The world of Tzu Chi February 2020 (Vol.119)

2020 • 02 14 eature F ormer newscaster Tan Ean Nee is a familiar presence at the Sungai Buloh Leprosy Settlement, leading the Sungai Buloh Oral History Task Force and serving as a Council Member on the Sungai Buloh Settlement Council despite her status as a non-resident. She is not related to any of the residents by blood, yet dedicates herself to documenting the life and times of these ageing seniors as well as the history of the settlement. Ean Nee was first acquainted with the settlement and its residents in 2006. Back then, she was investigating claims by a descendant of one of the residents of a conflict over the ancestral grave for a local current affairs programme. The case aroused her interest in the settlement, but thoughts Keeping the hope alive By Lim Li Tian Translated by Ong Mooi Lin Photograph by Mango Loke “In my opinion, the true meaning of charity lies in relieving others of their burden instead of further encumbering them. It’s important to be clear about your primary intention in serving others. Are you truly committed to being of service toothers?Are youwilling togive of yourself unconditionally?” – Tan Ean Nee