34 October 2016 Epoch Times Why Philanthropy ?

shutterstock Why Philanthropy?

It’s not just about being able to write a cheque. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.

Oprah Winfrey, Host, Actress, Producer and Philanthropist

By Li Yen | Epoch Times Staff

hilanthropy is a Greek term that means “love of mankind”. Ac- cording to Investopedia, the earli- est act of philanthropy happened Pas far back as 347 B.C., when Greek philos- opher Plato authorised his nephew in his will to draw on the revenues of the family farm to finance the educational academy that he had founded. if you are not thinking deeply about your Compared to charity, philanthropy in- destination, and designing solutions to volves charitable giving initiatives that are get you there. Unfortunately, traditional altruistic, long-term and strategic. These assumptions about how we ‘do’ philan- are usually achieved through donations of thropy often gets in the way of progress,” money, property, or work to needy people he added. by individuals or organisations that aim to goes beyond the traditional donor-spon- Foundations that have been estab- ameliorate human welfare on a large scale. sor method. The family foundation inau- lished over the decade include Ong Typically, philanthropy tends to address gurated the Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Foundation, set up by the two sons of the root cause of the problem. Some say Lien Centre for Social Innovation and Lien late President Ong Teng Cheong in 2012. charity is akin to giving a fish to a hungry Aid, to name a few, and has contributed It is also the philanthropic branch of man, whereas philanthropy is teaching S$119 million over the years, particularly ONG&ONG, an architecture firm pio- the hungry man how to fish. to initiatives concerning pre-school edu- neered by their late parents. cation, dementia and palliative care, water Similarly, property tycoon Chua Tian ‘The Last Point of Any Business is and sanitation in Asia, and even end-of- Poh of Ho Bee Group and his siblings set Philanthropy’ life issues. up the Chua Foundation in 2015 to honour “In any fashion of business, from the point An example of its initiatives is the Hos- their late mother’s giving spirit, accord- you start your business to (when you’ve pitable Hospice, a joint design study com- ing to an article entitled ‘The new philan- built) a multimillion-dollar business, the things with that for the benefit of other missioned by the Lien Foundation and thropists in town’ published in The Straits last point of any business is philanthropy people and society.” ACM Foundation. Undertaken by design Times. Mr Chua has a net worth of US$1.1 – because you earn so much money, but consultancy firm, fuelfor, it unveils sev- billion (S$1.35 billion) as per Forbes Sin- what can you do with the money? You Philanthropy and Philanthropic en radical approaches and 24 key design gapore’s 50 richest list. cannot just keep on eating and enjoying,” Foundations in Singapore principles to position hospices for tomor- Conversely, The Silent Foundation is opined Azhar Othman, Regional Man- In Singapore, affluent businessmen, row. The handbook, Hospital Hospice – Re- one foundation that does not bear its aging Director of Enercon Asia Pte Ltd, tycoons and scions of notable families designing Care for Tomorrow, launched in family name. The founder, Mr Teng Ngiek Managing Director of Zaffra Solar Ltd and are among some of our more famous Sep 2013, won the acclaimed IDEA 2014 Lian, told Coutts Institute Million Dol- Chief Executive Officer of Zaffra Innova- philanthropists. Many of them establish Award in the design research category lar Donor Report in 2014: “Doing phil- tors & Leaders Pte Ltd. foundations to open the door for their from the American Design Association. anthropic works is a noble cause, and it In fact, many businessmen like Mr philanthropic efforts, often setting them It was also warmly received overseas doesn’t really matter whether it is your Azhar begin the journey of meaningful up in a family name. Asian philanthropists, and distribution requests were made by family member or anybody else doing it. giving after attaining a certain wealth in particular, have the mindset of leaving organisations such as Hospice UK. Cur- That is why the foundation does not carry and realising that contributing to society wealth to one’s offspring, and in this case, rently, the three participating hospices – our family name.” and helping people with their money give the establishment of such foundations is Dover Park Hospice, Assisi Hospice and The late Lee Seng Gee once urged Sin- them greater joy than indulging in end- another way of leaving a legacy to their St Joseph’s Home – are working with the gaporeans to step forward: “What I have less luxury. As famous industrialist and descendants. team to prototype some of the concepts. done through the Lee Foundation over philanthropist Andrew Carnegie once One of the largest family foundations As pointed out by Mr Lee Poh Wah, CEO the years has been but a drop in the said, “Wealth is not to feed our egos, but in Singapore is Lee Foundation, set up by of Lien Foundation, Lien Foundation ocean. I hope that more Singaporeans to feed the hungry and to help people help late rubber tycoon Lee Kong Chian. His stands out from other funders or founda- will come forward to help the less privi- themselves.” son, the late Lee Seng Gee, followed in his tions on three fronts: leged and to make our society a much bet- Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and the philanthropic footsteps. Under Lee Seng 1. Lien Foundation takes responsibil- ter place to live in.” world’s richest man with a net worth of Gee’s management, the Lee Foundation ity for solving niche problems. There Fortunately, there are more philan- US$90 billion (S$123 billion) as of August has made a significant benefaction of S$1 is clarity of purpose and priorities. thropy, more foundations, more philan- 2016 according to Bloomberg Billionaires billion towards education, the arts and 2. Lien Foundation does more and thropy advisors and forums, and more Index, said in a Telegraph interview [1]: the underprivileged as of June 2016. better from ideation to implemen- interest in the field as compared to 2005 “I’m certainly well taken care of in terms Its generous donations have funded tation. There is a fidelity to perfor- when he first joined the Lien Foundation, of food and clothes. Money has no utility scholarships and bursaries as well as de- mance. noted Mr Lee Poh Wah. Acknowledging to me beyond a certain point. Its utility is velopments that benefit local universities. 3. Lien Foundation dares to be differ- this claim was The Straits Times in ‘The entirely in building an organisation and Besides that, it contributed S$60 million ent – they are unafraid to work with new philanthropists in town’; the article getting the resources out to the poorest in to the construction of the National Library unconventional players or use un- reported that there were at least 40 foun- the world.” in 2003, as well as a considerable amount orthodox tools to move their mis- dations and charitable trusts formed by Steven Schwarzman, co-founder and to the National Cancer Centre in 2009, ac- sion. They take sufficient risks. individuals, families and corporations in CEO of Blackstone Group, a global private cording to Singapore Infopedia. He asserted, “Foundations as independ- the last decade. equity and financial advisory firm, point- On the contrary, the Lien Foundation, ent funders of diverse public goods can Nevertheless, Mr Lee remarked that the ed out to Forbes, “As you get older and you founded by the late Dr George Lien Ying help provide alternative solutions and practice of philanthropy in Singapore has have significant resources, you want to Chow, adopts a forward-thinking and temper government orthodoxy.” yet to fulfil its true potential, and there spend more of your time doing interesting radical approach to philanthropy that “Philanthropy is pointless and powerless are few who accorded well the line of Epoch Times October 2016 35 Why Philanthropy ?

Martin Luther King’s quote: ‘Philanthro- guru and the most generous philan- thises with children of underprivileged For Mr Azhar, he set up Zaffra Solar Ltd py is commendable, but we must not over- thropist in history, has famously said, “If families and established the S.M. Jaleel as he believes his solar business is doing look the circumstances of injustice which you’re in the luckiest one percent of hu- Foundation, supporting children’s educa- good for Mother Earth. He echoed: “At the make philanthropy necessary.” manity, you owe it to the rest of humanity tion. He has donated US$1.1 million (ap- end of the day, if I were to leave the world, Firstly, most foundations are reticent to think about the other 99 percent.” prox. S$1.5 million) to The Straits Times what is the best gift I can give? To call (me) about their systems and what they intend Buffett, who does not believe in dy- School Pocket Money Fund over the years, the richest man in the world, it is good, but to achieve; secondly, there are insufficient nastic fortunes, has donated US$17.5 according to Forbes. it is better to call yourself someone who industry data and scrutiny by the media billion (S$23.9 billion) via the Gates Apart from the aforementioned indi- contributes back to society. Thus, if you no- as well as academia; and thirdly, work- Foundation as of Jan 2013, and as stated viduals, most of us desire to leave a mark tice, most tycoons create foundations.” ing-class folks are giving away propor- by Forbes, he has pledged 99% of his net or legacy that will ultimately be remem- “People give because it gives some tionately more of their income than the worth to charity. bered after we leave this world. meaning to their wealth. It is self-iden- rich, according to Mr Lee. Warren Buffett’s philanthropic spirit Perhaps through acts of kindness and tification with the needs of others that “The biggest donations are ‘horizontal’ has set an example for many philan- charity, we can help to bring about more motivates philanthropy,” said Mr Lee philanthropy where the rich give to rich thropists, including Mr Teng of The Si- goodness in the world and let warmth matter-of-factly. institutions. Philanthropy that promotes lent Foundation. In the same interview shine upon the lives of many, leaving a and perpetuates the status quo is gener- with the Coutts Institute Million Dollar lasting legacy. Continued on next page ally the norm,” he added. Donor Report, Mr Teng said philanthro- py is much more than “taking photos Leaving a Lasting Legacy – Driven with cheques”. by Compassion, Empathy, Faith There is also a number of philanthro- and the Need to Change the World pists who are faith-driven. Laurence Lien Why did Bill Gates become a told Forbes, “The social teachings of the philanthropist? Church are a guiding light to me.” [3] Bill Gates once said: “Is the rich world Other philanthropists aspire to give aware of how four billion of the six billion succour and strength to the disadvan- live? If we were aware, we would want to taged due to a similar misfortune they help out, we’d want to get involved.” have faced in the past. Indeed, Gates’s passion for philan- The late Dr George Lien was a penni- thropy was sparked after witnessing less boy from China who was orphaned first-hand a TB clinic hospital during his at 10 years old, which developed in him visit to Africa. He felt sympathy and bit- a deep empathy for similar destitute terness, and was quoted as saying: “It’s a children who were not given education- death sentence. To go into that hospital is al opportunities. a death sentence.” [2] “Lien Ying Chow was passionate about Hence, he founded Bill & Melinda Gates charity and education because he had Foundation – the largest foundation in experienced extreme poverty and was de- the world to support initiatives in educa- prived of formal education. The formation tion and improve people’s health by eradi- of the foundation in 1980 was the culmi- cating disease such as polio and poverty nation of his lifelong process of conscious in developing countries. They have been giving back to society,” shared Mr Lee. Hospitable Hospice, com- working with partners around the world Mohamed Abdul Jaleel, founder and missioned by the to fund novel ideas to help farmers and CEO of Mini Environment Service (MES) Lien Foundation treat infectious diseases with modern and and one of Forbes’ 40 Heroes of Philan- and ACM Founda- up-to-date science and technology. As of thropy in Asia in 2014, came from a poor tion, redesigns Jan 2013, they have pledged US$28 billion family who could not afford his education. the Inpatient (approx. S$38 billion) to their foundation. Eventually, he dropped out of secondary Hospice Experi- Correspondingly, Warren Buffett, an school and took on odd jobs to support the ence. American business magnate, investment family. Due to his background, he empa- 36 October 2016 Epoch Times Why Philanthropy ?

Continued from the previous page Your philanthropic journey starts The Joy of Giving Back – Anyone through simple and Everyone Can Be a Philan- acts like “lending Inspirational Ways to thropist emotional support It is not only millionaires who are mak- or showing kindness Help a Stranger to someone 3 ing a difference in people’s lives. Ordi- nary people are also doing their part on in need.” The CAF World Giving Index 2015 suggested that Burma or Myanmar is the most chari- table nation in the world. USA took second place, whilst New Zealand finished third. the path of philanthropy. Their compas- sion has compelled them to help others, Published by the Charities Aid Foundation in the United Kingdom, the CAF World and in turn, they have found blessings in Giving Index measures the average percentage of people in 145 countries who donate money, volunteer or help a stranger. their own lives. New York philanthropist and author of Loans. “The feeling that you get that Singapore ranked 34th, improving tremendously from 64th in 2013. the book ‘Successful Philanthropy – How you’re positively impacting people’s to make a life by what you give’, Jean lives, or as many people are you can, I Below are three inspirational ways to help a stranger, based on true stories: Shafiroff, told Epoch Times, “Philan- think that there’s nothing like that in the thropy is not just about writing cheques, world,” he told Forbes. 1 1) Installing an Outdoor Fridge to Store but it’s about giving of yourself—your Singaporean travel photographer Alex Leftovers to Feed the Homeless time and your knowledge. Anyone and Soh cannot agree more. In fact, he thinks Origin: India everyone can be a philanthropist.” that “the more he sees of the world, the ‘Successful Philanthropy’ is a practi- more he finds himself to be so little”. Minu Pauline, owner of Pappadavada restaurant in Kochi, cal guide to modern day philanthropy Soh’s philanthropic initiatives include southern India, installed a fridge outside her restaurant after that goes beyond monetary donations. The Rice Project in Sri Lanka as well as seeing a hungry woman rummaging her garbage bags for food one night. She exhorted patrons to place leftovers in the fridge To kick-start your philanthropy journey, Project Road in Cambodia. to feed the homeless. Gradually, the fridge became a large-scale Shafiroff believes that one must first find donation centre, with foods donated across town and other his passion before looking for a fitting neighbouring restaurants. The fridge remains unlocked all day and the needy can collect the donated food without being cause and charity to contribute to. surveilled. “There is great reward in knowing that you are helping to make the world 2 a better place,” said Shafiroff, who pos- Philanthropy is Build a ‘Wall of Kindness’ sesses great savoir-faire. Every year, the pointless and Origin: Iran lady hosts numerous galas and events for non-profit organisations. powerless if you In Iran, the ‘Wall of Kindness’ has helped “Those who give build themselves up the homeless stay warm in winter. This in the process because they will feel ful- are not thinking charity initiative began when someone put filled, and those who receive will grow. in place a few hooks and hangers on a deeply about wall in the north-eastern city of Mashhad, It’s a great gift to be in a position to give.” accompanied with the words: “If you Your philanthropic journey starts don’t need it, leave it. If you need it, take through simple acts like “lending emo- your destination, it.” Since then, Iranians have been placing blankets and jackets on the hooks for tional support or showing kindness to and designing those in need. Photos of the wall went someone in need”, she opined. (Refer to viral, inspiring more ‘Walls of Kindness’ Infographic 1 for ‘Three Inspirational solutions to get across Iran. Ways to Help a Stranger’) And it builds a more meaningful life, you there. she asserted. 3 Likewise, Sofia Subri, owner of CAZ Lee Poh Wah, CEO of Lien Paying it Forward With a Cup of Caffè Sospeso Villa and property firm CAZ International Foundation Origin: Naples, Italy in Bali, finds that “giving back to society” and “making a difference in someone’s Buying a second cup of caffèsospeso life” make her happier than earning a In his Project Road initiative, Soh (suspended coffee) for those who cannot afford themselves is a concept million bucks. galvanised the Lion Club and four like- brought up by caffeine drinkers in Every quarter, Ms Sofia embarks on minded Singaporeans to raise funds Naples, Italy. Now, this idea has been simple and meaningful projects in Bali and build a 3.7km road in Cham Resh, embraced across the world, with big players such as Starbucks and Costa like visiting an orphanage and a hospital Cambodia. trying to catch the ‘charitable’ wave. for the poor as well as mountainous “How many times in your life are you villages to dole out rice, food, diapers able to save another life?” he mused. and other necessities. She also volunteers At first, Soh thought he was in Cambo- with The Red Cross to give motivational dia to help the villagers, but at the end of speeches to women who are being the day, “[the] project not just helped the abused or tortured. people, but it has also enlightened my life Infographic 1 She believes in karma as her mother as well as those students and CEOs who taught her “giving is much better than had come alongside with me,” he shared. Talks organised by the Epoch Times, tak- No Use for Money. This is God’s Work.” The Tele- receiving” and “the more you give, the “And you become a better person,” ing place at EcoWorld Gallery on Nov 3. graph. 18 January 2013. http://goo.gl/qtEPDE more you would get back”. he said, smiling. “Do you want to be He will be sharing moving photographs [2] Bort, Julie. “Bill Gates Talks About the Heart- In high spirits, she said: “It’s worth the top 10 richest people in the world? that he had captured during his phil- breaking Moment That Turned Him to Philanthro- every penny to see them smile. The Everybody would be screaming, yes, I anthropic journey, in his talk titled ‘The py.” Business Insider Singapore. 22 January 2015. moment they say ‘Thank you’ to you, it want, but do you know you are already Journey of Hope: The Rice Project in Sri http://goo.gl/98imLm is a blessing.” one of them?” Lanka and Project Road in Cambodia’. [3] A. Peterson, Jane. “Heroes Of Philanthropy: Holding the same view is American Soh will be a speaker for ‘Corporate So- Singapore’s Laurence Lien Seeks to Make Giving businessman Dan Gilbert, founder & cial Responsibility in Singapore – What’s ------a Regional Movement.” Forbes Asia. 26 August chairman of Rock Ventures and Quicken the Next Lap?’, a series of Epoch Inspired [1] Tweedie, Neil. “Bill Gates Interview: I Have 2015. http://goo.gl/iiduxi

ByLina Camarena | Vision Times volunteers. After 10 weeks, the group he loved to help people. He contributed Helping Others of volunteers significantly reduced HK$3.4 billion (approx. S$600 million) Research reveals that helping others symptoms of inflammation, cholesterol to Mainland China and established “The Is Good for You with “material support” can reduce levels, and body mass index. Shaw Prize” of up to HK$5 billion (approx. mortality rates by 42% while helping Here are other examples: S$882 million). others with moral support can reduce 1. When John D. Rockefeller’s physical People who do good deeds often fill mortality rates by 30%. condition deteriorated, he decided to turn their hearts with an indescribable sense Why is this so? to philanthropy. He gained a relaxed mind of pleasure and pride, reducing stress According to a study in the US, 106 and a healthier life. hormone levels. Cultivating the habit students under the age of 20 were divided 2. Sir Run Run Shaw died at the age of of helping others is a recipe for the into two groups: volunteers and reversed 107. A reason for his longevity was that prevention and treatment of depression.