Promoting the cause of education and culture is the mission and goal set by the founding fathers of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK). While holding steadfast to them throughout its 173-year history, SHHK has now given itself new benchmarks to meet.

Mr Chua Thian Poh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Ho Bee Group, is not only the President of SHHK but also the Chairman of the SHHK Affiliated Schools Management Committee. Needless to say, Mr Chua shoulders the heavy responsibility of spearheading the cause of education. Currently, SHHK has five affiliated primary schools: Tao Nan School, Ai Tong School, Chongfu School, Nan Chiau Primary School, Kong Hwa School; and only one affiliated secondary school: Nan Chiau High School.

Setting Up Two New Secondary Schools

During EduNation’s interview, Mr Chua shared his wish for the support of the Ministry of Education (MOE) to set up two affiliated secondary schools in the vicinity of SHHK’s affiliated primary schools to provide ten years of continuous education to its students.

“SHHK has only one secondary school. We are prepared to put in more resources and make our mark in secondary school education. As Nan Chiau High School is located in the northeast of Singapore, we hope to set up a secondary school in the east near Kong Hwa School and Tao Nan School; and another in central Singapore, near Chongfu School or Ai Tong School. This will meet the needs of parents who wish to send their children to SHHK affiliated schools and will benefit, in particular, students staying in the east and central parts of Singapore,” said Mr Chua, who hopes that the government will take into consideration SHHK’s passion and commitment to education and its century-old stellar track record in producing top students, and allow SHHK to set up two more secondary schools. Such a plan is an extension of SHHK’s commitment towards education and is also in line with the vision of its past leaders.

Businessmen’s Passion for Education

SHHK’s accomplishments in education date back centuries. The early 19th century saw a diaspora of Fujians travelling the South Seas to seek better lives for themselves. In 1840, the Fujians established SHHK. Beyond meeting the needs of new immigrants from Fujian, it established schools to preserve and promote Chinese language and culture. In 1849, it set up its education institution — Chong Wen Ker. Over the years, SHHK’s commitment and contribution to education have continued.

“SHHK is a clan association. Our members come from all walks of life but are united through their common belief in the power of education. This belief in education has never wavered over the years. SHHK forefathers saw the value of education through the hardships they witnessed as society developed,” said Mr Chua.

“A successful businessman would be even more aware of the importance of education. Education lays the foundation of a person. A strong foundation allows one to think logically and methodically. One’s contribution to education can benefit many future generations. It is a long-term undertaking and requires generations to first till the land, sow the seeds and put in immense effort before one can harvest the fruits of labour.”

Building Character from Young

In line with its mission of preserving and promoting Chinese language and culture, SHHK is known for its efforts in character building and inculcating the right values. Mr Chua proclaimed confidently, “SHHK students possess a unique identity and quality. We put a lot of emphasis on character building and inculcate Asian values like courtesy and respect. These may seem cliché today but we hope that early exposure will empower our students to one day become sensible and civilised.” The common school motto for SHHK affiliated schools is Sincerity and Perseverance — words which bear witness to its commitment to building character.

One common feature of SHHK affiliated schools is its strategic emphasis on a bilingual and bicultural curriculum. From 2007, its five affiliated primary schools have conducted the Bi-Cultural Chinese Elective Programme (BiCEP) aimed at nurturing students to be bilingual and bicultural. To further this emphasis, SHHK is in the process of publishing a series of illustrated books depicting life stories of its pioneers as supplementary reading materials for the Character and Citizen Education Programme. The books are written by teachers of the five schools. The first book in the series depicting Mr Tan Kah Kee and his contributions to education was published in June. The colourful book targeted at Primary 4 students captures the attention of its young readers and extols the values that the late Mr Tan believed in.

Encouraging Every School to Find Its Niche

Mr Chua believes that education requires the interest and involvement of people from all walks of life. Everyone is unique and it is exchanges and exploration that create synergy and a dynamic society.

Hence, SHHK also encourages its affiliated schools to develop their own niche.

In 2012, Nan Chiau High School was named the 11th Special Assistance Plan (SAP) School. This was a major vote of confidence to both SHHK and Nan Chiau High School. Since then, Nan Chiau High School has continued to develop its own niche so as to build a unique brand. Accordingly, SHHK contributed $2 million to upgrade the infrastructure of the School. The School has since developed a niche curriculum that is centred on modernity, practicality, humanity, diversity and creativity.

Synergy Amongst SHHK Affiliated Schools

Each of the five SHHK affiliated primary schools is unique. Although their uniqueness sets them apart from one another, SHHK is able to maximise economies of scale and build on their strengths. For instance, trial lessons for the BiCEP were first run in Tao Nan School before being implemented across all its affiliated primary schools. And in 2011, Nan Chiau Primary School was named by the MOE as a Future School. It focuses on incorporating technology in the classroom. Nan Chiau Primary School developed its MyCloud platform which integrates learning into everyday life. The programme will now be extended to the other four affiliated schools with funding from SHHK.

“We hope to see principals and teachers of our affiliated schools work together and the niche of one school being replicated in the other affiliated schools to benefit more students,” said Mr Chua, who believes that such platforms act as catalysts for the sharing of pedagogies and best practices.

Close Ties With Its Affiliated Schools

The development of its affiliated schools is a priority for SHHK. It sets aside $2 million annually to fund school operations. In addition, it requires schools to submit three- to five-year plans for special projects that require substantial funding. After appraising the effectiveness of each proposal, SHHK will then inject financial resources to fund them. SHHK not only supports its affiliated schools financially. The SHHK Affiliated School Management Committee meets the school leaders of each affiliated school at least six times a year. Such meet-ups facilitate a better understanding and ensure that timely support and assistance are provided.

Stalwart Financier and Staying Relevant

Mr Chua also stressed the importance of staying relevant with the times in today’s education landscape. SHHK aligns itself with government policies. Under the Programme for Rebuilding and IMproving Existing Schools (PRIME) and the Primary Education Review and Implementation (PERI), SHHK will fund $12 million in infrastructural improvements in its schools. Construction work is expected to be completed in 2015.

In November 2011, SHHK also donated $1.5 million towards the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism when it was first launched.

SHHK’s contribution towards education has gone beyond primary and secondary school education. In early 2012, it donated $3 million to the Singapore University of Technology and Design to fund a professorship and bursaries to nurture technology savvy and creative leaders.

Service to All — Setting Up of the SHHK Cultural Academy and Pre-school

SHHK established its popular Arts & Cultural Troupe in 1986 to promote Chinese arts and culture. Last year, with the support of the government, it announced the setting up of the SHHK Cultural Academy, located at the former site of Chai Chee Secondary School along Upper East Coast Road. The new Academy will cater to students of all ages, and offer a range of programmes from pre-school to adult. It intends to tie up with both local and overseas tertiary institutions to develop and run adult certificate courses.

“This $20 million project serves as an extension of SHHK’s mission to preserve and promote Chinese language and culture beyond its current scope,” elaborated Mr Chua.

Sited within the Academy will be a pre-school that caters to three- to six-year-olds. Its unique approach will consist in creating a home-away-from-home environment whilst focussing on a holistic approach towards learning. The curriculum will be value-centric and aims to make learning inspirational and fun. It will also provide a care programme to meet the demands of working parents.

Mr Chua hopes that the pre-school will allow young children to be exposed to Chinese language and culture at an early age in order to prepare them to embrace Chinese language and culture as they grow up. He shared his hope that the pre-school will reach out to more English-speaking families so that they too may experience the richness of the Chinese language and culture.

Valuing Teacher Training, Grooming Excellent Teachers

Teachers are central to education, and SHHK invests a great deal to train teachers. SHHK awards scholarships annually to its teachers to further their studies. “The most important component in education is the teacher. It takes dedicated teachers to groom exceptional students,” said Mr Chua.

Therefore, SHHK sponsors 12 to 15 teachers to further their studies every year. “These are bond-free scholarships. Other students will benefit even if these teachers do not remain in service in SHHK affiliated schools. SHHK is more than happy to do its part for education.”

In 2012, SHHK established the LEAP Award to recognise remarkable teachers who have made a difference in the lives of their students. Recipients receive an award and a $1,000 cash prize. “We value outstanding teachers not only from mainstream primary and secondary schools but from special schools as well. We need to recognise and acknowledge their contributions,” explained Mr Chua.

Challenges in Pursuit of Education Excellence

Education is a long-term investment, and requires many generations to persevere in order to sustain it. It is therefore vital for SHHK to attract a new generation willing to contribute and carry the baton.

Between the 1940s and 1960s, the larger community participated actively in the development of education. In the 1970s, the government shouldered the responsibility of developing schools and the education sector. This led to a diminished role for the community. Organisations like clan associations may no longer be directly involved in education but some have continued to support it by giving out bursaries and scholarships. Mr Chua lamented that the younger generation today feel that education should be the sole responsibility of the government and feels that they are generally ignorant of the community’s participation and contributions in school management, infrastructure development, value-added curriculum and programmes, and teacher training. Hence, there is a need for SHHK to create platforms to enhance such awareness.

Over the last few years, SHHK has arranged for all its affiliated school students to visit the association and the Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore, as part of national education and to orientate students to the SHHK family.

As Chairman of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Mr Chua also urges other clan associations to attract new blood into their fold so as to ensure that clan associations are able to keep their legacy and values alive. He hopes that cooperation between schools and clans will further enhance SHHK’s contributions in education and nation building.

Mr Chua also spoke on the rise of the number of parents joining alumni associations in recent years. He welcomed this spirit of involvement but cautioned against parents joining such associations just to secure a place in school for their child. They should genuinely wish to do their part for the schools. Mr Chua’s involvement with SHHK is a perfect example of this. He received no special treatment when his grandson registered for Primary 1. He was also subjected to the same queue and balloting process. It is clear that Mr Chua believes in setting an example.

When asked about the recent debate on priority for alumni in the Primary 1 registration exercise and the concern that it encourages a closed intake, Mr Chua called for a review of the system. He said, “I think the approach should be based on equitable opportunity. For Phase 1 which is opened to siblings of existing students, many support retaining this phase as it bonds siblings. For Phase 2A, 2B and 2C, SHHK proposes that the MOE re-calibrates the existing formula. We propose that Phase 2A and 2B be extended to children of active members, alumni, parent volunteers and grassroots leaders. This will further encourage proactive service to schools and the community.”

Doing More to Benefit MoreK

Mr Chua has devoted significant time and money to the community and education. In particular, he has made generous donations to tertiary education in recent years.

In 2008, the Ho Bee Group, founded by Mr Chua, sponsored a $3 million Ho Bee Professorship in Chinese Economy and Business at the Singapore Management University. Its aim is to encourage research on China and its economy in order to equip Singaporeans with a better understanding of the world’s second largest economy.

In November of the same year, Mr Chua donated $5 million to the Nanyang Technological University to establish a Chua Thian Poh Entrepreneurship Education Fund aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship amongst its students.

And in November 2011, he donated another $5 million to the National University of Singapore to set up the Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Programme to encourage more students to become community leaders and give back to society. In the same year, Mr Chua donated $1 million in support of the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism.

“If I spend money on myself, it can only affect my own life. But if money can be put to better use, it will benefit more people. That is what I aspire to do,” said Mr Chua.

新加坡和美投资有限公司主席兼总裁蔡天宝，也是新加坡宗乡会馆联合总会主席与福建会馆会长。福建会馆属下有五所小学：道南学校、爱同学校、崇福学校、南侨小学、光华学校；和一所中学：南侨中学。身为福建会馆会长，也意味着身兼这六所学校的董事长职务，必须肩负起发扬福建会馆百年办学的重任。

蔡天宝接受《新学》新加坡教育双语双月刊专访，透露了他希望能在教育部的协助下，为福建会馆属下小学在邻区增设两所新中学，提供12年中小学完整教育的大计。他表示这是会馆持续为传承先贤办学使命所作的努力。

设立两所新中学，继续热心办学

他说，福建会馆属下虽有五所小学，却只有一所中学。对此，福建会馆有意在中学教育方面投入更多心力。现有的南侨中学，坐落于新加坡东北部，会馆希望能够在东部光华学校和道南学校附近，以及中部崇福学校和爱同学校附近设立两所新中学。这是为了让想到福建会馆属校就读的学子有更多的选择与机会，造福东部与中部的学生。蔡天宝希望政府能够考虑到福建会馆百年的办校经验与热忱，给予福建会馆设立新中学的机会，为国家培养更多人才。

商界人士热心教育

福建会馆办学有着一段悠久的历史。19世纪初，闽人为求温饱，远渡南洋，并于1840年成立福建会馆，照顾闽人权益的同时，也办学传承中华文化。1849年，福建会馆开办了属下第一所学府——崇文阁。而如今，福建会馆属下已有五所小学和一所中学。这些年来，福建会馆为国家培养了许多人才，在教育上可谓尽心尽力。

福建会馆虽非教育机构，却一向重视教育。蔡天宝表示：“福建会馆的先贤是从社会的发展中领悟到教育的重要性。”

而贵为一位成功企业家，蔡天宝更深知一个人不靠教育武装不行。他说：“教育是人生的重要基础，底子打得好，做起事情来就有理有据。办好教育是为了造福更多的子孙后代。”然而，十年树木、百年树人，教育是一项长远的事业，是需要经过几代人的不停努力耕耘，才能孕育出丰硕的果实。

发扬中华文化，从小培养优良品德

秉持着发扬中华语言、文化及优良传统美德的宗旨，福建会馆着重培养学生的品德修行。蔡天宝信心满满地表示：“我们的学生，要让人家一看就知道是福建会馆培养出来的。”怎样才算是福建会馆培养出来的学生呢？他接着说：“我们注重培养学生的优良品德，传授学生中华文化中的美德，比如华人的礼貌礼节、尊师重道等。这些在现今社会看来，虽然有些老土，但是我们希望学生从小受到这些美德的熏陶，长大成为知书达理的人。”福建会馆属下学校以“诚毅”为校训，强调待人要有诚意，做事要有毅力，凸显了他们对品德教育的重视。

在学校课程中，福建会馆属下学校也都纷纷推出与中华文化相关的课程。2007年起，福建会馆属下学校开设了“双文化华文优选课程”，培养能掌握双语、蕴涵深厚中华文化的人才。为了更好地达成这个目标，福建会馆接着推出一系列的福建先贤故事绘本，生动描绘先贤的奋斗事迹，用于品德教育、公民教育的课程中。故事绘本内容由五校教师一同参与编写。今年6月，已经发布了第一本故事绘本《陈嘉庚办学》，供小学四年级学生学习。《陈嘉庚办学》将陈嘉庚对教育的执著与办校的崇高理想，图文并茂、生动有趣地传达开来，相信会让学生们喜爱。其他年级也将阅读有关陈嘉庚的不同事迹。

支持属下学校发展各自的特长

蔡天宝认为教育需要来自不同领域的人多方面参与和关怀，从而培养出不同的人才。毕竟，人人都不一样，人人都有自己的想法。当各种想法、思维相互沟通、交流，才能创造出丰富多元的社会，呈现百花齐放的景象。

他因此也期待福建会馆属下的六所学校发展出各自的强项和特色。

2012年，南侨中学获选成为第11所特选中学，这给了南侨中学和福建会馆很大的鼓舞。成为特选中学后，南侨中学已经着手策划发展自身的强项，要在长远计划中树立独具特色的品牌。福建会馆立即拨款200万元，整修南侨中学的硬体设备，给予校方充分的支持与配合。在课程方面，南侨中学也以“当代性”、“生活化”、“人文感”、“多元性”及“创意”五大理念为出发点，着力发展出独具一格的旗舰课程。

属下学校相互合作

福建会馆属下五所小学虽各具特色，但也相互学习、相得益彰，将教育资源运用得淋漓尽致。

2007年所展开的“双文化华文优选课程”率先在道南学校试行，取得成功后再扩大到其他四所小学。而于2011年获选成为“未来学校”的南侨小学，采用高科技辅助教学，通过首创的“语飞行云”（My Cloud）教育互动平台，使得学生在学习上有了全新的体验，将学习融入到日常生活中。为了让属下的其他四所小学受惠，福建会馆也投入资金，协助他们各自发展“语飞行云”的教育计划。

蔡天宝表示：“我们希望福建会馆五所小学的教师、校长积极互动。发展一个项目时，同时让五所小学受惠。”如此一来，各校的教师、校长就有了一个相互交换意见及教学经验的平台，能够把教学工作做得尽善尽美。

福建会馆与校方的密切合作

福建会馆对属下学校的发展极为重视，每年拨给属下学校200万元，充当例常活动的经费。为了使所投入的资金产生最大的效能，福建会馆要求校方为发展项目拟定一个三至五年的计划，评估后，再投入资金开展项目。

除了金钱方面的支援，福建会馆与校方之间的交流也相当频繁。董事部与校长一年中至少有六次会议，几乎每两三个月就会进行一次交流，了解学校的发展动向，适时地给予配合与协助。

以雄厚财力协助教育与时俱进

蔡天宝强调教育与时俱进是非常重要的。会馆必须尽力响应政府推行的政策，全力配合。在教育部“重建与改善现有学校计划”（PRIME）、“校舍重建和提升”以及“室内体育设施建设和扩建计划”下，福建会馆自2009年起，已投入1200万元资金积极展开校园改建、翻新工程，属下六所学校的重建与改善工程，预计将于2015年完成。

2011年11月，由建国总理李光耀发起创立，为推广学前双语教育而设的“李光耀双语基金”，也同样获得福建会馆捐助150万元的鼎力支持。

小学、中学之外，福建会馆已将其贡献教育的层面提升到高等学府。2012年初，福建会馆捐赠新加坡科技设计大学300万元，成立教授基金，协助国家培养更多掌握高科技与极富创意的人才。这显示蔡天宝协助国家营造百花齐放社会的决心。

设立文化学院、幼儿园，兼顾各个年龄层

1986年，福建会馆成立了文化艺术团，旨在发扬及推广优秀中华文化艺术，多年来受到社会大众的热烈支持。2012年，在政府的协助下，福建会馆宣布成立“福建会馆文化学院”，新学院坐落于东海岸尚志中学的旧址上，进一步推广中华文化。开设的课程将面向不同年龄层，包括幼儿、青少年、成人和乐龄人士。文化学院的成人班未来将与国外高等学府合作，开发新课程。

对于这项斥资2000万元的计划，蔡天宝指出，这是福建会馆发展小学、中学教育后，推广中华文化、语言，进一步深化优良的中华文化在社会中的影响力。

文化学院里，还开设幼儿园。幼儿园将录取三岁至六岁的小孩，注重双语言、双文化的教育，并以全新的教育方法来协助孩子掌握双语，营造一个家庭式的温馨学习环境，让他们自在、愉快地学习，爱上学习。考虑到许多父母工作繁忙，福建会馆也决定提供全天制的课前与课后服务，为幼儿提供一站式且充实的幼儿园教育。

蔡天宝希望，通过幼儿园教育让小孩在年幼时接受充足的华语语言训练，打下坚实的基础，激发他们自小对母语学习的兴趣，并做好入学的准备。他也希望吸引更多来自讲英语家庭的小孩报读，让更多人感受到中华文化、语言的精彩。

重视师资培训、打造优良教师

教师，也是教育事业中非常重要的一环，福建会馆当然不会忽视，他们设立了奖学金让教师深造。有兴趣深造的教师，一经校长推荐，就能获得奖学金去学习，为自己增值。蔡天宝说：“在教育方面，最重要的还是教师，有了尽心尽力的好教师，才能够培养出好学生。”每年福建会馆颁发奖学金给12至15位教师，让他们有机会提升教学技能和知识。领取了奖学金，教师并没有非在福建会馆属校服务不可的义务，为了新加坡的教育事业，福建会馆乐于为他人做嫁衣裳。

2012年，福建会馆设立了“飞跃教师奖”，表扬对学生有爱心，在教育学生品德、学业方面有杰出表现的全国教师，获得表扬的教师获赠琉璃奖座与奖金1000元。蔡天宝说：“我们重视表扬优秀老师，除了主流学校，也欢迎来自特殊学校的教师竞逐。我们必须认同他们对教育所作的贡献。”

发展教育所面对的难题

教育是百年事业，需要代代承传，不停地努力耕耘。吸引新生代的加入是福建会馆极为重视的任务，以避免会馆青黄不接，后继无人。

上世纪四十年代到六十年代，民间人士参与教育事业的风气很盛。到了七十年代，政府开始接掌教育事业，新加坡的学校跟随着国家的发展，益发完备，民间对教育的参与却大不如前。幸好，一般宗乡会馆虽然不再参与管理学校，却仍保持着颁发奖助学金来支持教育的传统。

蔡天宝认为，时下的年轻人多数认为教育事业是政府的工作，对民间在学校建设、辅助课程、师资培训等方面的工作认识不深，因此，会馆有必要制造让他们认识的机会。

福建会馆近年来为属下小学生安排参观福建会馆、天福宫的机会，让他们从小认识福建会馆，并了解学校与福建会馆之间的关系。身为宗乡总会会长，他也提醒各宗乡会馆，要注意吸收年轻人参与会馆的运作，给予年轻人发挥的空间，从而与时代接轨、与时俱进，达到传承的目的。他希望学校及会馆双管齐下，积极改善会馆内青黄不接的情况，让福建会馆的教育事业天长地久地持续下去，为国家培养一支又一支的顶梁柱。

与此同时，蔡天宝也谈到近年家长踊跃加入校友会的情况。他认为，有更多人参与教育事业是件好事，但是他希望家长加入校友会不仅仅是为了争取孩子入学的机会，也要多关心教育，以自己的专业帮助学校发展。

至于近日社会人士关注小一报名，对校友子女排在2A期，属于“理所当然”获得优先权入校，以至名校学额有“代代相传、世袭”的情况，蔡天宝也认为是到了应该从新检讨的时候。

他说，就算是自己的孙子要到福建会馆属下的学校就读，也没有特权，必须和大家一样，一起排队抽签，最后抽不到，也就是抽不到了，自己必须以身作则。

他说：“我认为应该从‘公平’这个角度来解决学额不足的问题。现在小一的报名制度在第一阶段里让就读于该校学生的弟妹有优先报名权，这是值得保留，以便让兄弟姐妹能够在同一学校内互相照应、学习和成长，加强兄弟姐妹的情谊。

“至于2A、2B和2C阶段的学额分配形式，福建会馆认为教育部可以进一步斟酌和进行调整。我们建议在2A和2B阶段的学额只让有为学校服务的会员、校友和义工家长，以及为社会服务的活跃基层领袖申请。希望这样的调整，能够吸引更多的校友、会员和国民，积极参与学校和社会的建设工作。”

为更多人做有意义的事

蔡天宝本身热心支持教育事业，近年来屡屡为高等教育捐献巨资。

2008年初，蔡天宝的和美集团拨出300万元，为新加坡管理大学设立了“和美中华经济与商业教授基金”，让该校展开与中国经济相关的研究，为新加坡年轻人提供一个了解中国经济发展的平台。

同年11月，蔡天宝以个人名义捐出500万元予南洋理工大学，成立“蔡天宝创业教育基金”，为南大学生铺设一条走向创业的道路，冀望培养出更多的企业人才，造福国家。2011年11月，他又拨出500万元给新加坡国立大学，设立“蔡天宝社区领袖培育计划”，为国大学生打开一道走向社区、回馈社会的大门，为社会培养出更多优秀的社区领袖。同年，他也以个人名义捐出100万元支持“李光耀双语基金”。

蔡天宝说：“赚钱给自己，只能改变自己的生活，要是能将钱捐给更有意义的工作、项目或活动，就能影响更多人，让更多人受益，这才是我真正想做的事。”

蔡天宝 / Chua Thian Poh

蔡天宝是和美集团创办人与和美投资有限公司主席兼总裁。和美的业务主要从事房地产投资与发展，其房地产项目包括了圣淘沙岛升涛湾的一系列高级私宅项目，以及于近期竣工的纬壹高级办公大楼。和美在中国、英国和澳大利亚均有房地产的建设和投资工程。尽管业务繁忙，蔡天宝在公益事业，教育事务与社区服务方面仍然不遗余力。他担任多个公司和社团要职，其中包括新加坡宗乡会馆联合总会主席、通商中国主席、仁慈医院主席、新加坡福建会馆会长、碧山东公民咨询委员会主席及华社自助理事会信托局主席。蔡天宝于2005年获委为太平局绅。此外，也前后获颁公共服务星章、2006年新加坡杰出商人奖及总统慈善事业奖。

Mr Chua Thian Poh is the founder of the Ho Bee Group. He is also the Chairman and CEO of Ho Bee Investment Ltd. Property development is Ho Bee’s core business, and it has property developments in Singapore, China, England and Australia. Mr Chua serves on the boards of several other companies and community organisations. He is the President of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, President of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, Board Chairman of Business China, Chairman of Ren Ci Hospital, Chairman of Bishan East Citizens’ Consultative Committee, and the Chairman of the Chinese Development Assistance Council Board of Trustees. In 2005, Mr Chua was appointed as Justice of the Peace and awarded the Public Service Star (BBM). In 2006 he was Businessman of the Year and received the President’s Award for Philanthropy.