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SPEECH BY PRESIDENT S R NATHAN AT THE 3RD WORLD KINDNESS MOVEMENT CONFERENCE, 18 NOVEMBER 2000, 10.00 AM, THE WESTIN STAMFORD BALLROOM
Minister for Information and the Arts, Mr Lee Yock Suan
Chairman, Singapore Kindness Movement Council, Mr Noel Hon
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
1.
I would like, first of all, to extend on behalf of my wife and myself, a warm welcome to all of you, especially those of you who are our guests from overseas. I hope you will find the Conference useful, and take the opportunity to share your experiences with us in Singapore. Do take the opportunity of your stay to savour the sights and sounds of Singapore.
2.
Singapore is indeed honoured to host, for the first time, this World Kindness Movement Conference, as this Conference and its aims exemplify the best of human virtues. We in Singapore, regardless of our differences in race, language and religion, know how important acts of kindness, are as we seek to build our nation and create a gracious society. We share the conviction with all of you that small acts of kindness make a difference to people's lives.
Kindness – A Universal and Unifying Language
3.
Kindness takes many different forms and expressions. It could mean being merciful and forgiving. It could be expressed by being caring and sympathetic. It could also be manifested through being generous, with a sense of selflessness in giving towards others. No matter how different our perceptions of kindness, we are agreed on one thing – a kind act always brings comfort to someone. Kindness is, ultimately, a language of the heart – a universal language of love in action that is understood and appreciated by all.
4.
As a universal language, acts of kindness can cut across the sharpest divides and differences. Kindness connects people in a powerful and wonderful manner. Total strangers can feel an instant connection through a simple act of kindness. Kindness can destroy deep-seated hatred between people and communities. Man’s intelligence may have enabled the human race to thrive, but Love and Kindness will be needed if the human race does not end up becoming its own gravest threat.
Kindness in The New Economy
5.
In all the great writings of philosophers and in the tenets of every religion, the importance of kindness features prominently. In this digital age, where speed and cold efficiency seem to rule our lives, it will be necessary for kindness to be cherished by young and old, and put into practice in daily life. We, as humans, are born to interact with one another. We need another person to share our emotions, our joys, our hurts, and our disappointments. In this fast-paced world that we live in, the touch of human kindness will need to be extended to one another.
6.
When the appeal for blood donations was made for the survivors of the recent SQ006 crash who have to undergo skin graft operations, Singaporeans responded overwhelmingly. Amongst them were many housewives who were doing it for the first time, despite their fears about giving blood. And when childcare centres and kindergartens had to be closed following the recent outbreak of the hand, foot and mouth disease, many working parents were affected. Many employers demonstrated their understanding and support for affected staff by allowing them to take time-off or go on unrecorded leave. Fellow colleagues of affected staff volunteered and helped to shoulder the resultant inconvenience and additional workload. There were also many offers by others to help out during that period.
7.
At a time when many worry that the relentless pace of the New Economy will erode cherished values of goodwill, trust and altruism, these kind acts are welcome signs that we have not lost our humanity. But while there is reason to be optimistic that our hearts are still in the right place, there are also a number of worrying signs that the pursuit of self-fulfillment and materialism in modern society has eroded the value of being kind to one another.
Role of Parents and Teachers
8.
Being kind to others may not come naturally. Like all traits, the gift of kindness is developed and inculcated through proper guidance and nurturing at various stages of our lives. In particular, parents and teachers, as natural role models, play a pivotal role in this. Their every act is watched and followed by the child. In our daily life, by our example and behaviour, we pass to the young the value of being humane and kind. The earlier we pass this to the child, the deeper will be its foundation for adult life. Teach a child by example what is right, and he or she will endeavour to follow a life of kindness and service to others. If more of us can do this, and consciously spread the message of kindness by example, the greater the likelihood of our children inheriting from us a kinder, gentler world.
Kindness Enriches the Doer
9.
All of us have ample opportunities to do kind acts everyday. These need not be, and rarely are, great acts of heroism. Often, these are just small acts of kindness. Mr Tommy Yu, a young man of 35 and a winner of this year's "Outstanding Befriender Co-ordinator" award, shows us how. Tommy spends his spare time visiting the lonely and elderly poor, many of whom worry that they will not get a decent funeral after they pass away. He comforts them and assures them that they will get one. It is a small gesture but one which means so much to those in need of comfort. And by bringing comfort to others, Tommy’s life has not only been enriched by the experience, but he has been kept out of harm’s way. Because Tommy, by his own admission, was once a drop-out who would have mixed with unhealthy company. Instead, he joined the ranks of those volunteers who devote many hours of their time caring for others.
10.
Another award winner who has received a new lease of life by befriending others is 66-year old Madam Aw Chow Kwai. Her world collapsed when her husband died, but she has since rebuilt her life by helping others. As she puts it, "Life is more meaningful now. When those I befriend are happy, I am happy." These reactions of those who perform acts of kindness are typical – they illustrate the principle that "Kindness enriches the doer".
11.
All of us, present here today, can recall instances in our lives of some acts of unsolicited kindness which have touched us and made a difference in our lives, and are still remembered. These acts of kindness remain etched in our memories, and do come up in our consciousness from time to time as we reflect on our lives. We can make a difference in someone’s life through acts of kindness, in ways that may be more profound than we can appreciate.
12.
It is my sincere hope that all who are gathered here today will take this opportunity to come up with creative ideas to spread the spirit of kindness, both in your own countries and in the world. Kindness recognises no borders and transcends race, language, and religion. Let us do our best so that future generations may reap the harvest of what we sow today.
13.
It now gives me great pleasure to declare this Conference open. |
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