Legacy of kindness: Tan Kah Poh’s lasting impact on healthcare

Tan Kah Poh, a man described by those who knew him as ordinary in many ways, lived a life marked by a steadfast commitment to kindness. For over 35 years, he maintained a steady job and managed his finances prudently. Despite being single, he played a significant role in his family, showering his nieces and nephews with generous gifts. What truly set him apart, however, was his unwavering belief in the importance of improving the lives of others. This philosophy guided his actions throughout his life and beyond, culminating in a remarkable act of generosity upon his death at the age of 67.

Tan’s sister, who wishes to remain unnamed, revealed that his altruistic nature extended to the very end. “Being single, my brother had always believed in giving back. In fact, he had wanted to donate his body to the Silent Mentor programme so that future doctors can benefit from his body. He died before he could submit the papers. Therefore, we are very pleased that, at least, his wish to donate half of his assets can be carried out” In keeping with his wishes, 50% of Tan’s assets, amounting to RM261,043, were donated to the Sau Seng Lum Dialysis & Stroke Rehabilitation Centre, an organization he specifically chose for its dedication to providing affordable care to patients in need.

Ensuring Continued Care and Support

The donation was facilitated by Rockwills Trustee Bhd, with their CEO, Ms. Lee Shet Mei, presenting the cheque to Mr. Wong Peng Wah, Vice President of Sau Seng Lum Dialysis & Stroke Rehabilitation Centre, in the presence of Tan’s sisters. Ms. Lee expressed deep admiration for Tan’s selflessness. “The late Mr. Tan’s generosity and selflessness were not confined to his immediate family but extended far beyond,” she said. “This noble act reflects Mr. Tan’s empathy and desire to make a meaningful impact on society. At Rockwills Trustee Berhad, our motto is ‘making your wishes come true,’ and we are proud to have played a part in ensuring Mr. Tan’s wishes were fulfilled.”

Mr. Wong detailed the significant impact of this donation, highlighting the financial strain faced by dialysis patients. “Typically, a dialysis patient spends between RM5,000 to RM6,000 a month on treatment. This is not sustainable for many. At SSL Dialysis Centre, we charge them RM10 per treatment. Of course, they must meet certain criteria before being eligible for treatment with us,” he explained. Tan’s contribution will be instrumental in upgrading and maintaining the Centre’s equipment, ensuring that its 150 daily patients continue to receive the care they need.

A Commitment to Community Welfare

Rockwills International Berhad, a pioneering entity in professional will writing since 1995, has long been committed to community support through its Rockwills (L) Foundation. Established under the Labuan Foundations Act 2010, the Foundation aims to support education, healthcare, and welfare, particularly for employees and licensed Rockwills Estate Planners. This includes providing financial assistance for tertiary education, medical support, rehabilitation, and disaster recovery.

As Malaysia’s leading estate planning specialist, Rockwills International Group has facilitated over 320,000 wills and 18,000 trusts, managing more than RM25 billion in assets under trust. Through initiatives like the Rockwills (L) Foundation, the organization continues to enhance the lives of its beneficiaries, embodying the same spirit of generosity and community service that Tan Kah Poh exemplified in his lifetime.