A Meaningful Legacy: Mr Choo on Giving with Purpose and Compassion
Everyday Heroes of Philanthropy is a new content series celebrating the people in our community whose giving is guided by heart, purpose, and a deep belief in making a difference.
We begin with the story of one of our donors Mr Choo Heng Thong, whose quiet generosity is creating a legacy of compassion – one that will continue to touch lives for generations to come.
For Mr Choo Heng Thong, giving has never been about grand gestures or public recognition. It reflects a personal philosophy – one grounded in compassion and a quiet commitment to making the world a better place.
Born into humble beginnings, Mr Choo considers himself fortunate. “Some people are born into truly dire circumstances – it could easily have been me,” he reflects. That awareness has stayed with him throughout his life, reminding him to stay grounded and empathetic, no matter how much success he has achieved.
That perspective has guided a lifetime of quiet generosity. “I’ve always reminded my family of the importance of living with an ‘I have enough’ mentality – being content and finding ways to give through small acts of kindness. Such acts help us see beyond ourselves and into the needs of others.”
A Journey of Quiet Generosity
Mr Choo was the first in his family to receive a tertiary education, graduating with an engineering degree. In the 1970s, he was among the overseas students who benefited from an Australian government programme – started by the Australian Labor Party – that offered tuition-free university education. “It was an extremely generous initiative – one that left me with lasting gratitude and a strong desire to give back,” he shares.
In 2012, he established a scholarship fund at his alma mater, the University of Newcastle in Australia, with an initial sum of $50,000. Over time, he progressively increased his contribution to $250,000. With additional support from other donors, the fund has since grown into an endowed fund of $550,000, enabling many students from financially challenged backgrounds to pursue higher education.
It wasn’t until a conversation with his estate planning lawyer in 2018 that he began to reflect more deeply on the kind of impact he wanted to leave behind. It was then that he realised giving isn’t just about making a difference today – it’s also about shaping a better tomorrow. He also saw a charitable fund as a way for his children to carry on the family tradition of giving and helping others.
Giving with a Bigger Purpose
When it came to formalising his giving, Mr Choo’s lawyer introduced him to the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) – a platform that offered structure without the need to set up a private foundation. It aligned well with his belief in giving quietly and unconditionally, away from the spotlight.
In September 2021, the H.T. Choo Charity Fund was established, marking a shift away from his earlier ad hoc donations.
Through CFS, he was able to focus his contributions on causes close to his heart: healthcare for the underserved, education for disadvantaged youth, and counselling for migrant workers.
Having employed many migrant workers in the past, Mr Choo witnessed their sacrifices firsthand. “They leave their families behind and work tirelessly to provide for the loved one back home – both young and old. However, there’s only so much the government can do for their welfare – but as individuals, we can play a part in making their lives a little better, especially when they’re so far from their loved ones,” he says.
While his giving is centred on Singapore, he has also funded the building of schools in Laos and supported other humanitarian projects in the region.
Be Part of the Legacy: Join the giving journey
For Mr Choo, legacy giving is more than generosity — it’s a personal act that connects us to something larger than ourselves. “Your legacy isn’t defined only by how much you give,” he reflects, “but by the kindness you show, the lives you uplift, and the values that continue through others.”
If you are inspired by Mr Choo’s philanthropic journey, the Community Foundation of Singapore provides a trusted platform to explore legacy giving by connecting you with causes that are impactful, and you are passionate about.
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About the Series Everyday Heroes of Philanthropy is a series by the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) celebrating the individuals, families, and partners in our community who choose to give with intention and heart. They come from all walks of life. What unites them is a shared desire to make a difference. Whether it’s honouring a loved one’s legacy, supporting a cause close to their hearts, or quietly helping others rise, these stories remind us that philanthropy is more than a transaction. It’s a reflection of who we are, and the kind of society we want to build together. These are our everyday heroes. Ordinary people, doing something extraordinary. |
Legacy Giving and How You Can Start with CFS
CFS’s Legacy Giving initiative helps individuals plan and structure their giving, whether during their lifetime or as part of their estate. You can choose to:
- Give Now
Make an immediate impact by setting up a donor-advised fund to support causes close to your heart. - Give Later
Secure your future legacy by including a donor-advised fund in your will, trust, or CPF/insurance nominations. - Give Now, Give Later
Amplify your impact by setting a donor-advised fund and supplementing it with future contributions from your estate.
Ready to begin your own legacy of meaningful giving?
Contact the Community Foundation of Singapore to find out how you can make a lasting difference.
Everyday Heroes of Philanthropy is a new content series celebrating the people in our community whose giving is guided by heart, purpose, and a deep belief in making a difference.
We begin with the story of one of our donors Mr Choo Heng Thong, whose quiet generosity is creating a legacy of compassion - one that will continue to touch lives for generations to come.
For Mr Choo Heng Thong, giving has never been about grand gestures or public recognition. It reflects a personal philosophy – one grounded in compassion and a quiet commitment to making the world a better place.
Born into humble beginnings, Mr Choo considers himself fortunate. “Some people are born into truly dire circumstances – it could easily have been me,” he reflects. That awareness has stayed with him throughout his life, reminding him to stay grounded and empathetic, no matter how much success he has achieved.
That perspective has guided a lifetime of quiet generosity. “I’ve always reminded my family of the importance of living with an ‘I have enough’ mentality – being content and finding ways to give through small acts of kindness. Such acts help us see beyond ourselves and into the needs of others.”
A Journey of Quiet Generosity
Mr Choo was the first in his family to receive a tertiary education, graduating with an engineering degree. In the 1970s, he was among the overseas students who benefited from an Australian government programme – started by the Australian Labor Party – that offered tuition-free university education. “It was an extremely generous initiative – one that left me with lasting gratitude and a strong desire to give back,” he shares.
In 2012, he established a scholarship fund at his alma mater, the University of Newcastle in Australia, with an initial sum of $50,000. Over time, he progressively increased his contribution to $250,000. With additional support from other donors, the fund has since grown into an endowed fund of $550,000, enabling many students from financially challenged backgrounds to pursue higher education.
It wasn’t until a conversation with his estate planning lawyer in 2018 that he began to reflect more deeply on the kind of impact he wanted to leave behind. It was then that he realised giving isn’t just about making a difference today – it’s also about shaping a better tomorrow. He also saw a charitable fund as a way for his children to carry on the family tradition of giving and helping others.
Giving with a Bigger Purpose
When it came to formalising his giving, Mr Choo’s lawyer introduced him to the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) – a platform that offered structure without the need to set up a private foundation. It aligned well with his belief in giving quietly and unconditionally, away from the spotlight.
In September 2021, the H.T. Choo Charity Fund was established, marking a shift away from his earlier ad hoc donations.
Through CFS, he was able to focus his contributions on causes close to his heart: healthcare for the underserved, education for disadvantaged youth, and counselling for migrant workers.
Having employed many migrant workers in the past, Mr Choo witnessed their sacrifices firsthand. “They leave their families behind and work tirelessly to provide for the loved one back home – both young and old. However, there’s only so much the government can do for their welfare – but as individuals, we can play a part in making their lives a little better, especially when they’re so far from their loved ones,” he says.
While his giving is centred on Singapore, he has also funded the building of schools in Laos and supported other humanitarian projects in the region.
Be Part of the Legacy: Join the giving journey
For Mr Choo, legacy giving is more than generosity — it’s a personal act that connects us to something larger than ourselves. “Your legacy isn’t defined only by how much you give,” he reflects, “but by the kindness you show, the lives you uplift, and the values that continue through others.”
If you are inspired by Mr Choo’s philanthropic journey, the Community Foundation of Singapore provides a trusted platform to explore legacy giving by connecting you with causes that are impactful, and you are passionate about.
|
About the Series Everyday Heroes of Philanthropy is a series by the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) celebrating the individuals, families, and partners in our community who choose to give with intention and heart. They come from all walks of life. What unites them is a shared desire to make a difference. Whether it’s honouring a loved one’s legacy, supporting a cause close to their hearts, or quietly helping others rise, these stories remind us that philanthropy is more than a transaction. It’s a reflection of who we are, and the kind of society we want to build together. These are our everyday heroes. Ordinary people, doing something extraordinary. |
Legacy Giving and How You Can Start with CFS
CFS’s Legacy Giving initiative helps individuals plan and structure their giving, whether during their lifetime or as part of their estate. You can choose to:
- Give Now
Make an immediate impact by setting up a donor-advised fund to support causes close to your heart. - Give Later
Secure your future legacy by including a donor-advised fund in your will, trust, or CPF/insurance nominations. - Give Now, Give Later
Amplify your impact by setting a donor-advised fund and supplementing it with future contributions from your estate.
Ready to begin your own legacy of meaningful giving?
Contact the Community Foundation of Singapore to find out how you can make a lasting difference.
- Related Topics For You: DONOR STORIES, DONOR-ADVISED FUND, LEGACY GIVING, STORIES OF IMPACT
