Tan Chin Tuan Foundation

Christian Outreach to the Handicapped founded in 1979 by Rev Alice Shae, has been a beacon of hope for persons with disabilities in Singapore.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation had the privilege to visit COH’s Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy programme, witnessing firsthand their dedication to empowering persons with disabilities. Their goal? To enhance daily living activities, foster independence, and boost confidence among persons with disabilities. This not only transforms their lives but also provides relief to their caregivers.

We had the opportunity to experience all these initiatives firsthand. Witnessing COH's exceptional work in organising music and gaming sessions for persons with autism, along with their use of a hoist to facilitate exercise for beneficiaries, highlighted their commitment to inclusivity and holistic care.

Let us be part of their mission to lighten burdens and brighten futures for persons with disabilities!

“Volunteering knows no age limit; it's the heart that counts, not the years”

Since 1998, RSVP Singapore has empowered seniors in purposeful volunteerism, aiming to transform every senior into a volunteer.

For the past 25 years, the Mentoring Programme has provided unwavering support to at-risk primary school children. RSVP’s senior volunteer mentors nurture these students through fun activities that foster concentration, creativity, cognitive development, and psychomotor skills.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is honoured to be part of this lasting legacy, recognizing that lifelong volunteering enriches both the giver and recipient.

Explore RSVP Singapore’s good work at https://rsvp.org.sg/ or on their Social Media pages!

Photos Courtesy of RSVP Singapore.

On 26 June 2024, our Deputy Chairman, Ms Chew Gek Khim and Consultant, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin of the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation hosted a Roundtable Discussion to identify potential gaps and hopefully foster collaborations amongst agencies from the public, private and people sectors serving the elderly in Singapore.

Special thanks to our esteemed speakers: Mr Dinesh Vasu from Agency for Integrated Care - AIC Singapore and Dr. Mary-Ann Tsao from Tsao Foundation, for their invaluable perspectives on Singapore's elderly community.

Insights from Roundtable Discussion:

1. Ageing Population Challenges: By 2030, one in four individuals will be aged 65 and above. Addressing healthcare overload and mental health issues among seniors is crucial as demographics shift.

2. Systemic Coordination and Funding: Better coordination between the government, social service agencies and private foundations is needed to tackle systemic challenges effectively. Simplifying funding requirements and enhancing measurement practices are key priorities.

3. Volunteer Management and Cultural Shifts:
Initiatives like Project V helmed by National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre aim to engage volunteers sustainably and shift cultural perceptions of volunteering. It promotes a paradigm shift where volunteering is integrated into daily work life, fostering intergenerational connections and community cohesion.

"I am humbled and honoured to learn from so many experts at this roundtable. A space where every voice is heard and every perspective respected. Such cosy and safe spaces to share our innermost concerns is the way forward. "
- Karen Wee, Lions Befrienders

We would like to thank and appreciate the participation of Agency for Integrated Care - AIC Singapore, All Saints Home, Care Corner SG, Caregivers Alliance Limited, Community Foundation of Singapore, Dementia Singapore, Health Promotion Board, Singapore, Institute of Mental Health Singapore, Kidney Dialysis Foundation, Singapore, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Lions Befrienders, Methodist Welfare Services, NCSS Singapore, NVPC - Towards a City of Good, People's Association, REACH Community Services Ltd., SATA CommHealth, Singapore Pools in the Community, Singapore Red Cross, Sport Singapore, St Luke's Hospital - SLH, St John's Home for Elderly Persons, Stroke Support Station, The Majurity Trust, Tote Board, Tsao Foundation, Wee Foundation and Yong-en Care Centre for their contributions to this discussion.

Together, let’s shape a more inclusive society and continue the journey of .

We are thrilled to support the 'SCO Caring Series', a series of 9 concerts held by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in various locations to bring music to beneficiaries of Social Service Agencies. The series, which started in April 2024, will run until November 2024.

On 26 June, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) curated a special concert for persons with visual impairment, at the National Gallery of Singapore's Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium, where the musicians performed timeless Chinese classics like ‘要拼才会赢', '甜蜜蜜‘, and '月亮代表我的心', adding a fresh twist that captivated hearts.

Through our ongoing partnership with SCO, we continue to embrace inclusivity and enrich lives through the universal language of music.

Do check out the next SCO concert to be held in Tan Tock Seng Hospital on 30 July!

Introducing Silver Voices by Voices of Singapore (VOS) - a singing programme designed specifically for senior citizens living with or without dementia.

Silver Voices aims to provide a low-barrier-to-entry singing programme that improves cognitive functions, emotional and mental health through music participation. This too, creates a sense of belonging and community among like-minded music lovers in their silver years.

As Singapore's largest singing organization, VOS believes that music and choral singing should be accessible to all. Silver Voices plays a vital role in enhancing the musical experience for seniors, promoting their well-being and quality of life.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is pleased to play a small part in Silver Voices and to witness how the power of music can help to prevent and delay dementia.

Learn more about Voices of Singapore through their webpage: https://www.voicesofsingapore.com/ or visit their Social Media pages to play a part in their music renaissance!

Photos Courtesy of Voices of Singapore.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation wishes all our friends Selamat Hari Raya Haji.

Do you know?

Hari Raya Haji marks the end of the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

This arduous journey retraces the steps of the Prophet Muhammad and concludes with a series of symbolic rituals once the faithful have reached the holy city. The 'hajj' is considered the fifth pillar of Islam, and every able-bodied Muslim with financial means is expected to complete it at least once in his or her life.

Intergenerational Dance Project is a community engagement programme by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, organised for participants from Bowen Secondary School and CareElderly@Golden Ginger Active Ageing Centre (Feb – Apr 2024).

The Esplanade has partnered with Decadance Co, a contemporary dance company with the vision to be intergenerational and all-inclusive in all aspects of their work.

As a not-for-profit organisation, The Esplanade is dedicated to serving the community, by bringing transformative and meaningful experiences through the arts.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is pleased to support the programme and witnessed how the arts help build confidence and strengthen community bonds.

Visit The Esplanade’s webpage: https://www.esplanade.com/ or visit their Social Media pages to explore other meaningful engagements.

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Photos Courtesy of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Initiated as a one-off community project 1989, Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) has since served thousands of individuals with dyslexia and is continuing to develop capabilities with an aim to eventually support Singapore’s dyslexic community.

The DAS Maths Programme aims to effectively remediate the difficulties that students with dyslexia and other learning differences experience with Mathematics. DAS support students from Primary 1 to Secondary 1.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is pleased to provide bursaries to students from lower-income families as part of its support of DAS. The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is committed to alleviating the financial burden of education and increasing access to higher education for all.

Support Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) in creating an inclusive learning environment for students to thrive academically!

Do visit their webpage: https://das.org.sg/, or visit their Social Media page via for more information.

Photos courtesy of the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS).

Happy Vesak Day!

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation sends our heartfelt greetings to all who celebrate. Let us endeavor to spread kindness, compassion, and harmony across our communities.

Unlocking ADHD was set up in 2021 as a registered charity and social service agency in Singapore, with a mission to Empower ADHDers and their Families to Live Life to the Fullest. Unlocking ADHD believe in the importance for ADHDers to live a productive and successful life that will maximise the potential that each ADHDer is born with.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is delighted to support the “STEP UP to help individuals with ADHD thrive” campaign. The campaign provides practical resources and support to those who are living with ADHD in Singapore to help them identify their strengths and unlock their full potential.

Come along as Unlocking ADHD builds an inclusive and supportive society for the ADHD community!

Do visit their webpage: https://www.unlockingadhd.com/ or visit their Social Media page via for more information.

Photos courtesy of Unlocking ADHD.

Happy Labour Day to all workers in Singapore!

Allkin Singapore’s Post-Secondary Education Fund (PSEF) strives to help students establish a solid foundation by preventing them from dropping out of school and ending their academic goals prematurely.

More than just financial assistance, PSEF places great emphasis on identifying personal needs. Caseworkers journey alongside students to help them navigate non-academic problems they may face, allowing them to focus on fulfilling their academic potential.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is glad to play a small role in the transformative efforts of Allkin towards these children.

Find out more about Allkin’s PSEF and other services here: https://www.allkin.org.sg/

Life Community Care Services (LCCS) is on a mission to empower children and youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through personalised tutoring services.

Recognising the transformative power of education, the Life! Tuition programme aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing targeted support to students preparing for their final-year examinations.

Academic pressures and setbacks can impact their confidence and motivation. That's why the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation partners with LCCS to provide temporary academic support precisely when they need it most, empowering them to take control of their educational journey.

Learn more about Life! Tuition and their impactful work at https://life-community.org/!

As the month of Ramadan comes to a close, we hope that the occasion will bring a renewal of faith, hope for a better future, and gratitude for blessings received throughout the year!

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all our Muslim friends!

Our commitment to supporting charitable causes extends beyond our local community.

The team at the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation had the privilege of visiting Siloam International Christian School in Dumaguete and Tagbilaran Christian Church in Bohol, both located in the Philippines last week.

There, we witnessed firsthand how students from underprivileged backgrounds are given the opportunity to pursue their education. Led by Sister Sunghea and Brother Hwang, a dedicated Korean couple who have devoted the past two decades to supporting these students, it opened our eyes to how their dedication has changed the lives of many.

What began as a ground-up effort to provide food and shelter for students facing challenging circumstances has evolved into Siloam International Christian School. Serving students from the elementary level through high school and college, Sister Sunghea and Brother Hwang strive to provide quality education and a better quality of life for the children and youths.

Many beneficiaries have returned after completing their college education to serve in various capacities.

One such example is Jonathan, a Tan Chin Tuan Scholar from over a decade ago. Jonathan is now a college teacher at a state university. On top of that, he has also gone the extra mile to provide accommodation and mentorship to students in need.

Witnessing this ripple effect of positive change reaffirms our belief that education truly has the power to transform lives.

We are deeply humbled by the unwavering dedication of Sister Sunghea and Brother Hwang, and we are immensely proud to have supported and to be able to continue supporting these students through the Tan Chin Tuan Scholarship.

Bless Community Services (BCS) was established in 2008 to support the well-being of children, youth, adults, elderly and families in the community. Committed to making a positive impact, BCS strives to develop individual potential, strengthen families, and foster communal bonds to enrich our society.

In support of the community, the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is proud to contribute to the BCS's S3P (Night Shelter) for the Homeless and Rough Sleepers' programme. S3Ps, or Safe Sound Sleeping Places, are temporary night shelters set up to give homeless individuals and rough sleepers a safe space to rest and sleep while they work towards finding longer-term housing alternatives. 🏡

A 2023 study by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) revealed that, on average, about nine out of every 100,000 people in Singapore were sleeping rough. In conversations with 57 rough sleepers, volunteers discovered challenges such as difficulties in securing and maintaining stable housing, disagreements with family or cohabitants, and irregular income or debt.

To support Bless Community Services and its impactful programme, do visit their webpage: https://www.bless.org.sg/, or visit their Social

Photo courtesy of Bless Community Services.

Navigating life after losing a loved one can be an overwhelming journey. The void left behind by their absence is immeasurable, and finding solace becomes essential.

Wicare Support Group was founded in 1993 by widows who seek comfort in connecting with other widowed individuals. Wicare is a voluntary, non-profit organisation — a peer-to-peer support group run by a network of volunteers who have been through bereavement themselves, having experienced the death of their husbands. Wicare also supports the children of these widows.

Wicare offers friendship, inspiration, empathy, understanding, and, most importantly, hope through various activities for the widows and their children. From enrichment classes and counselling to financial assistance, excursions, and bonding sessions, Wicare has been a source of support for many. As of 2023, WiCare is proud to have supported over 1,000 widows and 1,700 fatherless children. It stands as the sole charity and support group dedicated to widows and their children in Singapore.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is pleased to support Wicare's WiShine Programme. The WiShine programme was developed collaboratively between the NCSS and WiCare to provide support for widows, particularly senior widows. The programme aids beneficiaries in navigating their widowhood journey through a structured grief recovery programme followed by a guided reflection journey.

Discover more about the Wicare Support Group and its programmes through https://www.wicare.org.sg/ !

Photo Credit: WiCare Support Group

ACS Founder’s Day

Nothing embodies the ACS Spirit more than when the anthem rings through the auditorium of ACS (Barker Road), resonating with both old boys and current ACSians alike. The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is honoured to be in attendance at the 138th ACS Founder’s Day.

From the time ACS was founded in a shophouse at 70 Amoy Street in 1886 to its current standing of 6 schools, its rich history, tradition, and ACS ethos have endured and strengthened throughout the test of time.

Founder’s Day is a celebration of how the ACS family and spirit have grown over the years. The steadfast love of generations of school leaders, teachers, and students towards ACS is a sight to behold.

Happy Founder’s Day, and we know that ACS will continue to make its mark as it nurtures every student to scale new heights, believing in their heart that ‘The Best is Yet To Be’.

Focus on the Family Singapore has worked tirelessly since 2002 to strengthen family bonds in our rapidly digitised world. Amidst prevalent familial challenges, Focus is devoted to bringing families closer, by nurturing robust and resilient relationships that start at home.

A secure and joyful home environment is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. In today's bustling society, it is essential to recognise the family as one’s primary source of support and love. Celebrating successes or special occasions with family members not only brings joy but also adds profound meaning to life. A strong family life offers stability during times of stress and life transitions.

In 2023, the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation proudly supported Focus’ youth initiative, FamChamps® Comprising three experiential learning components - Campaign, Camp and Community. FamChamps® offers healthy family narratives and holistic experiences. Each programme is intricately crafted to rejuvenate and fortify faith in the enduring institution of the family, inspiring young people to become catalysts for addressing breakdowns in family relationships.

Remarkably, an impressive 82% of youth participants expressed their commitment to playing a role in building strong families. This compelling statistic underscores the concrete impact and success of FamChamps® in empowering the next generation to be positive change catalysts within their families and communities.

Focus has, throughout the years, played a pivotal role in strengthening family relations. Let’s do our part in building strong families! To learn more about Focus, FamChamps and their programmes, visit their website at https://www.family.org.sg/.

The team from the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation was thrilled to be among the over 500 enthusiastic individuals from across Singapore at yesterday's inaugural City of Good Summit 2024.

Organised by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) at the Suntec Convention Centre, people from all corners of Singapore gathered to learn about how to shape the future of philanthropy in the country.

Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, honoured the event with his presence and emphasised the importance of multi-sector collaborations, aligning with the principles of the Forward SG movement.

Mr Tony Soh, CEO of NVPC, shared about the transformative power of philanthropy. He stressed that philanthropy encompasses more than just financial contributions; it extends to one's Time, Talent, Treasure, Ties and Testimony.

Throughout the Summit, engaging conversations allowed us to connect with like-minded individuals as we collectively reimagined philanthropy and its potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. We also had the opportunity to explore the State of Play booths, where community partners showcased their initiatives and volunteering opportunities.

During the closing ceremony for Project V, Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development, reflected on the success of the project. She underscored the significance of effective collaborations between corporates and Social Service Agencies (SSAs), highlighting how such partnerships can enhance the capacity of SSAs in programme implementation while providing corporates with a sense of purpose.

A heartfelt thank you to NVPC and all participants for contributing to the success of the City of Good Summit. We are honoured to join NVPC on this journey towards making Singapore a City of Good!

Established in 2000, the Centre for Fathering in Singapore is a beacon of hope, championing active and involved fatherhood. Their mission is clear: mend familial bonds by fostering a connection between fathers and children, inspiring dads to be exemplary role models, and fortifying the foundations of families.

Throughout the years, the Centre for Fathering has empowered over 55,000 fathers through diverse programmes in schools, prisons, religious organisations, and companies. In recent years, these activities have seen increasing traction among various ethnic communities and deeper reach to a wider group of fathers such as fathers of youths-at-risk and special needs children, single fathers and those who are incarcerated. Programmes are meticulously designed based on research and addressing unique needs.

In 2023, the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation supported the Centre for Fathering through the 'I CAN CHANGE' programme. In supporting over 80 incarcerated fathers, the programme aims to empower them to be pillars of support for families, reducing the likelihood of re-offending.

This transformative program, leveraging evidence-based therapy and pioneering fathering research, empowers struggling fathers to become thriving dads. The programme witnessed remarkable success since its induction, with incarcerated fathers reintegrating successfully into society and forming stronger bonds with their families. Providing tools and support resulted in improved family dynamics, strengthened bonds, and a significant reduction in re-offending.

As we celebrate the success stories of transformed lives, we look forward to continued collaborations with the Centre for Fathering and a future where every father stands as a pillar of strength for their family.

You can learn more about the Centre for Fathering via their webpage at https://fathers.com.sg/ !

In 1998, Tan Sri (Dr) Tan Chin Tuan established the Puan Sri Helene Tan Chin Tuan Scholarship for students of the Methodist Girls' School (MGS), commemorating Puan Sri Helene Tan’s dedication to supporting educational causes.

Born in 1907, Puan Sri received her education at MGS, where she met her future husband. After graduating from MGS, Puan Sri maintained her ties with the school and subsequently joined the MGS Alumnae Association. In 1951, she assumed the role of President of the MGS Alumnae Association and led fundraising efforts to construct the Mary Nind Wing at the Mount Sophia campus.

To date, MGS continues to award the Puan Sri Helene Tan Chin Tuan scholarship to students with a heart for excellence in serving others and contributing to the community.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is heartened to see Puan Sri’s lifework and legacy endure through the scholarships. We Look forward to continued partnerships with MGS to nurture girls with a heart of love and empower them to make a positive impact on the community, Singapore, and the world.

Did you know that in Singapore, six new patients are diagnosed with kidney failure each day? At present, there are 8,700 kidney failure patients on dialysis – a stark increase compared to 5,500 patients ten years ago. Hence, there is a need to cater for those deemed unsuitable to live alone at home nor able to afford long-term renal care.

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is heartened to support the provision of nursing care to renal patients in Singapore Christian Home (SCH), located in Sembawang. Since 1977, SCH has been a haven of love and warmth, offering respite and long-term nursing and medical care to those in need, especially the frail elderly. SCH also caters to children and young adults requiring long term nursing care and dialysis patients.

Meet Mdm See – she has been part of the SCH family since 2021. She used to live alone in a rental flat and regularly travelled to Ang Mo Kio thrice a week for her Haemodialysis Dialysis treatment for 28 years. In 2020, she was hospitalised and assessed unsuitable to live on her own without a caregiver and had to seek nursing home placement. She recalled the uncertainty and increasing anxiety because nursing homes generally do not admit renal patients on dialysis.

Thanks to SCH, Mdm See smoothly transitioned from a challenging situation to a comforting home. She shared, “I am pleased with the clean environment and friendly staff. I am happy staying here because the staff takes care of all the transport and meal arrangements according to my dialysis schedule.”

The SCH team worked closely with the hospital and NKF to monitor her diet, medication, progress and medical appointments. They ensured that Mdm See's dialysis continued seamlessly in Admiralty, demonstrating their dedication to comprehensive care.

Interested to learn more and support Singapore Christian Home? Head over to their website at: https://www.schome.org.sg/.

Photo Credit: Singapore Christian Home

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation was glad to be hosted for a visit to Care Corner (Toa Payoh West) Active Ageing Hub where we saw seniors actively participate in exercise and rehab activities led by facilitators and volunteers! The seniors moved and stretched to upbeat music with smiles on their faces. After working up an appetite with some music and movement, the seniors were treated to a delicious lunch thereafter. To encourage seniors to step out of their homes, Care Corner also provides transport for the elderly to regularly visit their centre and interact with fellow seniors with ease.

TCTF is pleased to support the Care Corner Community Rehabilitation Centre which provides therapy for seniors who may have been discharged from the hospital, had surgery, suffered from a stroke, fracture or other conditions that affects their activities of daily living (ADL). Under the care of qualified therapists, the seniors improve their functional abilities and build their physical strength. Care Corner also help the seniors work towards independence in doing everyday things such as walking, going to the bathroom and dressing.

To find out more about Care Corner’s programmes and services, head over to their website at https://www.carecorner.org.sg/ !

The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation is pleased to be part of the transformative work happening at All Saints Home! All Saints Home is a Social Service Agency that provides comprehensive and professional eldercare services to the aged of all backgrounds, many of whom are from low-income families or destitute. Its mission is to provide quality care, bring joy and comfort, and honour the dignity of residents in a caring Christian environment.

It is truly heartwarming to support the Pasar Petang & Geriatric Sports programme and make a difference in the lives of over 500 residents across four nursing homes in Jurong East, Yishun, Tampines, and Hougang. Picture this: Residents experiencing simulated shopping in a nursing home setting, using tokens they have earned through rehabilitation, to choose special treats and gifts.

Beyond physical improvements, this programme encourages interaction and stimulates their senses, ultimately enhancing their general well-being. It is a remarkable journey of empowerment we are honoured to support!

All Saints Home conducts these stimulating shopping events twice a year at each center and thrice-yearly Geriatric Sports sessions to keep residents engaged and active. We are heartened to witness how positive reinforcement and a reward system can motivate even those who face the challenges of being wheelchair-bound or bed-bound with multiple co-morbidities to take part in these exercises.

Mr Kadar expressed, “I am overjoyed to take part in the games as it has been quite some time since I left the nursing home. “

Photo Credit: All Saints Home

Explore the work being done at All Saints Home and be part of this journey by visiting their website at: https://allsaintshome.org.sg/

Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of these seniors!