A $2 million donation from the estate of the late Dr. Ong Yong Wan, founding head of haematology at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), will establish an endowment fund to support the beneficiaries of Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) for years to come.
Dr. Ong Yong Wan’s Legacy of Giving
Dr. Ong, who regularly visited the MWS nursing home in Yew Tee to deliver Christmas presents to residents, passed away in her sleep on July 25, 2025, at the age of 87. Her substantial gift will allow MWS to provide long-term financial support through an endowment fund – a pool of donations invested to preserve the initial sum, with only the returns used for organizational needs.
MWS Endowment Fund Details
MWS is a charity and social service agency operating family service centers, nursing homes, and a residence for vulnerable girls. The MWS Endowment Fund will accept donations starting at $250,000 and will be governed by an investment committee.
The funds will be allocated to programs not typically funded by the government, such as MWS’ debt-relief and savings initiative for low-income families. According to Eugene Toh, chairman of MWS’ board of governance, the fund provides donors with a way to support causes aligned with MWS’ mission.
Examples of potential programs include bursaries for disadvantaged students, which MWS currently does not offer due to sustainability concerns. “With this endowment fund, because we know that there is some certainty, we’re then able to plan longer term (and) support more people in a more creative and meaningful manner,” said Mr. Toh.
Announcement and Family History
The donation was announced at the MWS Colours of Love charity gala on March 27 at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. Dr. Ong’s husband, 92-year-old Henry Chia, signed a memorandum of understanding as the executor of her estate.
Dr. Ong had an illustrious medical career, leading Singapore’s first bone marrow transplant in 1985 and overseeing SGH’s transplant program. She also served as the medical director of the Singapore Blood Transfusion Service, encouraging blood donations during a period of public hesitancy in the 1990s.
Mr. Chia, a former senior civil servant, described his wife as a devoted doctor who dedicated her life to serving others. He recalled her unwavering commitment, stating, “It always fascinated me that no matter how hard the work was, she would just do it. She did everything from her heart.”
Global Outreach and Charitable Spirit
After retiring in the 1990s, the couple embarked on mission trips to Vietnam, Nepal, and China, where Dr. Ong provided medical care and Mr. Chia taught Christian-based lessons. For the past seven years, they visited the MWS nursing home in Yew Tee every December, bringing Christmas cheer and inviting the Wesley Methodist Church choir to perform for the residents.
Mr. Chia noted that his wife consistently “instigated” their charitable endeavors while preferring to avoid the spotlight. He added that even close friends were unaware of the extent of her work.
The couple, who had no children, owned properties in Singapore and overseas. Despite their assets, Dr. Ong lived frugally to maximize their ability to help others. She had planned to donate approximately $20 million of her estate to relatives and various medical and charitable organizations, including MWS.
Mr. Chia has since sold most of their properties and intends to distribute the proceeds according to Dr. Ong’s wishes. MWS plans to invest the funds conservatively and will publish details of its returns and expenditures in its annual report.
The charity gala also celebrated MWS’ 45th anniversary and raised approximately $670,000 to address immediate needs, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles and therapy for young people.
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