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LEAVING A STRONG LEGACY
In 1949, Tan Kah Kee went to China and participated in various events in conjunction with the birth of the People’s Republic of China. He wanted to help rebuild the nation from the ravages of war, with specific attention to cultural and educational development. Except for a brief stay in Singapore in early 1950, Tan spent the rest of his life in China, where he contributed in various leadership roles. Later afflicted with cancer, he passed away in Beijing in 1961 and was given a state funeral by the People’s Republic of China. His remaining savings of 3 million yuan were donated entirely to education.
Lee Kong Chian too was a victim of cancer. Although he sought medical treatment in Hong Kong and China, he passed away in 1967 in Singapore. He had wished for a simple funeral, but many people, from millionaires to rubber tappers, came to pay their last respects and pay tribute to his contributions to society. Lee left 51% of his shares in Lee Rubber to the Lee Foundation, which he had set up in 1952. Income from these shares continues to finance the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts today in education, social services and the arts.
While Tan Kah Kee did not set up any such institution during his lifetime, $100,000 was donated in 1961 to start a Tan Kah Kee Scholarship Fund after he passed away. This was reconstituted as the Tan Kah Kee Foundation in 1982, to carry on Tan’s charity efforts and promote the spirit of entrepreneurship and support for education that Tan exemplified. Since 1986, the Foundation has also sponsored the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award, which promotes creativity and innovation among young people.
If you had $100 …What would you do?
There are few millionaires like Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian. But let´s say you had $100 –how would you spend the money?
Press the button to indicate your choice.
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What can I do?
Contributing to society can take many shapes and forms. What skills and resources do you already have today, that you can use to help people?
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I have quite a lot of free time |
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I can volunteer regularly with a non-profit organisation.
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Every week, I can tutor the same group of children or assist the general office with administrative work. |
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I can work with the organisation to plan and launch a major awareness or fundraising event. |
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I can contribute in ways that don’t require much time.
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I can make GIRO arrangements for a monthly donation to a charity organisation. |
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I can spring clean my home once every few months and donate the used items to the Salvation Army. |
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I can use my skills or talent to help someone.
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Am I good at baking? I can make some cookies to sell and donate the money to charity. |
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Am I good with computers? I can teach others how to use them or help a non-profit organisation to improve its IT system. |
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I can help in areas that don’t require special skills but need willing hands to help.
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Am I in good health? I can pack supplies for the Singapore Red Cross to send to countries in need. |
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Do I have a clear voice? I can volunteer with a reading programme for children |
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I can help in ways that allow me to work “behind the scenes” or by myself.
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I can help a non-profit organisation with administrative tasks, to keep the organisation running well. |
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I can click on the website of National Council of Social Service http://www.donation.org.sg/ to make a donation to a social service or charity. |
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I can contribute in ways that don’t require much time.
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I can make GIRO arrangements for a monthly donation to a charity organisation. |
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I can spring clean my home once every few months and donate the used items to the Salvation Army. |
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I want to learn something new |
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I can learn a skill in order to help other people better.
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I can take a course with a museum to become a docent or guide. |
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I can learn a Chinese dialect so that I can volunteer at a senior citizens’ home and communicate better with the residents. |
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I can use my existing skills or everyday knowledge to help someone.
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I can chat with my neighbours and get to know them better, to help build a stronger sense of community. |
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I can help to keep my neighbourhood clean and safe. |
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