Celebrating the life of the late Dr Robert Loh

A thanksgiving and memorial service was held at YMCA of Singapore on 28 February 2017 to honour Dr Robert Loh Choo Kiat, who was the longest-serving President of YMCA of Singapore from 1970 to 1992.

The YMCA fraternity came together to give thanks and celebrate the life of Dr Robert Loh, who passed away peacefully at home on 31 January at the age of 91. Over 250 guests including representatives from Boys' Brigade, Malay Youth Literary Association, National Council of Social Service and Rotary Club of Singapore were in attendance.

Eulogy for the late Dr Robert Loh by Mr Eric Teng Heng Chew (President, YMCA of Singapore)

On 2nd February 2017


By Eric Teng, President of YMCA of Singapore


Aunty Mary, Stephen, Andrew, Pat, their families and loved ones:

I am sure I speak for all gathered here, to honor the memory of the late Dr Robert Loh as a stalwart supporter of the YMCA of Singapore and the social service sector, and a community champion who has lived a life devoted to service.

The late Dr Robert Loh was a philanthropist and a shining example of a faithful steward in the Lord’s service in his lifetime. Though he lent his support to various charitable causes, the YMCA of Singapore had a special place in his heart. As a young boy, Dr Loh had joined the YMCA as a Junior member in 1937. Passing by every day walking to and from school, the YMCA soon became a second home to him as he participated in many wholesome recreational activities with his schoolmates.

Remembering Dr Robert Loh, President Emeritus, YMCA of Singapore

The late Dr Robert Loh Choo Kiat was the longest serving President of YMCA of Singapore for 22 years from 1970 to 1992.

Dr Loh began his association with YMCA in 1937 as a Junior member when he was a young student at St Andrew’s. The YMCA building on 1 Orchard Road was a familiar sight to Dr Loh as he passed it every day, walking to and from school. It became like a second home to him. As a member, he joined its physical development classes and made full use of its facilities to indulge in healthy and wholesome recreational activities with his school mates.

UNIYte-d As One

A total of 90 guests comprising Uni-Y NUS, NTU, SMU members, executive committee members, parents, school staff and YMCA staff came together for UNIYte 2017, Uni-Y’s Annual General Meeting on 21 January 2017 at YMCA of Singapore. The Annual General Meeting is a time for members to come together to be aligned with the club’s direction for the new year as they move ahead, united in purpose and mission. Mr Eric Teng, President, Mr Bryan Tan, Honorary Secretary and Mr Lo Chee Wen, General Secretary, YMCA of Singapore graced the occasion. They were joined by Mr Yoshihiro Sueoka, CEO and Mr Hiroyuki Satoh, Executive Director, Osaka YMCA who were in Singapore to join the UNIYte AGM as they wanted to find out more about Uni-Y.

Giving her time to build others up

L-R: Ms Chia Ee Han (3^rd from left), Mr Wong Fung Shing (4^th from left) and Mr Tan Jing Qun (5^th from left) are the winners of the Volunteer of the Year Award

Five years ago, 31 year old Chia Ee Han pushed the boundaries of her comfort zone and embarked on her first overseas volunteering trip with YMCA International Service Programmes to Cambodia. Since then, she has led three young working adults' and a junior college team to reach out to the overseas community. During the 8 day trip in Cambodia, she spent five days in Unaccompanied Association (UNACAS), a Children's Centre in Lech Wat, Phnom Penh where she taught English to the children and also helped with infrastructural work. The rustic living conditions taught Ee Han to appreciate life better, and inspired her to return as a volunteer leader, leading groups of working adults and students overseas to countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar with an aim to help improve education and infrastructures.

Offering alternative paths for youths-at-risk

Over 100 friends, family members and trainers gathered to celebrate the achievements of 73 graduates who received their certificates for completing YMCA Project Bridge’s Vocational and Soft Skills Programme (VaSSP) on 25 November at the YMCA of Singapore.

Over $800,000 raised for social causes through Citi-YMCA Youth For Causes 2016

The Citi-YMCA Youth For Causes has wrapped up its 2016 programme with a celebration of youths, organisations and stakeholders who have made outstanding contributions to the community on 15 November 2016 at the YMCA of Singapore.