CHAPTER 38 - Beyond a Self-focused Life

Summary

“Aself-focused life is a narrow one”

— Daniel Chien Tiaw Huat, MPE Pioneer

WHEN DANIEL CHIEN TIAW HUAT resigned as an engineer in 2001, he had three young daughters and no job in hand. He was not acting on impulse. “After 16 years as an engineer, I received a divine call to help the poor and needy,” he shared. “I was searching for meaning beyond material wealth, and I found it in God's will for me to serve others. Aself-focused life is a narrow one.” With his wife's support, Daniel took up a masters degree in counselling. Friends expressed mock surprise that he had left the “materials” world.

After a three-month wait, he was offered a counselling job at Care Corner Counselling Centre. His career switch turned out to be the right choice. Daniel said, “I found satisfaction in counselling clients, conducting workshops in prisons and improving the lives of others. I was able to experience things that are different from the engineering world.” His dedication was rewarded. He rose to become an executive director at Care Corner, a member of the National Council of Social Service.

“We are concerned to meet human needs as they are felt, enable people to face life's challenges and foster the enjoyment of and reverence for life,” said Daniel. “In the discharge of these roles, our sole motivation is the love of God.” Care Corner offers their services to people regardless of race, language or religion at their 23 centres.

Another person who is motivated by his faith in his career is Peter Hong Yong Kong. In 1993, Peter and three Catholic friends started Wellsprings Catholic Books to provide affordable Catholic and Christian literature. He said, “We seek to help readers know God through books.” Besides their shop in Sin Ming Lane, Wellsprings has an online store with 13,000 titles and worldwide delivery. “At Wellsprings, book lovers can shop among a wide range of books in a warm and friendly environment,” said Peter.

Daniel and Peter are among the handful of NTI pioneers who chose to devote themselves to social and religious causes. Their role is important in Singapore. They promote the well-being of individuals and families. They seek to help people restore their function in society. Singordan Nalla Thamby is another good example.