I have greater respect for this man than our PM...who family and close relatives bought more than 10 high end conds in the plush Orchard road area so much so that it becomes an embarrassing saga.
Read and salute this true Singaporean that makes us proud...An inspiring true story
When he was studying medicine on a government bursary at the National University of Singapore, Dr. Tan Lai Yong, a Christian,
knew he would be a missionary doctor and serve the poor in a remote, impoverished part of the world.
That was how, after having served his eight years bond in government hospitals, he ended up in Yunnan"s rural south, tending
to the sick and training local farmers so that they could become barefoot doctors.
He was accompanied by his brave wife, who gave up her job as an accountancy lecturer at the NTU, and their 16 months daughter.
They would have a son three years into his stint.
The family led a simple life, with funds , with funds provided by the church in Singapore and Dr. Tan's monthly wage as
a partner in a Chinatown clinic.
After 14 years, Dr Tan 49, feels it is time to come back to Singapore. In Yunnan, he now finds himself treated as a VIP wherever he goes
and has to dine often with the local officials. " This is dangerous for my soul" he says.
By a typical Singaporean measure, Dr, Tan and his wife have paid a huge opportunity cost to have spent 14 years in Yunnan.
They were in the prime of their lives, and if they had pursued their respective careers here, they would be living very comfortable , air-conditioned
life. And it is not as though Dr. Tan comes from a wealthy family. The youngest of 7 children, he grew up in a 2 room HDB flat.
His father was an unlicensed taxi driver.
Certainly, few Singaporeans can be like Dr. Tan. But in their headlong rush to achieve material success, Singaporeans could do well to pause
and reflect on his inspiring story. He has led a richer life than most precisely because he has chosen not to chase after material wealth..
Dr. Tan riches are of the soul..