Sian Chay Appreciation Dinner
Very good evening to all of you. My parliament colleague, Mr.Heng Chee How, SPMO. And Mr. Toh Soon Huat of Sian Chay,staff and management of Sian Chay, ladies and gentlemen.
I’m delighted to be here today, even though it has been a longday. I walked into this room, see the generations of goodwork. It warms the heart. And especially for something likethis, is not just one on occasion, but Sian Chay has beenassisting since 1911. So there has more than 100 years ofgood work done in Singapore. Sian Chay has been providing free TCM consultation, and low cost medicine, as you have heard, to many many of fellow Singaporeans and communities, regardless of race, regardless of social or economic status, regardless of religion. And if I’m not mistaken, Sian Chay has served over a million people till today. Good job! And with Dr. Toh Toon Huat, at the helm. Since 2008, Sian Chay has gone big advance in developing TCM at low cost to residents. As you have also seen, Sian Chay has gone to 12 TCM branches now and will expand further to 15, including one in Punggol North. I’m told, Sian Chay at this point of time, serves a daily average of more than 1000 patients. Really, really making a big difference to many people in our society. So it warms my heart, to see that. But I didn’t know that Soon Huat will list up all the different donors.
Looking at not just the good work of Sian Chay, but looking at the generous donations from everybody, Including many of you in this room. Well, it urges well for us Singaporeans to the building of our society. Each of us doing our part, no matter how big, how small. If you are wealthy, with the generosity, donations. And regardless of your youth, I know there are students here that I met them just now. I don’t know where you are seated. Secondary students, boys and girls, learning to do good now, internalizing the values, that will make all of us proud to be Singaporeans, proud of our country. So, well, it will be a well night spent. It warms the heart. And proud to be Singaporeans, proud to be here, to celebrate Sian Chay’s accomplishment. So thank you very much for the good work!