Tang Chun Tuck and Bernard BK Lim

Tang Chun Tuck: 

First aid is a core activity of the Red Cross. I had rendered first aid duties/coordination during SEAP/SEA Games in 1973, 1983 &1993. For the SEA Games and the SEA Para Games - both in 2015 - I had volunteered as Media Relations Officer. Singapore took great pride to host the SEAP/SEA Games four times to date. Each time, we had done it better than before. These were purposeful experiences and fond memories for me. For many Singaporears, these were joyful volunteering opportunities, refreshing reflections and more. Yes. Singapore will in turn host these Games or other major events. We can all help to bring much vibrancy, colours and pride - for us as well as our friends from foreign lands - over and over again.

I had donated my pints of blood in Singapore and while away (in Owaka, Japan). On the day of departure, my Japanese hosts/friends expressed their great gratitude to us for visiting them as well as for giving our blood their benefit. Little did I know that our blood could save lives and, at the same time, strengthen international friendship. My alumni [GESS Old Students' Association] together with the alma mater and others in the GESS fraternity, had successfully driven a blood donation campaign in the community within the school campus as the convenient venue. The alumni, together with the fraternity, do look forward again to endeavour to do so pretty soon. Like many donors, the effort for each blood donation is natural, purposeful, wholesome, fulfilling & altruistic. In this way, we are giving and also leaving a living legacy.

Family is a basic unit of society. I had been a caregiver for my father (who had intestinal problems) as well as my mother and sister-in-law (both suffering from cancer). The bonds amongst the kith and kin had become stronger, when we cared (even more) for my father, mother and sister-in-law in the final chapters of their respective lives. The negativities - for the cases in point - had become positivities. Together, facing challenges and having frequent communications had brought us closer and strengthened us more.

I was active in many Co-Curricular Activities [CCAs] while in Gan Eng Seng School [GESS), besides the Red Cross. I was also a class monitor & a prefect. In 1971, I served as Head Prefect. In these roles, I had learned then that the Power of Example would always be greater than the Example of Power. When we lead by the Power of Example, we would earn respect & win hearts. Understanding and learning this early have helped me to do more and enjoy my volunteering journey better to this day.

Growing up - in my teenage years and in GESS - was certainly very refreshing and joyful, in addition to being educational and holistic. Today, I can recall that many educators had taught us not only the various subjects, but had also given us lessons that would last a lifetime. It's in GESS that I had first come to learn & appreciate that when we bring joy to others, we will feel joyful ourselves. Fond memories will also bring further joy - time & time again. For this reason, I had - after my secondary education in GESS - continued with my Pre-University education there. I have continued to volunteer with the alumni [GESS Old Students' Association) for many years to date. Together with the active GESS fraternity, namely School Advisory Committee, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the alma mater, we can certainly continue to do more for the student populace as well as the alumni.

Happy Teachers’ Day to you!
For info, Teachers’ Day was on 1 Sep in previous years. This year, it will be celebrated on 2 Sep (Thu) in Singapore. 3 Sep (Fri) will be a school holiday. Indeed, the good work of the past and the present educators will always be valued. They have helped to lay the foundations - for a better tomorrow - not only for their students but also for Singapore.
Many thanks for being an educator in GESS. More cheerful times will be ahead! Onward!

Tang Chun Tuck
ExCo Member, GESSOSA
1 Sep 2021

GESS: Gan Eng Seng School
GESSOSA: Gan Eng Seng School Old Students’ Association

Bernard BK Lim: 

Enriching The Young
Seedlings are the future of society. As a collaborator and alumni of YHSS - Yuhua Secondary School, I am motivated to encourage my fellow juniors through sharing. Being a guest speaker each year to graduating students on mannerisms, goal-settings, and progression in both academic and self-development aspects. A similar approach, my role as a Project Champion together with the dedicated team of SMU (Singapore Management University), to work hand in hand with graduating business students. Providing real hands-on experience and platform wards entrepreneurship such as to create new possible channels towards businesses.

Empowering The Silver Generation
It's never too late to learn. It is my drive and belief in guiding our silver generation to pick up skills with regards to digital technology applications. Worked with the Peoples' Association and the Ministry of Culture, Communication and Youth respectively at public events introducing technology to the seniors. Our most senior participant is 78 years of age who can 3D Scan her friend and 3D Print into a figurine by herself! Honoured to be a part of the first ever Digital Participation Pledge event hosted by IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority) in 2019.

Covid-19 - Facing New Challenges
Social responsibility is a part of us during both dire and peaceful times. During this uncertain period, the sense of belonging in many Singaporeans has proven that we are able to contribute in each of our own ways. 10th April 2020, as a company front together with my team, we stepped up with our efforts and resources to distribute 3D Printed Kits to assist frontline individuals from hospitals, clinics and hawkers aiding thousands of individuals during their line of work. 9th May 2020, I was involved with my reservist unit (2nd Combat Support Hospital) under the leadership of the commanders as a medical unit to support the healthcare structure over at Community Isolation Facility (CIF) at Singapore Expo. To my fellow brothers-in-arms, the efforts are commendable and purposeful.

Support & Care Group
A Little Effort Goes A Long Way. Giving mental and verbal support is what we do as a group- (CANCERLOOKSLIKEME) founded by Ms. Jennifer who is a good friend of mine who is a cancer survivor. We would parade the streets with self-made posters seeking to the public to show words of support to the cancer patients and spreading awareness towards cancer. The group comprises both cancer caregivers and survivors such that we can render support to both patients and their families on our experiences holistically. Visiting patients at hospitals or their homes are also a part of what we do collectively.

Family is always Family
Family as your strength and legacy! My brother and I are caregivers to my parents, who are fighters themselves to Cancer. 6 years of constant worrying and visits to the hospitals have been a part of our routine. Despite the challenges we face, we as a family support each other even more now and treasure the simple time together with a stronger family bond. Start living your legacy back at home where it should begin. With a sense of belonging, bring this legacy to the community and society that we are all part of. On this note, I wish well upon everyone after reading and hope to inspire many others to start creating the wonderful journey of your own legacy!