give.”
See how these philanthropists lead by example in making a difference in the lives of others.

An experience with the college help desk was the trigger for Chen Fan, who is currently involved in the areas of building strong and resilient families and assisting persons with mental health conditions.

“We did weekly shifts as phone operators in university and I felt really happy every time I was able to help find a solution. That's when I knew I wanted to empower others as soon as I had the means - whether it was donating my time or money.”

Chen Fan

Chua Weiling is a third-generation philanthropist. Her journey was influenced by her grandmother, who shaped her values and taught her that a little can go a long way in creating a lasting impact on others.

“Be an intentional giver. You will need to consider the purpose and what you want to achieve with your giving.”

Chua Weiling

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Chua Weiling

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A random encounter at a friend’s wedding jumpstarted Foo Say Thye’s philanthropic journey, and he is currently involved in the area of helping adults with disabilities integrate into society.

“I grew up poor, and wanted to give back. Seeing social service users in wheelchairs at my friend's wedding was the impetus for my volunteering journey. It doesn't matter what you have, as long as you have the heart.”

Foo Say Thye

Kelly Keak is a second-generation philanthropist. Her journey was influenced by her mother, who shaped her values and taught her that a little can go a long way in creating a lasting impact on others.

“I believe that if we can just make one small change, even something as small as being kind to just one other person, our children will see, learn, and follow suit.”

Kelly Keak

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Kelly Keak

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As the chief executive officer of Inchcape Greater China and Singapore, Ms Wong leads her company’s corporate social responsibility programmes aimed at supporting children and youth-at-risk.

“I want everyone to be given the same opportunity to succeed, because we can achieve so much more when we put our differences aside,” she said. “We are not limited by our gender, age, race or religion and should be treated equally based on our capabilities and skillsets.”

Jasmmine Wong

Giving back to the community has always been second nature to Mr Singh, who grew up on the residential campus of a national research laboratory in Pilani, India. Many families had lived there since the laboratory was established in the late 1950s, creating a tight-knit community.

“I saw my parents come forward and offer professional and personal help to colleagues and friends,” he said. “It has therefore been natural for me to be interested in giving back to society and to help in ways that make a difference.”

Narinder Singh

Ms Phau’s passion for driving change within the social service sector – whether in her professional or personal capacity – stems from a belief that those who have benefitted from life’s opportunities should look for ways to empower and help others.

“It sets an example for a compassionate and caring society. Singapore is increasingly becoming stratified and I feel that those who have more should give more.”

Pearlyn Phau

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Pearlyn Phau

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For Pierre Lorinet, charity does not end with a handout, but with a progression towards self-sufficiency.

“Charitable giving is not just about handouts. The ultimate strategy for philanthropy is to make yourself redundant.”

Pierre Lorinet

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Pierre Lorinet

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Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin believes the non-profit sector will benefit even more from volunteers who are willing to share their workplace knowledge and skills.

“Everyone has a role to play in greater social equity; the more privileged you are, the bigger your responsibility.”

Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin

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Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin

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Generous with his time, Tan Chin Hwee is ever ready to give back to society in every way possible.

“If we produce individuals who don't even care about the community, then I think we have failed.”

Tan Chin Hwee

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Tan Chin Hwee

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Having seen his aunt and uncle lead by example, Tan Hsuan Heng is currently involved in the area of empowering children with special needs and youth-at-risk.

“I've always known it's more blessed to give than receive, but I was really only 'thrown into it' when I became the executor of my aunt's estate. Helping people is one way of completing our lives, and it must start when we're young."

Tan Hsuan Heng