The Philosophy of Charity and Life
– Sharing by Chairman Toh Sooh Huat at JCI Singapore’s 45th National Convention.
On 14th October 2017, the 45th National Convention of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Singapore was held at NTUC Centre. The theme of this convention was “Empowering the Youth in You”. The Guest of Honour was Mr. Patrick Tay Teck Guan BBM, MP of West Coast GRC. Three speakers shared their experiences with full of wit and humour. They were Mr. Koh Choon Hui, President of Singapore Children’s Society and Singapore Pools, Dato’ Seri Dr Derek Goh, Honourable Chairman of Sian Chay Medical Institution and Mr. Toh Soon Huat, Chairman of Sian Chay. Chairman Toh also made a wonderful speech at the meeting.
The convention started with a short video of Sian Chay Medical Institution. The video traced the memory of Sian Chay in 2008, with only 4 staff at Geylang Main Clinic serving the patients. Nowadays, it has been developed to 15 branches and 4 wellness centers supported by Sian Chay. In the next five years (2018-2022), it is estimated that the number of visits will be as high as 2.5 million; and the number of dosages of prescriptions will reach 4.8 million. The elderly in each constitutency can seek timely medical treatment; while making friends and communicate with different races and share resources with each other.
The following keynote speech from Chairman Toh won the bursts of applause. He said, “ Trust, Action , Attitude, Conduct are the honourable and respectable virtues for charity work .” The creed of JCI Singapore, “Serving the humanity is the best work of life ” shares the same origin of Sian Chay’s vision to serve the public and benefit the public. Sian Chay has been upholding the 5 core values which are “Forgiveness, Universal Love, Compassion, Gratitude and Blessing” and our belief that “Nation Progresses, Family Prospers; Family Harmony, Successful Endeavours. Forward with the Nation, Bonding with the People.” We support the nation building and create a harmonious society.
Over the years, Chairman Toh has been a full-time volunteer at Sian Chay where he voluntarily devoted himself into charity cause with compassion and without earning a penny.
In his speech, Chairman Toh made a profound exposition of the meaning of charity and life. He pointed out that doing good deeds and charity are two different behaviors, with different levels and realms. Good deeds follow one’s heart and are random and dispensable. However, charity is a commitment, bearing, compassion and not merely giving. We shall respect life, appreciate life, and make it meaningful and valuable. Life cannot be measured by wealth. Measurement of achievement and success by wealth is the greatest regret and helplessness in life. We shall cherish every single day and make every ordinary day extraordinary by living with gratitude, blessing, bearing and contribution.
During the Forum , three guest speakers shared endless wits. Chairman Toh was touched by rich life experience and contribution to the community of Mr. Koh Choon Hui. He immediately pledged $ 5,000 towards the book project . Dr. Goh also donated $ 5,000 to support JCI to publish a book on Mr. Koh’s achievements in charity so that more youth leaders can benefit from his wisdom.
Moderator Sean Wong raised the question, “Who is the most admirable person in your life?” Three gentlemen replied all with one voice, “Mother”. The spirit of diligence, tolerance and compassion to life greatly affected their outlook towards life.
Following that, the guests also shared their views on work, life, charity, leadership qualities, integrity and life goals in layman’s language. Their humorous yet profound philosophy won countless applause.