The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.112)

2019 • 07 16 eature Reaping the fruits of sustainable agriculture As a child, Goh Chin Siong was nearly deprived of an education owing to poverty, but the kindness and generosity of various benefactors have paved the way for him in life. He is now content with making an honest living as a farmer advocating for environmentally-friendly agriculture and continues to support educational causes as his way of giving back to society. By Low Siew Lian Translated by Chia Wen Fang “I ’m a farmer with honest intentions. I’m only an intermediary between nature and humans; my role is to supply naturally- grown produce to consumers,” asserted Goh Chin Siong, the owner of Harmony Farm in Malacca, with steely resolve glinting in his eyes. Coupled with his tall, sturdy stature and sun-tanned skin, the farmer radiates disarming candour. Chin Siong contributes a portion of the farm’s fresh produce of fruits and vegetables to charitable causes. He never hesitates to help those in need, as he derives joy from giving over receiving. On April 18, 2019, Chin Siong returned to his alma mater, Pay Fong High School, Malacca to lend his support to the school’s meal sponsorship programme for underprivileged students. Chin Siong himself is familiar with the plight of the impoverished, as he had Goh Chin Siong’s farm is open to visitors who are interested in gaining hands-on experience in farming. [Photograph by Yong Siew Lee]