Dr Chong Weng Chiew,
Founding Chairman of Compass Welfare Foundation
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
A very good evening to all
I am pleased to be here today for the 1st Compass Welfare Foundation’s Charity Dinner 2005. Today we mark another event that shows the soft and warm side of Singaporeans. I am happy that this evening brings together the donors and supporters of Compass Welfare Foundation. By your presence today you show that you care for the poor elderly in Singapore, and that you support the work of Compass Welfare Foundation.
With us this evening, are many distinguished men and women who have already contributed to our nation's social service development over many years. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their many years of sterling service to the community and to the nation.
Most of you would have come across the recent media reports about charities finding it harder to raise funds in the face of intense competition and because of the recent the economic downturn. Besides the prevailing competition amongst the hundreds of charities, non-profit organisations, there is also competition brought about by new, compelling causes which have an emotional pull for the donor public. Dr Chong Weng Chiew, true to his professional training as a medical doctor, decided to focus on the healthcare of the elderly. He has undertaken to start the Compass Welfare Foundation. I hope Dr Chong appreciates the immensity of the project he has started! Maybe he has not. And maybe it is good that he does not fully appreciate how huge a responsibility he has taken on, as otherwise he might not have started it! If he now concentrates on how to get things done rather than what problems he will encounter, then he will succeed.
Singapore is fast becoming an ageing population. By 2030 there will be more than 800,000 elderly persons (aged 65 and above) and more than half of them may not be financially self-sufficient. They will depend on their children to look after them. But some will depend on the community for assistance. Hence we must do our utmost to ensure that their welfare and especially in the area of healthcare needs are not neglected. Time and time again Singaporeans have shown that they have big hearts. Regardless of where you are in the world, you have made a difference by contributing your time, money and energy towards a better community. Collectively we can make a difference. Individual and corporate donors can make sure that the underprivileged elderly are not neglected, especially in their health.
Fund-raising is not only about getting as much as you can from the public but also about being accountable to the public on how their funds are applied. I am sure Dr Chong is well aware of this, and will ensure that the best practices of transparency are applied in the Foundation.
Compassionate giving must be a deep-rooted value among Singaporeans. It should be our natural instinct to want to help others in the community in which we live. Having said all that, it is the duty of the public and management of any charity organisations to ensure that public trust is not broken. Only then will charity and volunteerism thrive, and lighten the burdens of the people in need.
Dr Cheong asked me to thank you on behalf of Compass Welfare Foundation. Let me add my personal thanks to all who made this evening possible. Your compassion will bring warmth to many who need a helping hand. I wish Compass Welfare Foundation and all it’s partners every success in their humanitarian efforts for the betterment of our society. I am confident that all of your hard work will bring much hope and meaning to the poor elderly in our community. Lastly, on behalf of all the beneficiaries, thank you once again and have a great evening.
