I was invited to attend an interesting lunch event today. The theme was “Pay It Forward” and it was organized by my old uni and sponsored by one of the old boys.
It featured 2 guests and the event’s message really touched everyone. It was a live example of paying it forward at work, over the course of almost 40 years. One of the guests was the granddaughter of a rich philanthropist (Tan Chin Tuan – TCT) who passed away 11 years ago. Her grandfather started a charity foundation in the 1970s which benefited the second guest speaker, turning his life around.
From being a boy who could only afford a boiled potato for lunch in school every day, the second speaker is now the CEO of a large company. This was thanks to the 2 bursaries he had received. He spoke of the personal attention TCT gave to the foundation, insisting on having lunches with the bursary recipients and even remembering the Christmas card given by one of the boys. Being a successful businessman now, he stressed that it is his time to do his part. He has been actively participating in the uni’s bursary activities and wanted to spread the Pay It Forward message.
Overall, the event turned out much better than I had anticipated. The message was clear and it resonants with everyone, whether you are young or old. It is the thought that counts, whatever the amount. Those of us who have been blessed, whether by one’s own effort or through the help of others, should always be unselfish about giving back to society. It does not necessarily have to be in monetary terms.
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