There is no time more fitting to express our gratitude to the main drivers of the SMA Charity Fund (SMACF) – the group of people operating behind the scenes – than during this jolly New Year season. On 8 January 2020, SMACF's Board Members celebrated the beginning of 2020 with a dinner held at a local restaurant, hosted by SMA's 1st Vice President, Dr Tan Yia Swam. The dinner was organised in appreciation of the former's service in 2019. Attended by SMA Executive Committee Members, as well as the deans of two medical schools, the event saw people from different backgrounds gathered because of their belief in a single worthy cause.
In her speech, Dr Tan, representing SMA, thanked SMACF's Board Members for their selfless giving of time and unwavering support, without which we would not have been able to achieve our mission of helping needy medical students from the three medical schools by disbursing a record of 57 bursaries worth $285,000 in 2019. This was the highest number of bursaries awarded since SMA started the ball rolling in 2007 with the SMA-Medical Students' Assistance Fund at the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Dr Chong Yeh Woei, Chairman of SMACF, also took the opportunity to propose a toast in appreciation of SMACF's board members, for their contribution and support.
The chemistry prevalent at this gathering of like-minded and passionate group of givers was a joy to witness as they shared ideas on how we could do more to propel and inspire the next generation of physicians to give of themselves in kind and in deed for their patients, the community and those in need. As the evening unfolded, there was a strong sense of camaraderie and generosity which augurs well for all of us as we look forward to another year of meaningful collaboration and support for our beneficiaries.
The evening ended with a group photo as a representation of our renewed commitment to work together in support of our beneficiaries – the needy medical students in our schools.
Once again, we thank each and every one of those present for their passion, contribution and efforts. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank donors for your continuous support – thank you for believing in us. It has been a privilege for SMACF.
And now, let us welcome the New Year. Let new adventures begin!