Valentine’s Day often comes with familiar gestures: a bouquet, a card, a thoughtful gift. But love doesn’t have to stop there.This year, you can choose gifts that carry meaning beyond the moment — gifts that support someone’s chance at work, belonging and dignity, right here in Singapore.
Everyday Heroes of Philanthropy is a content series celebrating the people in our community whose giving is guided by heart, purpose, and a deep belief in making a difference. This is the story of Mr Yeo Whee Jim — a man who is turning love, loss and adversity into a legacy of care that will extend way beyond his lifetime.
In today’s business landscape, success is no longer measured by profits alone. Increasingly, companies are judged by how responsibly they grow, and how generously they give back.Corporate philanthropy in Singapore is evolving beyond token cheques and CSR boxes to tick. It’s becoming a core business strategy, one that shapes culture, attracts talent, and strengthens trust with communities.
The Dr and Mrs Chee Kim Hoe Endowment Fund (the Fund) imbues a legacy of perseverance, learning, and service spanning three generations. Established in memory of Dr and Mrs Chee Kim Hoe, it carries forward their belief in education as a transformative force, enabling children from diverse backgrounds to access better opportunities and brighter futures.Today, the Fund is guided by a grant committee led by Robin Chee, son of the late Dr and Mrs Chee Kim Hoe, together with his wife Pele, cousin Janet, and family friend Anthony. Together, they ensure that the family’s philanthropic mission continues to grow in reach and relevance.
For Mr Wang Bin, giving is not a one-time act but a deeply rooted family value.“I was raised in a traditional Chinese family where we were taught from young: ‘In prosperity, uplift the world; and in adversity, cultivate virtue within.’ (达则兼济天下，穷则独善其身). In other words, those with means should contribute to society, while those without should first focus on being their best selves.”
对王彬先生而言，慈善不是一个阶段性的举动，而是一种根植于血脉的家庭信念。“我出生在一个传统的华人家庭，从小家里就灌输我们一个观念：‘达则兼济天下，穷则独善其身’。简单来说，就是有能力的人要帮助社会，没有能力的时候也要先照顾好自己。” 这句古训，不仅塑造了他的世界观，也在他移居新加坡之后，转化为一系列源自初心的善举。
Ryan Lee’s Journey of Love and PurposeOne thing Ryan Lee will never forget is helping his late father through times of deep vulnerability.
Rachel and Bryan’s Family Story of GivingAt her grandfather’s funeral, young Jerlyn quietly sat down and began to sketch. What emerged was a tender portrait of him holding her as a baby, a simple drawing that spoke volumes.
David Lim knows what it means to lose confidence – and to slowly rebuild it.In 1998, after leading the first Singapore Mount Everest expedition, David developed a rare nerve disorder that left him with permanent weakness and mobility challenges. Even simple movements became a struggle. Walking required intense effort, and the loss of independence chipped away at his confidence.
捐赠者指示基金由新加坡社区基金会协助设立与管理，款项至少为20万元，既可纳入遗产规划，也可在生前启动，实现长期持续行善，成为灵活的公益途径，吸引越来越多国人关注。“能在生时就见到自己未来的遗产帮助了别人，这很特别，也很有意义。”新加坡知名励志演说家兼登山家林有利如此形容他的公益之路。
