CTPCLC NUS

The Chua Thian Poh Story

With the vision of developing a new programme to groom Singapore's next generation of community leaders, Dr Chua Thian Poh gave generously to fund an NUS leadership initiative. On 2 November 2011, the Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Programme was launched by then-Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean.

Who is Dr Chua?

Dr Chua Thian Poh is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the property development company, Ho Bee Land. In addition to his business interests, he is actively involved in community and social services. He also serves on the boards of several companies and community organisations.

Dr Chua has been contributing generously to the Singapore higher education causes in both his private capacity and as part of Ho Bee Land’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. His philanthropic endeavours emphasise “learning by doing”, which aims to create real-world impact by equipping community leaders with effective skills, as well as nurturing a sense of active citizenry. 

Dr Chua Thian Poh
timeline (5)

The Chua Foundation

In 2015, Chua Thian Poh and his brothers established The Chua Foundation in honour of the family’s late matriarch, Madam Seah Sar, who stressed the importance of giving back to society. 

The Chua Foundation aims to foster an inclusive community in Singapore. The Foundation supports underfunded causes and empowers charity organisations, particularly in the area of Special Needs, Elderly and Medical Assistive Device. The Foundation also seeks to inspire individuals to give back to society and work with strategic partners and organisations to identify and find solutions for the growing needs of the disadvantaged.

Visit the Chua Foundation website here

Our Students

Arising from the staunch support of Dr Chua, CTPCLC student fellows have had opportunities to engage the Chua Foundation in internships and volunteer programmes to find out how they can learn more about the community development sector in Singapore. Find out what our CTPCLC fellows have to say about their internship experience at the Chua Foundation:

"We all want to do good, but how do we do good well? At CTPCLC, student fellows like myself deepen our understanding of community development interventions and social research such as needs assessment and programme evaluation, which shed some light on this million-dollar question.

Initially tasked to evaluate Journey with Arts and Dementia (JADe) Programme using SROI (Social Return on Investment) at Chua Foundation, I leave with a broader understanding of the role of philanthropy in the social service landscape. My abilities to critically assess, monitor and evaluate services through research were deepened, equipping me to make a greater impact even as I enter the field as a social worker and community developer. This opportunity is a privilege, and I am thankful for the team and my time here!"

 

Cheong Ming Fang

Internship at Chua Foundation

"My stint at Chua Foundation has been greatly insightful. Big funders play a pivotal role - and hold a great responsibility - in shaping the downstream non-profit landscape. Beyond affecting beneficiaries, the manner of funding affects charities, administration staff, experts and other community leaders. Is one’s agency preserved? Are capacities strengthened?

Even as the internship revealed the limitations of textbook theory, my experience affirmed that a sense of social justice and empathy for others remains a cornerstone of sustainable community development. I believe “Charity begins at home” and it starts with you and your family, friends, mentors, neighbours, employees, colleagues and strangers beyond."

 

Julian Sng

Internship at Chua Foundation

"After learning more about Community Development theories and methods to evaluate needs and programme effectiveness at CTPCLC, I wanted to better understand how and why grant makers choose to fund certain projects. Being an avid volunteer myself, I’ve realised the importance of having a sustainable stream of funding to support the programmes that we wish to run for the community. Without funding, the best programmes are unable to become reality.


During my internship, I was tasked to evaluate existing and past funded programmes using SROI. I was also tasked with researching the Charity Landscape in Singapore. In addition, I looked into impact investing. These projects gave me a better understanding of what funders look for in programmes, and a better understanding of the impact sector in general. I’m thankful for this opportunity, and I appreciate the team’s guidance throughout my internship!"

 

Ong Wei Lin

Internship at Chua Foundation