Go beyond good intent - act on it today

SINGAPORE - Thirteen-year-old Tara Tripathi Sarkar's bald pate shines like a pretty beacon and should serve as a wake-up call for some of today's self-absorbed, all-wired "me first" generation ("Never too young to do a good deed"; May 25).

Shaving one's head for a worthwhile cause may not be to everyone's inclination, but it demonstrates the spirit of empathy for the suffering of another that uplifts our humanity and inculcates good, virtuous citizenry.

And while the medical fraternity continues its arduous battle against the scourge of cancer, more of us lay people can surely re-examine our own scepticism and even selfishness by doing our part for mankind's welfare.

Moving from intent (inertia) to action - that is the key.

I put my money where my mouth is. I am a regular blood donor and a bone marrow donor registrant, and have gone beyond the Human Organ Transplant Act to pledge all my usable organs for transplant, treatment, education and research after my death.

While none of us will ever reach the acme of virtue, the journey of philanthropy beckons us to always do better each day of our lives.

I wish for all to step up and be counted. Please take a noble stand today.

Michael Gerald Hong

This article was first published on June 8, 2014.
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