Singapore, Singapore
Dato’ Seri Toh Soon Huat is a successful entrepreneur turned philanthropist who has dedicated his life to philanthropy for over 20 years. He is recognised for his tireless social work and has been awarded numerous accolades, including the Public Service Medal and Public Service Star. Since 2008, he has been serving as voluntary executive chairman of the board of directors for Sian Chay. As a self-made man who came from humble beginnings, Dato’ Seri Toh forged an entrepreneurial path that led to the beginnings of a well-known furniture brand name in Singapore – Novena Furniture. Helming the company as CEO, he grew Novena’s market prominence and eventually launched regional branches in China, Malaysia and Vietnam. Dato’ Seri Toh led Novena Holdings Ltd to its SGX listing in 2000. Eventually, his calling for philanthropy came in 2009, which led him to sell all his shares in the company to set up Novena Foundation and serve as its executive chairman. His journey with Sian Chay Medical Institution began when Teo Kim Chuan, a friend and the Honorable Chairman of Sian Chay, asked him to join the board of directors and to help as Sian Chay was on the verge of closing down at the time. Dato’ Seri Toh turned down the request several times, but he could not ignore his chosen path to do good for society. He eventually turned Sian Chay around with his entrepreneurial prowess, business acumen and connections, which gave him an advantage in securing the financial support needed from fundraising activities. Under his leadership, Dato’ Seri Toh expanded Sian Chay’s network of clinics and organised many social events for the elderly and socially disadvantaged, and he has created many meaningful touchpoints with the community. From sponsored concert performances and walking aid umbrellas to free mooncakes and haircuts, he aims to spread love, care and compassion without discrimination. His creative mindset also led to several successful Mother’s Day celebrations that even set new Guinness World Records. In everything that he does, he does it with an appreciation of life and of living in the moment. To him, charity is a responsibility and should be a part of daily life. His takeaway on being charitable and what it means is best summed up as: “Charity is a kind of positive energy as well as a professional conduct. It is not just simply about donating. It requires compassion, wisdom, talent, management, efficiency and perseverance.”