Tan Ching Swee, a Tzu Chi volunteer in Singapore, has always been happy to give. He was never far from any events, big and small, contributing in whichever ways. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
A solemn mourning hall was set up at the void deck of the HDB flat. Due to the pandemic restrictions, Tzu Chi Friends-in-Dharma, colleagues and neighbours came in batches to pay respect, but it was still an endless stream of people. During the daytime, volunteers from Tzu Chi South District were on duty in the wake while the Logistics team manned during the night. This was testament to the sincere and warm affinity Chin Swee had built with those around him.
In the afternoon on January 17, 2022, Ching Swee passed away peacefully, leaving behind his grieving fellow Tzu Chi Friends-in-Dharma. On the evening of the 21st, a memorial service was held, attended in person by about 30 relatives, friends and Tzu Chi Friends-in-Dharma, as well as another 294 online. On the 23rd, after the farewell ceremony, family members and Friends-in-Dharma bid a final blessing and farewell to Tan Ching Swee.
Certified Tzu Chi Commissioner Tan Ching Swee passed away peacefully on January 17, 2022, and Tzu Chi Friends-in-Dharma were deeply grieved. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)
Determination in Doing the Right Thing!
"Sister, how are you?" Ching Swee’s unique and congenial greeting would always warm anyone, even before setting eyes on him. He would also always promise to provide any items which are needed during events with a resounding "Yes, can!"
As the Coordinator of General Affairs, he is hands-on, prompt and eager to help. This is Tan Ching Swee - enthusiastic, amendable and diligent. He was indeed a good disciple of Master Cheng Yen, practising the Bodhisattva path wholeheartedly.
Tan Ching Swee was from Kuantan in Pahang state of Malaysia. In 2003, after graduating from university, he came to Singapore looking for a job. One day, he and a friend were to meet in Chinatown, but his friend could not make it at the last moment. As Ching Swee was about to leave, he passed by the old Tzu Chi premise in Chinatown, where a talk was held. After listening to the talk, Ching Swee was marvelled by the incredibility of karma and it was there where his journey into the world of Tzu Chi began.
Leaving his hometown and family in a new and foreign country, Tzu Chi quickly became his home. Tan Ching Swee actively participated in various Tzu Chi activities. His smiling face and familiar silhouette could always be seen in various Tzu Chi activities, including "Sunlove Home" Mental Health Nursing Home monthly visit, Caring Day for the Lonely Elderly, charity fair, recreation group and choir.
Tan Ching Swee said, "I would be exhausted after every event, yet I would always roar with laughter in my dream because of my unfailing determination to join Tzu Chi.”
When he first joined Tzu Chi, Tan Ching Swee (second from the left) was a choir member. (Photo provided by volunteers)
In 2005, Tzu Chi Singapore began to promote the 4-in-1 volunteer system (Note 1) to drive community-based volunteering. In the initial years, this system was still very alien to the volunteers, and Tan Ching Swee was also unfamiliar with the responsibilities of a General Affairs personnel. But he remembered what Master Cheng Yen said, "If it is right, just do it.” Recalling his original intention of joining Tzu Chi with a dauntless might, he took up the heavy responsibility of the general affairs of the Southern District and started from scratch.
Volunteers who worked with Tan Ching Swee were very familiar with his working style and character. Tzu Chi commissioner Quah Lay Beng recalled that when the general affairs work was passed on to Tan Ching Swee, he put in great effort to learn and discharged his duties very efficiently.
The work of general affairs requires excellent patience, but the key lies in clear communications and interpersonal skills. Quah Lay Beng said: "Brother Ching Swee had a good temper, he wouldn’t get angry when faced with unreasonable demands, and he always took them in his stride. He would often pour praises on others. He embodied the spirit of a Bodhisattva."
Pang Yeow Lan, a volunteer who joined since Tzu Chi Singapore was based in Chinatown and a member of the South District described Ching Swee as sincere, good-natured, understanding and someone would never say no to any request. “General affairs matters are very trivial, yet Ching Swee never lost his temper. He never frowns and performs his work in Tzu Chi unassumingly."
As a coordinator of general affairs, Ching Swee had to take care of his team members' physical and mental well-being. Ching Swee (first from the left in the front row) also collaborated, provided mutual support and demonstrated strong teamwork. (Photo provided by Seah Jia Jun)
Having warmth in interaction and passion in caring for others
For more than ten years, Ching Swee held the responsibilities as the coordinator of General Affairs diligently and groomed several cadres to take over. He once said that camaraderie is critical for new volunteers, and it is necessary to understand each volunteer’s personality, family situation, available timing, etc., to do careful planning.
Tan Ching Swee remarked: "We must express warmth in our interaction, and that warmth comes from doing it personally, accompanying in person, and speaking gently."
General Affairs Team Lead Andy Siew had a steadfast relationship with Ching Swee. He recalled that Ching Swee would always ensure that volunteers' needs were met, and he would sometimes resolve tricky situations singlehandedly." In addition to that, he would also note down the birthday of each volunteer and send birthday greetings or invite others for a gathering, bringing about plently of warmth.
Andrew Siew (right), who has a stalwart relationship with Tan Ching Swee (middle), has no lack of words when recalling Ching Swee’s creeds and inspiration. (Photo by Pua Poo Toong)
Tan Ching Swee's passionate care also touched the volunteers who would take over the responsibilities. One such volunteer is Chen Yu Mei. She recalled that Tan Ching Swee always clung to his original intent and completed his general affairs work ardently. At the same time, he would not forget about the team’s work progress and ensured that their physical well-being was not overwhelmed. "He guided us, mentored us, and cared for us all the time. Once I was unwell and felt dizzy. Brother Ching Swee immediately helped me aside to rest and gave me water."
Having known Ching Swee for 19 years and witnessing him go through the path of Tzu Chi and serving as the deputy team leader of Mutual Love Team for many years, certified Tzu Chi commissioner, Sim Leong Huat described Ching Swee as "the most reliable Bodhisattva in the hearts of community partners".
Sim Leong Huat reflected: "From Brother Ching Swee, I can see Master Cheng Yen’s Dharma embodied in him. I have worked with him for so many years but I have never seen him lose his temper. He is gentle in dealing with others, and he was never calculative. In the face of criticism, he would accept with gratitude."
Tan Ching Swee's diligence, companionship and devotion in passing on the Dharma gave courage to the volunteers to learn and take on responsibilities. Training volunteer Sim Cher Chian disclosed that Ching Swee would make an effort to make phone calls to express concern. It may seem modest but is full of warmth and energy. "This reminds me to practice the Bodhisattva way more diligently and not to drop out."
Sim Cher Chian expressed: "He really made good use of his karmic connection and shared Tzu Chi's philosophy with everyone. And he prevailed till the end."
In 2019, Tan Ching Swee (second from right) participated in the Tzu Chi Island-wide Flag Day. He believed that the key to fundraising lies in inspiring kindness in people. (Photo by Pua Poo Toong)
Displaying strength in a fleeting life that disappears like dust
Whenever Tzu Chi organises or supports overseas free clinics, the Logistics team and General Affairs Team always "blaze the trail and stay till the end", reaching early for site preparation and staying back to clean up when the event is over. Tan Ching Swee often took leave to participate in such events. He had travelled to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and the Philippines and developed a good bond with the local people.
Tan Kok Seng, a volunteer of the Logistics team, said that Tan Ching Swee had forged a close working relationship between the two groups. Although they are from different districts, they have been brought closer due to large-scale events and multiple overseas free clinics. "Ching Swee was genuine, and our Logistics team will look for him for support. He was very positive and conscientious in his pursuit of Dharma. Besides participating in Dharma Incense Permeation at Dawn, he also loved reading Master Cheng Yen’s books and often bought the books as gifts."
The Battambang free clinic in Cambodia at the end of October 2019 was Tzu Chi’s last overseas free clinic before the COVID-19 outbreak, and it was also Tan Ching Swee’s last such event. During that mission, a group of volunteers, including Ching Swee, tacitly transformed a small local hospital into a well-equipped free clinic within just two days.
The weather in Cambodia was sweltering hot. Enduring profuse sweat, Tan Ching Swee and the volunteers set up the venue. Their uniform went from wet to dry to wet repeatedly. Facing the demands from various teams, Ching Swee would always put on his signature smile. Trained as a mechanical engineer, Tan Ching Swee knew very little about plumbing and electricity, but after years of participating in free clinics, he managed to gain some knowledge. Insufficient parts or faulty components could always function again in the skilful hands of the General Affairs team.
"It's awesome! Can I do an interview?"
"No, it's nothing, it's just a trivial matter, and I didn’t do much!"
Like many logistical volunteers, Tan Ching Swee worked tirelessly behind the scenes. He always felt that what he did was trivial, so minuscule that it was not worth mentioning. Thinking nothing of oneself but just focusing on giving and contributing, such a strength demonstrated the humble and sincere attitude. And one that left a deep impression and won people’s hearts.
At a Tzu Chi's overseas free clinic, Tan Ching Swee spares no effort to support the long-distance transportation and assembly of equipment and tool. The photo showed Tan Ching Swee (right) wiping a surgical lamp carefully. (Photo by Law Sook Fong)
Recruiting volunteers to ease hardships
Tan Ching Swee once shared with his fellow volunteers: “There are many opportunities to do good deeds in Tzu Chi, but we must do our best to forge more good affinities with others. Master Cheng Yen created a big family for us; our duty is to bring back our dharma family members.”
Volunteer recruitment is not a slogan to Tan Ching Swee. It is an action!” said volunteer Tan Boon Chong.
Tan Boon Chong met Tan Ching Swee in Tzu Chi before realising that both of them were working in the same company. Tan Boon Chong said that Tan Ching Swee would share about Tzu Chi in the company. Almost all of his colleagues have been recruited as Tzu Chi members.
“I often met my colleagues at the Festive Charity Fair each year and found that they were all invited by Brother Ching Swee,” shared Tan Boon Chong.
Tan Boon Chong recalled bumping into Tan Ching Swee at a restaurant when he was having a gathering with his colleagues. It happened that Tan Ching Swee was also dining in the restaurant. After a chat, Tan Ching Swee managed to persuade his colleague to join Tzu Chi.
"Brother Ching Swee quoted Master Cheng Yen’s words which goes, "In a tug-of-war between good and evil, the side with more people will win." He wanted us to work hard to purify people’s minds as per what Master Cheng Yen aspires. His will and vigour were exemplary!”
Tan Ching Swee’s high school friend Su Ying Wei said that Tan Ching Swee often shared his joy of serving as a Tzu Chi volunteer and invited him to participate in Tzu Chi activities. Su Ying Wei later moved to Australia. Tan Ching Swee would gift him some Tzu Chi books when they met up each year.
Su Ying Wei said, "Ching Swee has devoted most of his life to Tzu Chi. To us, he is a workaholic. Not for work, but for Tzu Chi." Su Ying Wei hopes to learn from Ching Swee to do more good deeds in the future.
Many activities had to be suspended or cancelled in the past two years due to COVID-19. The situation made Tan Ching Swee worried about Tzu Chi losing volunteers, and hence, he continued to actively carry out efforts to preserve the relationships. Without compromising the COVID restrictions, he led new volunteers, colleagues or friends to visit Tzu Chi’s charitable establishments and often went on duty at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre to introduce Tzu Chi to batches of visitors, hoping to attract more people to join the ranks of Tzu Chi volunteers.
In July 2011, Tan Ching Swee found out that he was ill. However, he faced his illness with optimism and did not let his family and fellow Dharma brothers and sisters worry about it. Even at the last stage of his life, he still listened to Dharma Incense Permeation (a daily morning Dharma talk on Lotus Sutra by Master Cheng Yen), recited Buddha name, hand-copied Dharma sutras, and firmly vowed to follow Master Cheng Yen life-after-life.
Tan Ching Swee copied the Heart Sutra word by word despite suffering from the pain arising from his illness. (Photo by Tan Susan)
Leading by example
Whether it’s trivial matters such as taking the inventory and packaging of equipment or setting up overseas free clinic sites, or even uttering a gentle word of care to volunteers, Tan Ching Swee always led others by example. Many were saddened that he had succumbed to his illness.
On the evening of 21 January 2021, at the Buddha name chanting session and memorial service, family members and Tzu Chi volunteers gathered online and offline to remember Brother Tan Ching Swee. On the other end of the line, Dharma Masters at Jing Si Abode in Taiwan, including Dharma Master De Rang, Dharma Master De Ge, Dharma Master De Yuan, and Dharma Master De Tai as well as Tzu Chi disciples Siew Pei Fung, Ng En Ting, Alex Tan, Liew Zing Quan, etc., also attended Tan Ching Swee’s memorial service through an online video session.
A large screen was set up at the funeral site to display precious moments of Tan Ching Swee serving as a volunteer at Tzu Chi. Be it charity, medical care, education, humanistic culture or environmental protection, Tan Ching Swee’s dedication towards all Tzu Chi’s mission was obvious. After that, Tan Ching Swee’s manager, family members and Tzu Chi volunteers took turns to deliver their eulogies to pay tribute to Tan Ching Swee.
Oh Siew Toh, a nurse who has participated in Tzu Chi’s Overseas Medical Mission, said solemnly that the basic facilities of the free clinic sites are generally poor, and the team that arrives earliest often has to organise and set up the venue from scratch. There were many instruments and supplies, ranging from surgical equipment to queue number signs which were all brought by the team from the home country.
The pre-event preparation work was tedious and heavy, but Tan Ching Swee and the General Affairs team members never grumbled about it. They arranged the interior and exterior of the venue properly so that the space could be ready for medical usage, and they silently served as the strong backing of the medical team.
Oh Siew Toh said: “Ching Swee’s shoes were always dirty, and his pants were yellowish. He’s been volunteering around too frequently. When I told him to get some rest, he always said time is running out. He was very good at seizing every opportunity to serve.”
At the end of the medical mission, most volunteers would have left the place, but that was when the General Affairs team started to get busy again to restore the venue to its original state. The team would begin taking inventory of the items, packing them, and later returning them to their original position in the home country. Head of Administration Office, Ms Pok Siew Chin, said tearfully that Tan Ching Swee would ensure that no item goes missing from any events irrespective of the scale and location.
Tzu Chi volunteers arriving at the wake of Tan Ching Swee to pay their last respect. (Photo by Pua Poo Toong)
Tan Ching Swee’s employer, Abhijit Dutta, who worked with him for many years, said solemnly that Tan Ching Swee has a stable personality and can face any challenges calmly. His work is orderly and reassuring, and he is good at teamwork hence he has developed a good rapport with his colleagues.
Tzu Chi Singapore CEO, Low Swee Seh was full of reluctance when speaking about Tan Ching Swee: "Brother Ching Swee was very tired during our visit last week, but when he talked about Tzu Chi, he appeared energetic and talked about the things that happened more than ten years. There was once when I drove a lorry, and he sat next to me. We were moving items and running a blood donation drive together. We were delighted talking about it."
Besides mourning for the loss, Low Swee Seh also called on everyone to learn from Tan Ching Swee and feel the urgency in the words “Time is running out”, which Tan Ching Swee always said.
Master De Ge recalled that she met Tan Ching Swee at the old Tzu Chi premise in Chinatown in 2003. Although he didn't talk much, he was always willing to cooperate with her whenever she invited him to volunteer for an event.
Master De Ge shared that we cannot know how long we can live, but we can expand the width of our life. Although Tan Ching Swee’s life may have been short, he had spent his life meaningfully by forming good relationships with people and serving others.
Dharma Master De Ge, who called in from Tzu Chi Hualien Jing Si Abode, recalled the old days when she met Tan Ching Swee at the old Tzu Chi premise in Chinatown. (Screenshot by Chan May Ching)
In his dying bed, his greatest wish was still to help others
On January 21, the day of Tan Ching Swee’s memorial service, his corneas were successfully transplanted into the eyes of the two patients, rekindling the light for the two patients with eye diseases. This was also Tan Ching Swee’s last wish in life.
Volunteer Pang Yeow Lan said that despite facing the test of his own illness, Tan Ching Swee’s greatest wish was still finding ways to help others.
Pang Yeow Lan said: "He said his body is already destroyed. How else can he contribute? So he wanted to donate his body to medical students for research purposes to maximise the value of his life."
However, his wish could not be realised due to cancer and various other factors. Tan Ching Swee's mother hesitated when the medical staff asked his family whether they were willing to donate his cornea. The death of Tan Ching Swee had already upset her badly; hence she was reluctant to see his body being “incomplete” even at death. But after repeated persuasion and explanation by Pang Yeow Lan and the medical staff, Tan Ching Swee’s mother finally agreed to the cornea donation. (Note 2)
Pang Yeow Lan said: "Ching Swee’s mother thought that the donation procedure was to remove the entire eyeball. We explained to her that it is not the case, only the first layer of the eye tissue is removed, which can help restore the vision of patients with corneal disease. We also told his mother that doing good deeds and helping others is Ching Swee’s greatest wish, and now that she has agreed, he will be pleased and gratified."
Tzu Chi volunteers from across the island formed a long funeral procession to walk next to Tan Ching Swee on his final journey. (Photo by Pua Poo Toong)
Master Cheng Yen once said that when more people engage in Tzu Chi’s charitable activities and understand Tzu Chi’s teachings, there will be one less problem for society. However, understanding the truth is not enough, it takes concrete actions to create a better community for everyone.
Tan Ching Swee accepted the Dharma wholeheartedly and practised the Dharma with practical actions. He had truly implemented the Buddha Dharma and Master Cheng Yen’s teachings in life. He had demonstrated the spirit of helping people, which received admiration from others. His legacy and spirit will remain in people’s hearts forever. Although it is a pain to part ways with Tan Ching Swee, volunteers in Tzu Chi sincerely wish Tan Ching Swee to return to this world as soon as possible and meet again on the Bodhisattva Path.
Note 1: Tzu Chi’s organisation structure is made up of the “Four-in-One” concept, naming each of the functional groups with the virtues of “Unity”, “Harmony”, “Mutual Love”, and “Joint Effort”. “Unity” group is in charge of passing on Tzu Chi’s teachings. “Harmony” group is in order of disseminating information and updates. “Mutual Love” group is in charge of planning while “Joint Effort” is in charge of conducting various activities and projects. Together, everyone undertakes their mission and complete their joint mission together.
Note 2: According to The Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA), in the event of death from any cause, doctors are allowed to remove the deceased’s kidney, heart, liver and cornea for transplantation with the consent of the family. The Act is a mandatory scheme for all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents over the age of 21, as long as the deceased has no mental illness and did not opt-out while they were still alive.
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