Up on the screen, the slides chronicles Singapore’s Chapter on Medicine Mission, the first dental chair installation, the first doctor on duty, to the Free Clinic service today, home visits to the elderly patrons of the Free Clinic, cross-border medical assistance case, missions to off-shore islands in Indonesia, International Disaster Relief missions and many more. The first TIMA Symposium, with its theme: Healing the World for Love, Upholding Moral with Humanity, has brought more than 100 TIMA members from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia together in witnessing their past achievements.

“4 September marks the seventh Anniversary of TIMA Singapore. We have a special guest to celebrate this joyous day with us,” announced the host and immediately a two-layered cake was presented along with the Birthday Song. The hall went rejoiced with loud applause. TIMA Singapore has made it to its seventh year with its mission accomplishments.

Up on the screen, the slides chronicles Singapore’s Chapter on Medicine Mission, the first dental chair installation, the first doctor on duty, to the Free Clinic service today, home visits to the elderly patrons of the Free Clinic, cross-border medical assistance case, missions to off-shore islands in Indonesia, International Disaster Relief missions and many more.

Holding fast to the principle of “Guarding Lives”, the first Tzu Chi Medical Association (TIMA) Symposium, with its theme: Healing the World for Love, Upholding Moral with Humanity, has brought more than 100 TIMA members from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia together in witnessing their past achievements.

Medicine with Humanity

The symposium held on 3 September 2006 at the Jing Si Hall mobilized nearly 100 volunteers behind the scenes. Among them were medical professionals who humbly took up the cleaning and reception task.

The dialogue was conducted in English. In his welcoming speech, Brother David Liu, CEO of Tzu Chi Singapore stated the objective of the symposium is to help the participants to have an in-depth understanding of Tzu Chi and TIMA so as to inspire kindness and shared value of the doctors and nurses to join TIMA.

Featuring video viewing of Master’s Teaching, sign language performance of Tzu Chi’s songs, and sharing of personal experience by several TIMA members, the 3-hours symposium has highlighted the essence of Tzu Chi’s medical humanities; it has also brought out the message that only by personally involve in the mission work, one could realized the value of life.

Sister Tan Suat Lay, a local retired nurse, remembered herself taking the “wait-and-see” approach when she first came to know Tzu Chi. Now, she relates to TIMA so well that she mentions “we at TIMA” so naturally. She also spoke of her encounter with Tzu Chi at the turning point of her life (while she was ill) and how the TIMA team went through its grueling path.

Dr. Teo Boon Fu from TIMA Malacca felt that his involvement in TIMA missions has brought him much happiness. It also helped to change his perception on life. Telling a story of his friend named Mr. Liang, he pointed out that there is more to life than just chasing over material acquisitions. “What belongs to us forever is what we give away,” said Dr. Teo in an uplifting tone.

Sharing on Medical Humanitarian Aid

Mr. Liak Teng Lit, CEO of Singapore’s Alexandra Hospital is the guest of honor of the day to deliver a speech on “Medical Humanitarian Aid”. A pharmacist by profession, Mr. Liak has held important posts in various hospitals and is now the CEO of Alexandra Hospital (AH).

AH was a colonial time military hospital. When Mr Liak took on the post of CEO, he spearheaded the re-structuring of this aged old hospital. The standard of medical services has improved and number of patients seeking treatment here is increasing each year under his management.

Mr. Liak shared his experience and learning on how the hospital deployed its medical teams to disaster areas like the Tsunami-hit Aceh, earthquake after math in Yogyakarta in Indonesia, and their missions in Cambodia and Mongolia. Through these relief missions, the hospital is now helping some hospitals in Indonesia in the training of their medical staff.

Mr Liak mentioned that he has noticed changes in the attitude of those who joined the relief missions. He could see that there is a more cohesive team spirit; they do not take things for granted anymore. At the same time, the quality of medical service has also improved significantly.

A Feast for Heart

Dr. Rusdi Ali Halid, former Chief of the Indonesian Air Force Medical Services, has been very supportive to TIMA Singapore since its first free clinic mission at Batam in 2000. He met Master Cheng Yen the same year and is now a Tzu Chi volunteer wearing the Blue and White uniform.

Speaking of his Tzu Chi experience, Dr. Rusdi said, “I’ve a military background, I met Master Cheng Yen 7 years ago. The Master and TIMA have transformed me from someone who used to think about killing, to someone who focuses his mind on helping people.”

Dr. Agung, Superintendent of Tanjung Balai General Hospital in Karimun, felt that this is a fruitful trip for him. “It is fascinating to learn that there are still people who care for the well-being of the underprivileged in this wealthy urban city. We ought to learn from Tzu Chi; the needy patients in Karimun are looking forward to Singapore TIMA to come again to provide free clinic.”

After the symposium, Brother David Liu had a meeting with Mr. Puardi Djarius (Head of Batam Municipality Health Office), directors of the Health Boards and hospital respectively, as well as the TIMA members from Bintan Island. They discussed how to join hands in bringing medical services to the needy patients in these areas.

Brother Liu also suggested that the next symposium to be held in Malacca next year with hope to spread the act of mercy relief farther.

The symposium left a deep impression on Mr. Liak. “What the speakers shared are real life experiences, not just theory. I was particularly taken by Dr. Teo from Malaysia and the story he shared. It was really well said. In fact, I asked him for a quote so that I could publish it in our magazine as well.”