Draft:Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore)

1. Overview

In Taiwan, a Buddhist nun by the name of Dharma Master Shih Cheng Yen first established the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation in 1966. It is a worldwide non-profit humanitarian organisation. Over 100 nations have benefited from its programmes involving its four missions (Charity, Medicine, Education, and Humanistic Culture) and four additional "Footprints" (International Relief, Bone Marrow Donation, Community Volunteerism, and Environmental Protection)..

Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) was founded in 1993. The Foundation's work began with the Mission of Charity with the objective of eradicating poverty, and as the years went by, it progressively expanded into the Missions/Pillars of Medicine, Education, Humanistic Culture, and Environmental Protection. The name Tzu Chi embodies the essence of the Foundation; in Chinese, "tzu"（慈） means compassion and "chi,"（济） relief.

The Foundation is a registered charity and Institution of Public Character (IPC), soliciting donations from the public and using the money raised to support organised charitable activities, healthcare services, humanistic education, and culture to address the needs and demands of the local community.

2. History

2.1 Pre-establishment (1987 – 1993)

First Seed from Taiwan: Liu Gui Ying

Tzu Chi volunteer Liu Gui Ying (刘桂英，Dharma name: Jing Lian 静莲, now Dharma Master Shih Ming Jing 明净法师) was the first to plant the Foundation’s seeds in Singapore. Back then, she was working at the Deli Tofu Shop in Hualien, where her lady boss introduced her to Tzu Chi. At the age of 17, she took refuge with Master Cheng Yen, but she did not join Tzu Chi until later on. In 1987, she reconnected with Tzu Chi after a chance encounter with a Tzu Chi volunteer. At that time, she was already living in Singapore with her husband.

In 1988, she returned to Taiwan and made a promise to Master to promote Tzu Chi in Singapore, hoping to reach out to the local Chinese population. Upon returning to Singapore, Liu started recruiting members and volunteers, reaching more than 50 members in a short space of time.

World of Loving Kindness & Salvation (Singapore)

In the early days, it was not easy for Liu to promote Tzu Chi alone, given that there were few members and no venue of their own. With Pao Kwan Foh Tang Temple’s Master Hui Kee（慧琪法师）and Master Cheng Yen having been disciples of Dharma Master Shih Yin Shun, she resonated with Tzu Chi’s philosophy and supported Liu in promoting Tzu Chi’s cause in Singapore. Master Hui Kee not only served as the chairman of the management committee but also opened up her temple for Tzu Chi to hold various activities such as meetings, distribution days for care recipients and children classes.

On March 10, 1991, Tzu Chi volunteers held the “Singapore Branch Establishment Ceremony” at Pao Kwan Foh Tang Temple. At that time, the branch took on the temporary name of “World of Loving Kindness & Salvation (Singapore)”. This is because, in the early years, Tzu Chi did not meet the requirements needed to set up a charity organisation in Singapore. Members had to hold permanent resident status, and there was also a minimum number of members required.

Despite this setback, the volunteers did not give up and pressed on by carrying out Tzu Chi’s work in the form of community activities. Meanwhile, they continued applying for registration to be recognised as an official charity organisation in Singapore.

2.2 Early Days of Establishment (1993 – 1998)

Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Association (Singapore Branch)

On September 20, 1993, the Foundation finally received approval to be officially incorporated under “Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Association (Singapore Branch)”. The first person to be placed in charge was Liu Gui Ying. At that time, Master Cheng Yen praised Liu, saying: "No matter how powerful a country is, it is inevitable that there will be hidden corners; even if every family has welfare, it is inevitable that there will be lonely, helpless and sick people. She has worked very hard to reach out to them, helping to kickstart Tzu Chi missions in Singapore."

Tzu Chi Cultural Mission (Singapore)

In July 1996, Taiwanese real estate developer Li Zhi Cheng（李志成）was entrusted by Master Cheng Yen to come to Singapore to spread Tzu Chi’s work further. Along with his wife, Guo Yu Qin, they rented an office in a building in Newton, leading volunteers to promote Tzu Chi. This venue was then known as the Tzu Chi Cultural Mission (Singapore), with the focus placed on spirituality and humanistic education. Activities involving environmental protection and charity were also organised. The centre would also participate in the yearly World Chinese Book Fair, where Tzu Chi would promote cultural purity, assist in English translation work and set up informational websites sharing Tzu Chi teachings.

2.3 Chinatown Period (1998 – 2005)

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore Branch)

On October 16, 1996, the branch became a member of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). In August 1998, there was a name change to “Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore Branch)”. This was subsequently changed to "Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore)" in 2013.

As the Foundation continued to grow, there was a rise in the number of volunteers and an increasing need for a suitable location to organise its activities. In December 1998, Liao Nien Chi（廖年吉）, a Taiwanese businessman in Singapore (the chairman of Huang Hsiang Construction Co.), learned about Tzu Chi’s challenges. He then bought the Lai Chun Yuen Opera House, renovated it, and leased it to Tzu Chi for a symbolic rent of one dollar. With its location on Trengganu Street in Chinatown, the venue was named as “Chinatown office”（牛车水会所）. The Foundation finally had a home to call its own, with all its activities gradually shifted there.

2.4 Jing Si Hall at Pasir Ris (2005 – present)

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore)

As the “Chinatown office” was located in the city centre, where it is also popular with many tourists, Tzu Chi had to start looking for a new location as the law stipulated that religious activities are not allowed to be held in tourism zones. Eventually, with the help of many parties, especially the efforts of Joyce Lye（赖玉珠, the founder of Kampung Senang）and others who worked in the bank, a vacant lot was found in the suburbs of Pasir Ris. On February 23, 2002, Master Long Gen（隆根长老）, Chairman of the Singapore Buddhist Federation, was invited to preside over the ground-breaking ceremony of Jing Si Hall. After three years, the construction of Jing Si Hall was finally completed, and an opening ceremony was held on 30 October 2005. Venerable Masters from Jing Si Abode, then Minister of Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean, and Member of Parliament, Mr Chan Soo Sen, were all invited to grace the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

3. Mission & Vision

3.1 Vision 2030

Tzu Chi's Vision 2030 hopes to illuminate lives and sow the seeds of great love in Singapore. Its charity mission aims to provide the needy with appropriate and timely assistance. Its medical mission aims to create a patient-centered medical network with top-notch healthcare services. Its educational mission aims to develop a holistic educational approach that places an emphasis on character development through instilling of values. Its humanistic culture mission aims to establish inclusive media platforms to disseminate uplifting messages and improve communal well-being. Lastly, the Foundation also aims to promote eco-friendly behaviours and vegetarianism to encourage a healthy lifestyle and to preserve the environment.

3.2 Five Core Values

Tzu Chi's five core values are about growing our character with the spirit of sincerity, integrity, faith, and steadfastness; serving mankind selflessly with the spirit of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity; showing honesty and love by treating everyone equally and respectfully and by being grateful for the chance to serve; upholding the Ten Precepts of Tzu Chi, engage in self-evaluation and improvement, and cooperate to meet organisational objectives; and inspire innovation and a passion for lifelong learning, and implementing best practices to meet societal requirements.

3.3 Five Pillars

Charity

Charity is not just about helping those in need. To achieve social sustainability, Tzu Chi works towards creating a cycle of good by “teaching the rich to help those in need” and find fulfilment in life, and “teaching the poor to help others” so they see their own ability to inspire others.

Medicine

Seeing that illness can lead to poverty and poverty can in turn lead to even more illnesses, Tzu Chi started the Mission of Medicine to break the vicious cycle. Through a comprehensive network of hospitals, mobile units, doctors, medical professionals and volunteers, Tzu Chi brings humane and holistic healthcare to those in need.

Education

Education is not only the key to break out of poverty cycles but is also to shape our collective future. Catering to learning at all ages, Tzu Chi inculcates the importance of respecting all life and harnessing one’s potential for the greater good.

Humanistic Culture

Believing that witnessing compassionate acts will spark the innate goodness in everyone, Tzu Chi creates content in all forms from print to video broadcasts and exhibits. By spreading the “moving truths” of real people and true stories, many viewers across the years have been inspired into action themselves.

Environmental Protection

With the Earth’s environmental conditions worsening by the day, the need to take urgent action has become increasingly important. Tzu Chi has been involved in environmental protection work for the past few decades. From the days of going door-to-door to collect recyclables to the current model of increasing the public’s eco-awareness knowledge through various educational methods, the Foundation has remained resolute in their bid to change mindsets and inspire action.  

4. Finances

4.1 Charity Development Fund

The Tzu Chi Charity Development Fund seeks to aid local community-oriented causes.

Programmes/Activities that the Charity Development Fund has supported:

• Local charitable initiatives that provide families and individuals in need with immediate and long-term relief, healthcare, and educational support
• Free healthcare for the underprivileged population
• Support for humanistic education and culture
• Charges incurred to support the goals and aims of the Foundation.

4.2 Expenses and Income (2022)

Expenses 2022

Charity expenses 2022

Medical expenses 2022

For the year 2022, Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) had a total of SGD$ 17,752,000 of expenses.

Components which expenses were spent on:

- Medical Services: SGD$6,583,000 (37.08%)

• TCM: 18,744 patients
• Western Medicine: 6,833 patients
• Dental Service: 602 bedridden/disabled patients
• Home Care Service: 860 patients
• Day Rehabilitation: 1,317 patients
• Renal Conservative Care: 341 patients
• SEEN Senior Activity Centre: 1,929 elderly

- Education: SGD$4,901,000 (27.61%)

- Administrative Costs: SGD$3,418,000 (19.25%)

- Charity: SGD$2,727,000 (15.36%)

• Financial Assistance Programme (SGD$1,899,000 of aid distribution benefiting 836 needy individuals/households)
• Dialysis Assistance Programme (SGD$350,000 of aid distribution for dialysis cost and transportation benefiting 187 dialysis patients)

- Costs of Generating Voluntary Income: SGD$97,000 (0.55%)

- Humanistic Culture: SGD$26,000 (0.15%)

5. Milestones & Impact (Statistics)

5.1 Social Impact

The Years in Number (2020 - 2022)

2020

Number of Donors: 59,776

Number of Volunteers: 3,276

Staff Strength: 167

Total Outreach: 45,160

2021

Number of Donors: 62,207

Number of Volunteers: 3,567

Staff Strength: 187

Total Outreach: 39,773

2022

Number of Donors: 30,754*

Number of Volunteers: 3,733

Staff Strength: 188

Total Outreach: 60,314

*With the deployment of a new Donation Management System in October 2022, the Foundation has revised our calculation method to better reflect the impact of our fundraising efforts and provide a more accurate representation of our donor base. The average donation value per donor has increased as compared to previous years.

5.2 The Establishment of Bone Marrow Donor Programme

One of Tzu Chi Taiwan's "Eight Footprints" is "Bone Marrow Donation". The general people in Singapore had little prior understanding about bone marrow donation. The Foundation started collaborating with the latter to host public discussions about bone marrow donation and to plan bone marrow donor campaigns only after the Bone Marrow Donor Programme (BMDP) was established in 1993. Together, Tzu Chi and the BMDP promoted the value of bone marrow donation in preserving life and even organised fundraising events to help pay for the pricey bone marrow tests. The two organizations starts a new collaboration in 2003, when a bone marrow donor drive was held in conjunction with a Tzu Chi blood donation drive.

Tzu Chi added close to 2,600 records to the BMDP database between 1994 and 2007. In order to simultaneously register bone marrow donors during blood donation drives, Tzu Chi and BMDP re-established their partnership in October 2022, providing local patients with blood diseases the possibility of a bone marrow match that could save their lives.

5.3 NUS Body Donation Programme

Inspired by the “Silent Mentors” program at Tzu Chi University, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine launched a similar program in 2012 to encourage people to donate their bodies after death for medical education. Despite early apprehension, the program saw over 3,600 volunteers across six years.

Each volunteer is valued and respected as a mentor. Echo Ong, a Tzu Chi volunteer who passed away in 2019, became an educational aid in the school’s body anatomy course. Three years later, at the end of the course, Echo’s “students” came forward at a memorial service to express their gratitude for her “lessons”.

5.4 HIV/AIDS Medical Subsidies

AIDS and HIV patients are often misunderstood and stigmatised, especially in the 1980s and 90s. Medication was expensive and was not supported by government subsidies until 2010. Therefore, in 1998, in the spirit of respecting all life, Tzu Chi accepted referrals from Tan Tock Seng Hospital and became one of the largest NGOs to subsidise AIDS treatment in Singapore.

Since 2009, at the request of Singapore Prison Services, Tzu Chi also provided medical subsidies to inmates who could not use their health insurance.. The subsidy for AIDS medication continued until January 2021, when it ceased due to the dwindling demand. From 1998 to 2021, the programme benefitted 1,739 AIDS patients.

5.5 Interim Dialysis Assistance Scheme

With about six new kidney disease cases daily, Singapore is facing a tsunami of kidney disease. However, it could take up to six months for a patient to receive subsidised placement in VWO dialysis centres. Spotting this gap, the Foundation launched the Interim Dialysis Assistance Scheme to help patients tide through the transition period with subsidised visits for private treatment. To date, Tzu Chi remains the only organisation providing this interim aid.  

5.6 Renal Conservative Care

Some kidney failure sufferers are advanced in age and do not want to go for dialysis as they prefer spending their remaining years meaningfully with their loved ones. Responding to these needs and under invitation from the Ministry of Health, Tzu Chi and Sengkang General Hospital collaborated to pilot the Renal Conservative (Non-Dialysis) Care Programme. Instead of dialysis, Tzu Chi’s medical team visits the patients regularly to support them and prolong their quality of life through holistic care.  

6. Organisational Structure

6.1 Board of Directors (2021-2022)

By ensuring that best practices in pertinent industries are followed, the Board plays a crucial role in steering the Foundation towards a sustainable future. The Board also works to continuously improve the internal control environment in an effort to foster a strong corporate governance culture. Additionally, it makes sure that there are enough resources available and that they are used wisely and effectively to advance the Foundation's humanitarian aims and day-to-day activities.

The Board examines and approves the yearly budget before the beginning of each fiscal year. It also periodically reviews and approves management reports. In addition, the Board approves all substantial new operations and transactions and keeps an eye on expenditures in relation to the approved budget.  

Name	Occupation	Previous Offices Held, Period	Designation, Related Entity1
Toh Kim Kiat (President)	Buddhist Monastic (Ven. Master De Ge), Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, Taiwan	Board Member, from 20 September 2008 to 20 March 2009; President, since 21 March 2009	Director, Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Organization (Singapore) Ltd.
Yan Su Yuan (Secretary)	Full-Time Volunteer	Secretary, since 1 July 2016	None
Sim Sem Peng (Deputy Secretary)	Chairman, Malayan Daching Co. Pte Ltd	Board Member, since 1 July 2016	None
Chee Kim Huei (Treasurer)	Full-Time Volunteer	None	None
Chang Horng Lin	Buddhist Monastic (Ven. Master De Rang), Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, Taiwan	Board Member, since 31 August 2010	Director, Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Organization (Singapore) Ltd.
Lin Pi-Yu	Vice President, Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, Taiwan	Board Member, from 20 September 1998 to 29 March 2008; President from 30 March 2008 to 20 March 2009; Board Member, since 21 March 2009	Vice President, Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, Taiwan
Ng Chuan Lim	Director, APICO Holdings Pte Ltd	Board Member, since 1 July 2016	None
Ng Gaik Pei	Buddhist Monastic (Ven Master De Tai), Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, Taiwan	None	None
Ong Wee Heng	CEO, Lim Kim Hai Electric Co (S) Pte Ltd	Board Member, from 26 March 2010 to 30 June 2016; Treasurer, from 1 July 2016 to 29 August 2020	None
Siew Pei Fung	Overseas Affairs Supervisor, Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, Taiwan	Board Member, since 1 July 2018	None
Teo Chee Seng	Director, Lee Bon Leong & Co	Secretary, from 20 September 2008 to 30 June 2016; Board Member, since 1 July 2016	None

6.2 CEOs

2003 – 2012: David Liu Ming Da

David Liu currently serves as the Deputy CEO of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, Taiwan. He is also the former CEO of Tzu Chi Melaka.

2012 – Present: Low Swee Seh

Mr Low Swee Seh assumed the role of a full-time volunteer CEO at the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) in 2012, marking a significant turning point in his life journey. Prior to his dedicated service at the Foundation, he was a businessman in the property development industry. With a heart devoted to philanthropy, Mr Low made the decision to relinquish his business ownership. Since taking on the leadership role, he has spearheaded the foundation’s expansion through the missions of Charity, Medicine, Education, and Humanistic Culture, touching the lives of many and embodying the spirit of compassion and relief.

6.3 Establishments

Current Establishments (2024)

East Region

• Jing Si Hall (Headquarters)
• Tzu Chi University Continuing Education Centre (Singapore)

North East Region

• Tzu Chi Renal Dialysis Centre
• Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool (Sengkang)

Central Region

• Tzu Chi Free Clinic (Singapore)
• Buddhist Tzu Chi TCM Free Clinic (Redhill)
• Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool (Toa Payoh)

West Region

• Seniors Engagement and Enabling Node (SEEN@Bukit Batok)
• Seniors Engagement and Enabling Node (SEEN@Nanyang)
• Lakeside Family Medicine Clinic
• Tzu Chi Day Rehabilitation Centre

North Region

• Tzu Chi TCM Free Clinic (Khatib)
• Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool (Yishun)
• Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre
• Glow On Gallery

Closed or Relocated Establishments

• Tzu Chi Cultural Mission (1996-1998)
• Tzu Chi Free Clinic (Singapore) (2004-2007): Relocated from Chinatown to Redhill

• Tzu Chi Free Health Screening and Medical Clinic (2010-2016)
• Tzu Chi Eco-Awareness Centre (2014-2021)
• Da Ai Gallery (2016-2021)
• Tzu Chi Great Love Student Care Centre (2017-2021)

6.4 Division and Department (2023)

1. CEO Office
2. Finance Department
3. Volunteer Development Department
4. General Affairs Department
5. Human Resource Department
6. Information Technology Department
7. Medical Development Division
   1. Medical Services Department
   2. TCM Services Department
8. Education Development Department
9. Humanistic Culture Development Department

7. Volunteer Structure

7.1 Tzu Chi’s Volunteerism

“Volunteers with a Mission” (志工)

“Voluntary work” is making use of our free time to serve in meaningful ways without any remuneration. In Tzu Chi, our volunteers are called “volunteers with a mission” or “志工” (zhi gong) in Chinese. They regard service to the public as their goal, and contribute their time and money for the betterment of the community, especially the underprivileged. With a sense of mission and responsibility, they serve selflessly without counting the cost and work hard to overcome challenges along the way.

Tzu Chi’s manpower is primarily made up of volunteers. Every volunteer harbours a grateful heart as they dedicate themselves to work for the greater good, thereby positively influencing the community, which provides the foundation for a strong and stable society.

Volunteer Training

Those who wish to become certified Tzu Chi volunteers will need to receive at least two years of training. During the first year, a trainee volunteer is required to attend training courses, help recruit donating members, and take part in Tzu Chi’s events, such as home visits, helping in recycling works, and more.

After the first year of training, those who identify with Tzu Chi’s values and are willing to commit to Tzu Chi’s work can then enter the second year of training, where they will attend more intensive classes and take part in regular volunteer work to get a deeper sense of Tzu Chi’s mission.

After completing two years of training and passing the evaluation by senior Tzu Chi volunteers, the trainee volunteers can then be certified by Master Cheng Yen.

7.2 Community Volunteerism

The neighbourhood-based volunteer structure of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore)

Building a Community Spirit

Tzu Chi volunteers are organised by their areas of residence, so when disasters strike, the volunteers living nearby can quickly team up to provide aid to those affected. It is also easier for the volunteers to hold activities to bond people in the same community together and offer them a chance to contribute to their communities. In fact, it is through these Tzu Chi events at the community level that have inspired many people to volunteer with Tzu Chi.

In Singapore, close to 4,000 uniform volunteers are organised by four major areas of residence (He Qi 和气): East Zone, South Zone, North Zone and Central Zone. Under each He Qi, there are two to four mid-level zones (Hu Ai 互爱), and under each Hu Ai, there are two to four neighbourhood-based teams (Xie Li协力). The entire Singapore volunteer structure is considered as one He Xin (合心).

To promote good neighbourliness (“Kampung Spirit”) in the local community, Tzu Chi Singapore started implementing the “Community Volunteerism” model towards the end of 2005. Presently, all our volunteers are separated into 36 Xie Li teams across the following four He Qi zones around the island.

Different Functional Groups

Tzu Chi volunteers hail from diverse backgrounds; there are working professionals, homemakers, and retirees. Regardless of age, religion or social status, they all share a common identity while wearing Tzu Chi uniforms. Volunteers may choose to volunteer in one or more of the following areas:

• Home visit - Conduct monthly home visits and provide emotional support to aid/care beneficiaries
• Institutional visit - Make regular care visits to mental health institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, etc.
• Healthcare - Provide and/or support healthcare services in Tzu Chi’s free clinics, home care, health screening events, etc.
• Education - Organise and/or conduct activities for the Tzu Chi Parent-Child Bonding Class, Teenagers’ Class, Collegiate Youth Association, Teachers’ Association, Great Love Mothers’ team, and help out in classes conducted by the Continuing Education Centre
• Humanistic Culture - Volunteer duties at the Jing Si Books and Cafe as well as Jing Si Book Hut
• Media, translation, design & décor - Writing, photography, videography, video editing, graphic design, venue decoration, translation and interpretation, etc.

• Recycling - Sort recyclables/trash for recycling and promote environmental education
• Cleaning - Help with the cleaning of Tzu Chi’s premises
• Food and beverage - Preparation of food and beverages during Tzu Chi activities
• Transport and logistics - Set up venues, direct traffic, and assist in other logistical matters before and after activities
• Audio-visual (AV) - Audio and visual controls during activities

Tzu Chi volunteers take pride in their services, which they regard as their duties, and serve willingly with joy. Although they may serve in different ways in different activities and locations, they all share the same values and spirit.  

7.3 Other Volunteer Groups

• Tzu Chi International Medicinal Association (TIMA)
• Tzu Chi Teachers’ Association
• Great Love Mother Fellowship
• Tzu Chi Entrepreneur Group
• Tzu Chi Collegiate Association (Tzu Ching)

8. Services for Specific Groups

8.1 Vulnerable Families

Living Assistance

Tzu Chi provides direct, timely and practical assistance to give the kind of help needed by each individual and household. Besides providing financial support to help cover some living expenses, Tzu Chi also provides essential daily items such as formula milk, diapers and food on a regular basis. Our volunteers also help to declutter and furnish the homes of some care recipients who are unable to clean up their homes by themselves and deliver meals to care recipients who have difficulty cooking or leaving their homes to buy food.

Since 1991, living aid distribution has been running until today and is a much-welcomed activity for many of our beneficiaries and volunteers. During major distribution events, hot meals are served to participants to warm their bodies and hearts.

In 2017, the Foundation began holding the aid distribution event three times a year during the festive celebrations of Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali. Care recipients belonging to each racial group are invited to Jing Si Hall to join in their respective festive celebrations. On each occasion, the volunteers spare no effort in decorating the venue, meticulously arranging the food, and preparing engaging programmes just to ensure that the guests feel the comforting warmth of a home away from home.

The types of living assistance provided by Tzu Chi are as follows:

• Household Living Expenses
• Furnish & Retrofit Support
• Home Decluttering
• Meals Delivery

Medical Assistance

Poverty is often intertwined with illness and disability. Some people slip into poverty after contracting a major disease or after losing their physical functions from an accident. Such irreversible physical changes to their health are usually career-ending and ultimately affect their finances. Hence, the Tzu Chi Mission of Charity has included a medical assistance scheme to serve the needy community better.

Besides providing subsidies for medical expenses, the provision of medical supplies is also a major feature of the Foundation’s medical assistance programme. For long-term patients who are struggling with their limited finances, where the annual costs of their medical supplies constantly outstrip the limits of government grants and allowances, Tzu Chi will step in to fill this gap.

Volunteers sort medical supplies such as adult diapers, waste bags, and nutritional milk according to type, size, quantity, and home address before personally delivering them to individual households during the monthly home visits.

The types of medical assistance provided by Tzu Chi are as follows:

• Medical consumables
• Interim dialysis fees
• Medical transport fees
• Day care fees
• HIV medication fees
• Antenatal check fees

8.2 Underprivileged Students

Seeds of Hope Financial Assistance Scheme

The global financial crisis had an effect on Singapore in 2008, resulting in significant job losses and financial hardship for many households. Tzu Chi kickstarted the "Seeds of Hope Financial Assistance Scheme" in 2009 and proactively asked schools for the name lists of needy students to offer them with meal and transportation allowances. This allowed students from disadvantaged households to experience peace of mind while studying. All races were eligible for this scheme, and more than half of the recipients were Malay students. Volunteers were mobilised island-wide prior to the start of the new school year to visit families of disadvantaged pupils and evaluate their financial position. Families that were discovered to be in severe need of food and/or other essentials would be passed on to the Foundation for prolonged care.

Tzu Chi would host award ceremonies for the beneficiaries' families at the start of each new academic year so that teachers and principals could see the blessings (i.e., financial help) they got from the community and the Foundation. The ceremony's program was filled with humanistic ideals, and both parents and kids would receive support and encouragement from volunteers, giving them the fortitude to handle life's numerous difficulties.

The Financial Assistance Scheme was successfully concluded at the end of 2016 as a result of the government's enhanced support for financially strapped students in recent years. More than 120,000 payments were made to underprivileged students at 102 schools, including primary and secondary schools, ITEs, and shelters, during the course of the 8-year programme.

Mentoring with Love

In 2020, the Mentoring With Love (MWL) program was launched, and Tzu Ching members and alumni volunteered as academic mentors to support primary school kids' socio-emotional and intellectual development. By giving them a chance to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate, the program has also empowered the youth mentors. The programme experienced numerous extensions as a result of its enormous success, concluding six seasons by the end of 2022. For the upcoming season in 2023, the programme will switch to a completely offline structure as the COVID-19 scenario approaches an endemic phase.

Kidz Hideout

Since the beginning of 2022, 20 students in Primary Four and Five have been diligently traveling to the Humanistic Youth Centre (HYC) twice a week after school to take part in various enrichment programs as part of a partnership with North View Primary School.

Unlike ordinary pupils, Kidz Hideout participants come from difficult family situations, and many of them exhibit symptoms of ingrained psychological and behavioral problems. Incremental improvement has been seen in the kids over the course of the 46-week programme, which consists of 21 carefully selected activities planned by the HYC team and its partners.

A new class of Primary Four kids will participate in the programme for at least two more years after its preliminary success.

8.3 Migrant Workers

COVID-19 Pandemic Period (2020-2021)

Since the start of 2020, the Foundation has been heavily involved in providing help and support for our migrant workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It started with decorating a temporary facility for returning migrant workers in February 2020, in collaboration with Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC). Following that, there were several other collaborations with MWC, including distributing care packs, food and cloth masks to the workers’ dormitories. Additionally, throughout the year, volunteers were also involved in decorating and equipping basic supplies for several temporary migrant dormitories and isolation facilities.

In June 2020, partnering with Maybank, 3Pumpkins Community Arts Lab and artist Jimmy Ong, the “Stay Home Quilt” art project was launched, inviting 550 migrant workers to express themselves through art.

Subsequently, in August 2020, twenty volunteers and artist Jimmy Ong completed a number of patchworks with 24 healthy migrant workers at the National Stadium. This was done as part of the workers’ aim to express their appreciation to Singapore on National Day Eve. Most of the works were eventually exhibited through the "Stay Home Quilt" art project, which was open to the public on National Day at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre (HYC).

Post-pandemic Period (2021-2023)

In May 2021, Tzu Chi was invited by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to organise a series of online activities to care for the mental health of migrant workers. This marked the start of Tzu Chi’s collaboration with MOM for various migrant-related activities.

Through a partnership with MOM and several partners from Starlight Collective, made up of ground-ups and NPO inclusive of 24asia, A Good Space Collective, Tzu Chi HYC, Welcome In My Backyard, Sama Sama and Homeforall Migrants, Tzu Chi went on to support several celebratory events organised for the migrant workers in 2021, 2022 and 2023. These included National Day celebrations and International Migrant Day celebrations at migrant workers’ recreation centres and Tzu Chi HYC.

8.4 Pre-frail and Frail Seniors

Gym Tonic

An initiative by Lien Foundation, Gym Tonic has been around since 2015 as an evidence-based, senior-friendly strength-training programme that aims to improve seniors’ functional abilities through modern software and equipment. Given that the rate of muscle mass decline increases with age, it is designed for seniors aged 55 and above, helping to build their muscles and prevent frailty.

The programme was first introduced at Tzu Chi through the Seniors Engagement & Enabling Node (SEEN) @ Nanyang in 2019. It has expanded steadily since and can be found today across three Tzu Chi establishments, namely SEEN @ Nanyang, SEEN @ Bukit Batok and Khatib.

8.5 Patients

General Medicine

With over a decade of experience in operating medical clinics in Singapore and free clinics overseas, the Foundation started collaborating with Jurong Health Services Pte Ltd to manage Lakeside Family Medicine Clinic (LFMC), with effect from November 23, 2016, thus furthering the aim of promoting humanistic healthcare in Singapore.

LFMC places a strong emphasis on the prevention and care of chronic diseases. Apart from the treatment and management of various acute conditions and 17 kinds of chronic illnesses listed in the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), it also offers health screening, laboratory services, dietetic consultations, pharmacy and dispensary services, etc.

As a one-stop healthcare destination for patients, LFMC promotes preventive healthcare, enabling disease detection and treatment. This helps patients save on medical costs and allows them to enjoy a better quality of life in their later years. A unique feature of the clinic is its humanistic culture, thanks to its dedicated team of volunteers and medical professionals who serve patients with gratitude, respect, and love.

A primary healthcare provider under the “Healthcare 2020 Masterplan”, LFMC collaborates with Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital, following up on patients discharged from these hospitals by providing them with continued care. With the help of the Foundation, the clinic offers subsidised care to needy and low-income patients.

Dental

Special Care Dental Service (Tzu Chi Free Clinic (Singapore))

Special Care Dental Services at Tzu Chi Free Clinic (Singapore) are available by appointment only after financial assessment.

Eligibility

All of the following criteria must be met, with other factors to be assessed:

• Having a debilitating disability (e.g. moderate intellectual disability, mixed disability)
• Being medically complex (e.g. ASA criteria IIIb or equivalent)
• Being severely socially disadvantaged (e.g. Blue CHAS)
• Having a dental issue that cannot be meaningfully provided by other dental services (e.g. domiciliary dental care)

Memorandum of Understanding with Ren Ci

Since 2014, Tzu Chi has provided dental care services for Ren Ci Nursing Home residents. These services include examination and consultations, cleaning services, oral hygiene instructions, fillings, extractions, as well as provision of removable dentures.

On April 23, 2016, Tzu Chi Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ren Ci Nursing Home. The partnership enables dental professionals from the Singapore branch of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) to provide free monthly dental services that will benefit residents in the Ren Ci nursing homes at Bukit Batok and Ang Mo Kio.

The MOU was subsequently renewed in 2023.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services are popular among the Chinese community, especially in areas like Redhill, a neighbourhood with a relatively high elderly population. Therefore, since November 2011, Tzu Chi Free Clinic (Singapore) started offering free TCM services such as consultation and acupuncture treatment from Monday to Friday to make full use of its space to meet local needs. The TCM clinical services are free for everyone, regardless of religion and race. After serving the local community for over a decade, the clinic was officially renamed Buddhist Tzu Chi TCM Free Clinic (Redhill) in October 2022.

Given the greying population, Tzu Chi launched another TCM free clinic in Khatib in 2019, with the support and assistance of the Nee Soon South Constituency. Besides providing basic TCM clinical services such as acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping, the Buddhist Tzu Chi TCM Free Clinic (Khatib) also features holistic services that serve to prevent diseases and improve people’s health. These services include “La Jin” (stretching therapy), dietetic therapy, and health education to encourage healthy living. In particular, patients may learn the “La Jin” (stretching) exercises from our TCM personnel and do them at home to keep fit.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both TCM free clinics strictly adhered to safety measures in treating patients, serving nearly 38,000 patients in the past two years.

Rehab/Physiotherapy

As Singapore faces the challenges of a rapidly aging population, there is a significant rise in the number of sufferers of chronic diseases and physical or cognitive decline. Over the two years of implementing home healthcare services in the western region of Singapore, Tzu Chi has discovered that the conditions of many of these patients could have been improved or prevented from worsening through physical therapy.

Tzu Chi Day Rehabilitation Centre

In November 2016, with the Ministry of Health’s approval, the space previously taken up by the Free Health Screening and Medical Clinic was refurbished into the Tzu Chi Day Rehabilitation Centre to serve the needs of an ageing population better. The Centre is replete with two consultation rooms, a rehabilitation room, an electroconvulsive therapy room, an occupational therapy room, and a neurological rehabilitation room.

Stroke survivors, sufferers of Parkinson’s disease and those having chronic pain in the neck, back and/or knees are the most common patients at the Day Rehabilitation Centre, and a significant number of them are senior citizens. The long and slow process of rehabilitation not only requires physiotherapy, but the mindset of the patients towards recovery plays an important role, too. With the company and encouragement of caring volunteers who serve at the Centre, the rehabilitation process has become a more bearable and heart-warming experience for many patients.

SEEN@Bukit Batok

Rehabilitation services are currently provided once a week at SEEN@Bukit Batok.

Home Rehabilitation Services

Tzu Chi home rehabilitation services currently serve patients residing in Singapore's South West district.

Palliative Care

“Tzu Chi Palliative Care” is an extension of two of Tzu Chi’s healthcare establishments and is an integral part of holistic healthcare. It was launched in 2016, two years after the launch of Tzu Chi Home Care Services, and serves referrals from hospitals for residents living in the western region of Singapore.

Palliative care refers to the care of the physical and emotional well-being of terminally ill patients. Tzu Chi Palliative Care team serves terminal patients who have been diagnosed with less than a year to live through regular home visits and health checks to minimise the hospitalisation needs of these patients so that they can spend the remaining days of their lives in peace at home. Hence, the team members are on standby around the clock, a vital and heavy responsibility to patients at the end stage of their lives.

The medical team works with the goal of improving the quality of life for the dying sick and allaying the latter’s physical and emotional suffering with sincere care and positive thinking.

Tzu Chi is also a member of the Singapore Hospice Council.

Home Care Services

To allow more elderly residents to spend their golden years in the comfort of their homes, the Foundation developed a patient-centred, integrated healthcare model by consolidating its existing healthcare staff and volunteers to provide well-coordinated, seamless services to homebound (primarily elderly) patients. As home medical care services gradually gained attention over time, the Foundation decided to expand its home care services in 2014, thus bringing to life Master Cheng Yen’s hope of reaching out to the sick who are unable to go out and seek medical help.

Since more than 10 years ago, TIMA Singapore’s medical volunteers have started conducting medical home visits to the homes of Tzu Chi’s aid beneficiaries who were homebound due to illnesses. With the expansion of the local Mission of Medicine, the medical team discovered an alarming increase in demand for home medical services. Thus, Tzu Chi took the initiative to contact the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to discuss how they might work together to provide home healthcare services for needy and sick residents. Subsequently, from 2014 to 2017, the “Tzu Chi Home Care Services” programme was implemented to serve the underprivileged homebound patients referred by the AIC.

Tzu Chi Home Care Services include the provision of medical and nursing care and rehabilitation services in the patients' homes. The services include indwelling urinary catheter care, change of nasogastric tube, care of artificial stoma, change of dressing, checking and sorting medications, etc. Family members are often the ones closest to the patients, providing personal care for them. Hence, the Home Care team will also train and counsel the patients’ family members on appropriate nursing and home care skills.

Renal Patients

• Interim Dialysis Assistance Scheme
• Renal Conservative Care

8.6 Institutional Visits

Current Institutes

Institute of Mental Health

Since 2003, Tzu Chi volunteers have been visiting patients at Institute of Mental Health (Singapore) (IMH) on a monthly basis without fail. Beyond just regular visits, the volunteers also make the extra effort to provide free haircuts, organise activities and celebrate special occasions with the patients. For instance, they would go the extra mile to create a festive atmosphere at IMH for patients during Chinese New Year with songs, music, dance and food.

Past Institutes

1. Sembawang Old Folk Home (1988-1989)
2. Sunshine Welfare Action Mission (SWAMI Home) (1988-1989)
3. ECON Nursing Home (Bukit Timah) (宜康疗养院) (1989-1997)
4. Woodlands Nursing Home (1990-1997)
5. Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (1992-2011)
6. Man Fatt Lam Elderly Joy Day Centre (万佛林敬老院) (1997-1998)
7. Malaysian Buddhist Association Long Hwa Home (马佛总龙华老人院（或新山观音佛院）(1997-1998)
8. Geylang East Home For The Aged (1997-2007)
9. Sunlove Home (1997-2014)
10. Bukit Batok Nursing Home (1998-1999)
11. Hospice Day Care Centre (2000-)
12. Singapore Leprosy Relief Association Home (2001-2009)
13. Children Cancer Foundation (2005-2008)
14. Spastic Children’s Association School (2006-2009)
15. Cerebral Palsy Centre (2006-2009)

9. Activities and Programmes for Public

9.1 Public Talks and Seminars (Health, Parenting)

Over the years, Tzu Chi has regularly organised several talks and seminars in areas such as health and parenting in hope of providing valuable knowledge to the public. For instance, the “Let’s Talk HEALTH” series organised by the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) would invite medical professionals from different fields to share about various health topics at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre (HYC). Previously, there have also been public talks in the area of Traditional Chinese Medicine organised at various Tzu Chi establishments such as Buddhist Tzu Chi TCM Free Clinic (Redhill) and Tzu Chi Free Clinic (Singapore).

Additionally, distinguished guests from Taiwan would often be invited to Singapore, where they would conduct talks open to public about parenting at Jing Si Hall or HYC.

9.2 Complimentary Counselling Service

Time Out with Silver Ribbon (Singapore)

On February 21, 2021, Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Silver Ribbon (Singapore) to collectively provide Singaporeans with free psychological counselling services by appointment or walk-in basis. The scope of collaboration also includes the provision of psychological consultation and training services for Tzu Chi’s employees, volunteers and caregivers. Silver Ribbon will conduct the sessions while Tzu Chi will provide the venue at its Humanistic Youth Centre.

9.3 Exhibitions (Arts & Culture)

Over the years, various exhibitions have been organised by the Foundation to showcase the work done and the impact made.

Exhibitions Held as part of Global Tzu Chi Anniversaries

1. 40^th anniversary exhibition at Jing Si Hall in 2006
2. 50^th anniversary exhibition at Jing Si Hall in 2016

Exhibitions Held as part of Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) Anniversaries

1. 10^th anniversary exhibition at Chinatown office in 2003
2. 15^th anniversary exhibition at Jurong Medical Centre in 2008
3. 20^th anniversary exhibition at Suntec City in 2013
4. 25^th anniversary exhibition at Da Ai Gallery in 2018

Beyond the exhibitions organised as part of the anniversaries’ celebrations, Tzu Chi has also supported and co-organised various other exhibitions, mainly through its space at HYC. Some of the past exhibitions have featured artworks from various artists, as well as a “Do You See Me?” story showcase highlighting the lives of migrant workers.

9.4 Blood Donation Drive

In 2003, the severe outbreak of SARS led to a global epidemic where even Singapore, with its advanced healthcare services, was not spared. The epidemic caused widespread fear among the masses, with many avoiding crowded places. As a result, the blood bank at the Health Sciences Authority faced a severe shortage in blood supply. In response to this crisis, the Singapore Red Cross made an open appeal to many organisations for partnerships in blood donation drives to make it easier for members of the public to donate blood and, at the same time, drive home the importance of blood donation.

Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) contacted the Red Cross and decided to jointly hold a blood donation drive. Since their first partnership in June 2003, blood donation drives have been an important part of Tzu Chi’s activities. Presently, other than holding quarterly blood donation drives in Jing Si Hall and Westgate, Tzu Chi has also organised weekday blood donation points for the convenience of busy working adults. These blood donation points are situated in the heartlands, such as Tampines, Toa Payoh, Senja Cashew, Yishun East and more, enabling residents to donate blood conveniently within their neighbourhoods.

The blood bank would further separate the donated blood supplies into blood plasma, platelets and red blood cells, enabling them to be used to save the lives of patients with different blood conditions. Hence, during a blood donation drive, Tzu Chi volunteers would appeal to the public using information boards with the slogan, “A bag of blood can save three lives”. They would station themselves in crowded places such as outside MRT stations, markets and shopping malls to promote the activity and transport donors to and from the donation point.

The blood donation process, which includes welcoming potential donors at the entrance and providing care and support before and after donation, is carefully planned and implemented to facilitate the steps involved. Caring and helpful Tzu Chi volunteers keep the donors company throughout the entire process, with their warm hospitality a boost to the confidence of first-time donors.

9.5 Environmental Education

Hand-on Activities

Recycling Points and Eco Points

In 1999, Tzu Chi’s first recycling point was established in Jurong East. While Tzu Chi’s environmental work was more focused on door-to-door recycling efforts in the early days, it has since shifted towards the aim of public education.

Every third Sunday of the month is Tzu Chi Environmental Sustainability Day. In close to 40 neighbourhoods across the island, Tzu Chi has garnered the support of various Residents’ Committees to transform the void decks of HDB blocks, communal pavilions and activity areas into temporary eco points. Residents living nearby are invited to bring their recyclable items for sorting and recycling on Environmental Sustainability Day. They are also encouraged to bring their children along to learn about environmental protection.

Gallery

Eco-Awareness Centre

Officially inaugurated in 2014, the Tzu Chi Eco-Awareness Centre has been a cornerstone of the organisation’s environmental mission since it first opened. As Singapore’s only eco-centre, which operates six days a week, it has helped to bring about a paradigm shift in the public’s perception of waste disposal over the years.

Demarcated into two main areas, the Centre consists of the exhibition and recyclables sorting zones. Upon stepping through the doors, one would be able to witness the multiple eye-catching exhibitions situated alongside several metal cages and containers meant for the sorting of different recyclables.

The Centre officially closed its doors on September 30, 2021, putting an end to its eight-year-long journey.

Glow On Gallery

Situated next to the Great Hall at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, the gallery is specially curated to explore the “sustainability” theme in three aspects – environment, society, and economy, and to promote sustainable living as a way of life. Sustainable living is about making conscious choices in our daily lives, as our social and economic choices have an impact on the environment.

The Glow On Gallery, which was officially launched on July 30, 2023, aims to provide visitors a direct experience of what it takes to practise sustainability and guide them to stop, look, and listen to their surroundings and within.

To pay tribute to the gallery's venue, fireflies form part of the exhibition's theme as a new species of firefly named Luciola singapura was discovered in the swamp forest next to this gallery in 2009. After years of study, the mystery of its origin was finally uncovered in 2021

Firefly is often mentioned in Tzu Chi founder Master Cheng Yen’s teachings in recent years to appeal to everyone to do their part for society. The brilliance of fireflies shines brightly in the darkness of night; its radiance represents the vibrancy of life and the beauty of nature. Therefore, fireflies represent hope and how collective individual efforts can significantly impact our surroundings and, ultimately, the world.

Designed with sustainability in mind, most of the furniture and displays are carefully selected second-hand objects. To minimise energy consumption, the gallery is without air-conditioning, and glass windows are installed to let in more natural light. By showcasing bilingual eco-friendly artworks, installations, and interactive exhibits, the gallery hopes to inspire people from all walks of life to take actionable steps toward a greener and more sustainable future.

Public Outreach Activities

Over the years, the Foundation has also been involved in various public outreach activities to raise awareness about environmental protection. Since 2009, on invitation from the community Resident’s Committees, Tzu Chi began participating in government-organised activities such as Clean and Green Week, Recycling Day, and Clean and Green Singapore. During these activities, volunteers were invited to set up environmental education booths to share environmental concepts and philosophy by Tzu Chi with the public.

On March 29, 2014, in conjunction with Earth Day, the Master of Science Environmental Management Programme (MEM) Alumni organised a seven-hour long “Waste Minimisation—Recycling and Vegetarianism” seminar at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House located at the National University of Singapore. The event’s co-organisers were the Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), community organisation Participate in Design (P!D) and the Singapore Environment Council (SEC).

The seminar featured six speakers who presented on the topics of recycling and vegetarianism, with speakers from Tzu Chi sharing on the topics of "Recycling at Source- The Essence of Environmental Protection" and "Consume 80% and Save 20%". A total of 120 people, including environmental protection enthusiasts, Tzu Chi volunteers, and various members from each organising entity, were present at the event.  

On March 18, 2023, Ms Tan represented Tzu Chi in a dialogue session discussing the issue of public cleanliness in Singapore. The dialogue was jointly organised by Lianhe Zaobao and the National Environment Agency, with the panellists including Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment, Baey Yam Keng.   

Gamification

Tzu Chi x PaGamO Environmental Education E-sports World Cup

Tzu Chi organised an international e-sports competition in 2022. The competition involved six countries/territories, namely Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United States and Canada. It is set to become a yearly affair, with the second edition held in 2023.

As part of the e-sport game, participants were quizzed on a variety of questions, including those related to natural disasters, geological knowledge and environmental technologies, thus improving their understanding about environmental topics.

Additionally, Tzu Chi has brought this game out to the wider community through its monthly island-wide eco-points, providing members of the public the opportunity to experience it for themselves.   

9.6 Enrichment Classes for the Young

Tzu Chi Parent-Child Bonding Class

Open to primary school children and accompanied by their parents, the class features meaningful and enriching activities that include the teaching of Jing Si Aphorisms, nurturing of communication skills between parents and children, inculcating of filial piety and environmental vegetarianism values, and outdoor activities.  

Tzu Chi Teenagers Enrichment Programme

Targeted at teenagers between the ages of 13 to 15, it offers a holistic programme designed with various experiential activities that encourage exploration and discovery. Through participation in these activities, the youths are guided to identify and understand their own emotions and traits, and learn helpful skills to navigate and overcome the challenges of growing up.

9.7 Plant-based Advocacy

Veggie Hero (VERO)

Launched in March 2011 by the Singapore Tzu Chi collegiate youths, or Tzu Chings, VERO (short for ‘Veggie Hero’) is a campaign to promote vegetarianism among young people and create awareness about its carbon reduction benefits.

Past Events

1. Launch of VERO Campaign (April 2, 2011)
2. Amazing VERO Race (July 9, 2011; October 13, 2012)
3. VERO Appreciation Tea Session (October 15, 2011; December 15, 2012; November 10, 2013)
4. VERO Cooking Competition (March 10, 2012)
5. Launch of VERO 2.0 (March 24, 2012)
6. “Simplicity is Beauty” Food Exploration Activity (May 27, 2012)
7. Running VERO: Market Exploration (July 21, 2012, June 16, 2013; May 16, 2015)
8. Online Food Photography Competition (June 16 - July 15 2012)
9. Launch of VERO 3.0 (March 23, 2013)
10. “VERO Go!” Activity (November 12, 2016)

Veg Forward Movement

The “Veg Forward” initiative was launched in August 2020 with the intention of educating the public and putting ideas into practice about the importance of what we eat for both our health and the health of the planet.

Tzu Chi collaborated with like-minded businesses and organisations to launch the "Pledge & Go" campaign, which used a points-based incentive scheme to make switching to a vegetarian diet appealing. Since "Veg Forward" began, various media products have been created to support plant-based diets, dispel widespread myths, and appeal to a variety of audiences.

While "Veg Forward" ended on December 31, 2021, Tzu Chi's efforts to promote a plant-based diet continued because it is a lifelong commitment.

Eat & Broadcast

Tzu Chi launched a comparable online audio-visual broadcast food channel branded “GoVeggie” in September 2020, capitalising on the well-liked social media trend of "Eat & Broadcast" to promote healthy eating.

To showcase their favorite vegetarian restaurants and specialties and to promote the advantages of following a meatless diet, Tzu Chi volunteers took on the roles of hosts and broadcasters.

The "GoVeggie" live broadcast project was extended by the volunteers in 2021 for an additional three seasons, including new themes such as "Children Series," "Medical Series," and "Nutritious Soup Series." The number of views for one of the live broadcasts of this project reached a record high of 32,000, demonstrating how well-liked it is by the general public. Following the "GoVeggie" project's conclusion, there was an increase in customers at the vegetarian restaurants that were featured.

Healthier Me 21-Day Challenge

The “Healthier Me 21-Day Challenge” programme was piloted by the Singapore-based Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) and volunteers, officially beginning on August 2, 2021. Our committed volunteers worked extensively to develop the programme to support a plant-based diet, along with medical experts like doctors and dieticians.

The whole-food, plant-based diet (WFPB) formed the foundation of the programme. Fruits and vegetables made up half of the meals, while whole grains and plant-based proteins made up a quarter of each. Tzu Chi collaborated with vegetarian restaurants to thoughtfully plan the lunch and supper menus for 21 days in a row. We also have a team responsible for food quality control during the challenge to make sure strict nutritional standards were met.

After following a well-balanced diet for 21 days, individuals showed improvements in their health indicators, including decreased cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight.

10. Awards & Accolades

The Gold Award in 2023

10.1 Blood Donation Award

Over the past 20 years, Tzu Chi has collaborated with the Singapore Red Cross in hundreds of blood donation drives, accumulating over 32,000 packets of blood. Tzu Chi has received the Gold Award for Mobile Blood Donation, the highest level of the award, every year since 2008.

10.2 President’s Certificate of Commendation (COVID-19), as part of the 2022 National Awards (COVID-19)

In recognition of Tzu Chi’s contribution to Singapore’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation was awarded the President’s Certificate of Commendation (COVID-19) as part of the 2022 National Awards (COVID-19).

Given to organisations and teams who went above and beyond what was expected of them in contributing expertise and resources towards pandemic efforts; there are 481 recipients of this award. Out of this figure, close to 80 are social service agencies (SSAs).

Edit on 07 April to keep it acitve

12. See Also

Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Organization (Singapore) Ltd.

Tzu Chi Singapore

Tzu Chi

14. Further Readings

Jing-Yuan, Hong 洪静原 (eds.), 2020. "History of Tzu Chi Singapore" 新加坡慈济史. Taipei 台北: Rhythms Monthly Magazine 经典杂志.

15. External Links

• Website
• 官方网站
• Facebook page
• Facebook group
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Telegram EN
• Telegram CN
• LinkedIn