[SINGAPORE] What do ride-hailing company Grab, construction firm Scatech Engineering and property developer Wee Hur have in common?The families behind these companies have turned to donor-advised funds (DAFs), set up through government-affiliated non-profit Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), to engage in structured legacy giving for generations to come.
Imagine you have led Singapore’s first expedition to the highest peak on the planet. You return home to nationwide acclaim and media attention. Everyone lauds your hard-won accomplishment and, not surprisingly, you feel invincible.But fate, as it turns out, has a capricious face. Imagine within weeks of your triumph, you succumb to a rare nerve disorder, which sends you to hospital for six months and leads to partial paralysis in both legs. How does one navigate such circumstances?
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.
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。
The Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) is pleased to release our Annual Report for FY2024, themed “New Beginnings: Growth & Gratitude.”This year’s report reflects not only the progress we’ve made together but also marks a new chapter with our refreshed brand identity and leadership transition. It celebrates the generosity of our donors, the strength of our partnerships, and the resilience of the communities we serve.
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.
