SINGAPORE - Vice Chairman of the Community Chest, Mr Hwang Peng Yuan, passed away this morning peacefully in the presence of his family.
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Mr Chan Chun Sing and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) expressed their condolences on his passing.
Since 1987, Mr Hwang inspired many who served alongside him in meeting those whom Community Chest raised funds for, said Mr Phillip Tan, Vice President of NCSS.
"In promoting the SHARE programme in particular, he fuelled the spirit of giving by sharing the changes in lives who were touched and helped. With the inspiration of his volunteer team, the government-linked companies contributed to $14 million annually to the SHARE programme," Mr Tan said.
"As a young and active volunteer, Mr Hwang's observation of the plight of the poor and those with less education had always been insightful," NCSS said in a media statement.
"He attributed the conditions of many who are disadvantaged to the lack of opportunities. His advice to make sure that individuals are given the tools and skills to earn a living and play their role in a family is always heeded by the young and those whom he mentored in volunteering. Many have learned through his example how to serve with the head and the heart.
"Up to a week before his passing away, he emailed to send apologies for not being able to be at the Community Chest activities as he was going to have his heart repaired to get a all-clear report so that he could be back to serve.
Mr Hwang received the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 1973, the Public Service Medal in 1994 and the Public Service Star in 2008. He was also honoured with the MCYS Outstanding Volunteer Award last year for his dedication in making a difference to the lives of the less fortunate.
In May 1994, Mr Hwang also received the United Way International Outstanding Volunteer Fund-Raiser Award as recognition of his shining dedication and commitment towards supporting Community Chest.
Mr Chan said: "Mr Hwang's passion, dedication and selfless efforts have touched the lives of many Singaporeans. His humility and compassion will not be forgotten in the hearts and minds of all Singaporeans. My deepest condolences to the family of Mr Hwang. He will be greatly missed."
"We offer our condolence to the family of Mr Hwang. The social service sector has lost a stalwart and champion of the needy and less fortunate. He touched many of us with his earnest and humble ways of service and no activity was too small for him to lend his presence and support. NCSS joins the sector in remembering the life and leadership of this dedicated friend of the disadvantaged," said Mr Phillip Tan, Vice President of NCSS.