SIAN CHAY LOVE D’ CHARITY GALA DINNER 2017
SIAN CHAY LOVE D’ CHARITY GALA DINNER 2017
SPEECH BY MS SIM ANN, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH
9 DEC 2017 (Saturday)
Dr Toh Soon Huat BBM, PVPA, Chairman, Sian Chay Medical Institution, Organizing committee members, Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentleman,
Good evening! It’s my pleasure to join you tonight at Sian Chay Medical Institution’s Love D’ Charity Gala Dinner 2017.
Founded in 1901 by Chinese immigrants from Southern China, Sian Chay Medical Institution has been providing free and subsidised Traditional Chinese Medicine services to Singaporeans in need, regardless of race or religion.
For example, 59-year-old Mr Bahari and his 19-year-old daughter Fara face severe knee pains and physical impairments respectively. Both have been in better health since receiving Sian Chay’s acupuncture and ‘tui-na’ treatments at the Marsiling branch.
As Singapore’s population ages, TCM clinics such as Sian Chay will play a more significant role in assisting our country to provide protection to the elderly.
Recently, Sian Chay accelerates its development by opening branches in constituencies to provide help to the old generation. It is currently serving over 1,200 patient visits daily and will increase to over 1,500 in the next five years.
In addition, Sian Chay has set up the Pioneer Generation Medical Fund (PGMF) to provide full waiver of its fees for our pioneer generation. To date, the PGMF has subsidized 300,000 Pioneer Generation patient visits at Sian Chay. This is made possible through the generous donation of $3 million by Lee Foundation in the past 3 years. Your contributions enabled Sian Chay to reach out to more needy Singaporeans .
Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth started its work on memories of Singapore. With the changes in the society and needs of our environment , we should further advocate the spirit of caring and encourage everyone to give a helping hand to the needy in our society.
In addition, Sian Chay is actively reaching out to our youths by giving them opportunities to volunteer and contribute towards the society, which is a model that can be learnt by many charity groups. Last month, four schools, namely Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High School, Raffles Girls’ High School and Raffles Institution, came together and organised the Sian Chay Love and Care Charity Concert that raised $150,000 for Sian Chay. The amount raised will support 15,000 patient visits.
In support of our aim of promoting SG Cares movement, I would like to encourage our citizens to work with government and social groups to build a more caring and inclusive Singapore.
To conclude, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the management executives and all staff of Sian Chay for your selfless contributions to the community services and for bring warmth to every patient.
Congratulations on another successful Love D’ Charity Gala Dinner. Have a great evening and thank you!