All of us have family trees, but when your family tree becomes a giving tree, collectively spreading love and hope to the less fortunate, family ties run so much deeper, the pay-it-forward effect goes so much further, and a family legacy of giving is cultivated. We speak to four individuals who have charity at the heart of their families, starting this week with Singapore's 'Popiah King', Sam Goi

It’s an old adage, yet you never quite stop hearing the words: "Charity begins at home". Like many, the four individuals we speak to this month all agree that altruism is rooted in their own family experiences and upbringing. Along with other moral values, the spirit of giving, passed down from generation to generation, is the glue that holds their families together.

Unlike bonding over a game of tennis, a cookout or the family business, the bonding that occurs when a family engages in giving together – especially with grandparents, parents and children all in on the act – is so much more powerful. Within the family, generation gaps are closed, young lives are shaped, and emotional ties are strengthened through the shared value of selflessness.

Outside the family, giving collectively instead of as individuals reaffirms the family’s long-term commitment to caring for society’s less fortunate. With this legacy of giving in place, future generations will always remember to be thankful for what they have been blessed with and be inspired to perpetuate the value of stewardship.

 

 

Sam Goi Seng Hui

Executive Chairman, Tee Yih Jia Group

One of Singapore’s leading businessmen, Sam Goi has never let success get the better of him. Fuelled by a sense of moral obligation, he is known for donating millions of dollars to various causes, both in his personal capacity and through his company, Tee Yih Jia Group. In 2005, he was conferred Singapore Tatler’s Leadership Award for Philanthropy. The Chairman of Ulu Pandan Citizens’ Consultative Committee since 1995, this father of four also believes in the power of moral support, regularly offering a listening ear to needy residents in his constituency and directing them to the right channels for help.

 

Singapore Tatler:  Do you agree that charity begins at home?

Sam Goi: Charity does begin at home. I owe my achievements to my parents, my family and the community as awhole. In order to give back to the nation and society, I try to contribute actively and generously to several organisations and associations in various fields.

Working with the Ulu Pandan CCC is one of the most rewarding things for me. I get a first-hand opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, and who face various challenges, circumstances and hardships, particularly the low-income group – which sometimes gets left behind in society. I take the time to listen to their problems and understand their situation before directing them to the right support channels. When they return to thank us for helping to turn their situation around, I feel a profound sense of satisfaction that my work has made a difference in someone’s life. This experience is not something money can buy.

Education is another cause close to my heart. I believe a good education based on merit can level the playing field for families in the lower income bracket. Though the initial years can be trying, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I am particularly fond of my work with Dunman High School Advisory and The Singapore University of Technology & Design in championing the education cause.

 

ST:  What is your family’s definition of philanthropy?

SG: My family’s definition of philanthropy is fundamentally: to give back and understand that we are blessed by the community and society around us. Also, philanthropy is very much a personal thing and should come from the heart.

 

ST: How is family bonding through acts of giving different to bonding over a favourite sport or music, for instance?

SG: Bonding over philanthropy as a family is vastly different from getting together for dinner or sports. It’s a very personal, humbling and rewarding experience, and it deepens the connection between family members through shared values. It bridges the gap between wealth and purpose for the family.

 

Left: Sam Goi; Right: Sam and his wife, Jacqueline

 

ST:  Why is it important to nurture a tradition of giving in the family and ensure that this legacy is handed down across generational lines?

SG: When it comes to nurturing a tradition of philanthropy, I believe the objective is not to gain personal recognition from the public or society. Philanthropic activities should define the family as a unit, and the values it stands for and holds close to its heart. The objective is to leave a legacy for succeeding generations to be reminded about where the family came from, and to continue nurturing the values that this family has come to treasure.

Giving can help to build an inclusive, flourishing and caring society, as well as to foster a stronger sense of belonging. We can all do our part to give back to the society in various ways, be it through outright donations or by engaging in charity work (有钱出钱,有力出力).

 

ST: Using your own personal experiences as an example, what are the advantages of being exposed to the experience of giving from an early age and as a family?

SG: My personal experiences during my childhood strongly shaped my character and the values I have come to treasure. When I was a child, I saw my parents actively sharing and giving to the less fortunate. They used to regularly lend support to our relatives and friends from our community back in China. I think this played a vital role in shaping my attitude towards giving back and philanthropy.

As such, I try to nurture my children to always remember their roots and the importance of hard work and humility.

We have been so blessed. We have a comfortable roof over us, while there are others who may not have enough to eat, often because of unfortunate circumstances beyond their control. Disparity in wealth is not a good thing and may lead to discontent in society.

It is the duty of those in a better position to help those less fortunate. If we are able to, we should offer people a helping hand so that they are able to lift themselves from hardship and improve their lives.

When we help others, they will eventually pay it forward. This domino effect will help to create a better and more inclusive society for everyone to live in.

 

 

Photo: Sam Goi