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.”

This philosophy has guided Mr Wang and his family since they planted their roots in Singapore. Together with his wife and two children, he established the Yan Bin Family Foundation under the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) to give back to the community.

Focusing on Those Who Need Care the Most

In their giving journey, Mr Wang and his family chose to focus on two groups closest to their hearts – disadvantaged children and the elderly. To them, these are the groups who most need care and support in the community.

While Singapore already has strong support systems in place, Mr Wang hopes their family’s contributions can “go a little further” – to complement what the government is doing and bring more care to those who need it most.

Charity Begins at Home

As a father of two, Mr Wang believes that the spirit of giving should begin at home. To help his children gain a deeper understanding of community needs, he often brings them along on visits to the beneficiaries they support.

His elder daughter, Shu Jia, recalls one such visit to the Caregiving Welfare Association (CWA). “This experience has helped me realise that seniors who live alone need more than just regular activities — they also need companionship and human connection,” she shared. “I was glad to be able to spend time with them.”

For Shu Jia, philanthropy became more than just a concept. I was a meaningful, lived experience. “Joining my parents on these visits has been such a valuable experience,” she said. “It helped me understand our community better and realise that I, too, can do something to make a difference.”

Beyond CWA, the Wang family has also supported the Yong-en Dementia Day Care Centre, which provides care for seniors living with dementia. Through group activities and social interaction, the centre helps ease the burden on caregivers and restores a sense of belonging and joy among the elderly.

The family also contributes to the Institute of Technical Education (ITE)’s Monthly Financial Assistance Scheme, which addresses the financial challenges faced by students from lower-income families who often struggle with everyday costs beyond tuition.

Giving as a Way of Life

What began as a personal philosophy has grown into a shared family commitment — a lasting legacy of kindness carried forward across generations.

Looking ahead, Mr Wang believes that philanthropy should not be a one-off act of giving, but a way of life. He encourages more families to start their own giving journeys, no matter how small the first step.

“Whether it’s making a small donation or volunteering together as a family, what matters is to begin,” he shared. “When giving becomes part of your family culture, it naturally becomes part of your legacy.”

Partnering with CFS to Make a Difference

From their very first meeting, Mr Wang was struck by CFS’s professionalism and sincerity. The team took care to understand his family’s philanthropic aspirations, crafting a giving plan that was both thoughtful and tailored to their goals. “Through many thoughtful exchanges, it became clear that CFS was the right fit for our family’s giving journey,” he said.

If you too wish to turn your philanthropic vision into meaningful action, the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) is here to help. CFS partners with individuals, families, and businesses to bring charitable goals to life — with purpose, structure, and lasting impact.

Start your giving journey today: https://cf.org.sg/contact/get-in-touch/

Read the Mandarin version [here].