Warmth from Sian Chay in the Epidemic
‘Warmth from Sian Chay in the Epidemic”
Toh Soon Huat
This Covid-19 epidemic has brought us many changes to our way of life, life perspectives and insights. Do you remember your aspiration for 2020? MIne was to lead a happy, healthy and joyful life. We must learn to appreciate living and cherish life.
As long as we can get through the epidemic and difficulties safely and live healthily, we can have time and opportunity to solve any problem. If money is no more, you can still earn it. If something is lost, you can fight to regain it. Don’t lose yourself and be bitter.
I feel the rich should help the poor, and those capable should help the weak. This is the fact of life, as well as the truth of nature and the gratitude for our life. In life, there is no ownership but the right to use. We can’t decide the length of life, but we can decide its breadth to make it more meaningful and valuable.
Forgiveness, Compassion, Universal Love, Gratitude and Blessing are very important to living. This are the values of Sian Chay, they can also impact people’s lives.
In 2008, I crossed path with Sian Chay. Founded in 1901, it has a history of 119 years in this land, bringing happiness and well-being to millions of families.
What is the road of charity? How can we bring charity to more people? This is the first and the biggest problem encountered when I took over Sian Chay.
If an enterprise wants vitality, it must have the enterpreneurial spirit. Does this apply to Sian Chay as a charitable organisation? After a thorough understanding of the century old Sian Chay combined with my personal experience, I distilled the cultural values of Sian Chay: Forgiveness, Universal Love, Compassion, Gratitude and Blessing. In line with the nation building to create a harmonious society, Sian Chay Medical Institution actively promotes its belief of”Nation Progresses, Family Prospers; Family Harmony, Successful Endeavours. Forward with the Nation, Bonding with the People”. It vigorously supports charity work, actively participates in charity activities in various communities, civic groups, community centres, etc., to payback to society.
From 2014 to 2019, Sian Chay has received about 1.93 million patient visits and issued 3.63 million medicine prescription. In the next five years, the number of patient visits and medicine prescription is estimated to reach 2.5 million and 4.8 million respectively.
The current epidemic has shocked us mentally and physically. During this period, there have been countless senseless disputes, and doubts, injuries and accusations of one another. It’s extremely sad that we can’t bring brightness together and use wisdom to work together to deal with and discuss the current problems.
This epidemic is the most serious crisis for this generation, and Singapore may face its most serious economic contraction since independence. Indeed a difficult time for all. It’s time for us to do our part to work with the government to overcome difficulties and progress together.
The epidemic has a great impact on our economy. Everyone is directly or indirectly affected to various extent. Sian Chay has also faced difficulties and challenges in fund-raising. Although things are very difficult at present, in this extraordinary time, we should help those groups that bring stability to society. The government goes all out to take care of the people. As a member of society, we should support, encourage and help each other. When others suffer, we must take on our own responsibilities. Use your money and strength where you can to contribute to the country and the people. Work together to tide over the difficulties.
Please don’t fret over your gains and losses at this moment, ask yourself: will you still exist tomorrow?