The world of Tzu Chi September 2020 (Vol.126)

2020 • 09 20 eature The strength of a community The Kota Kemuning Recycling Education Centre (KK REC) is a self-service recycling centre where the public who send their recyclables there would have to sort out the materials themselves. Amongst those who frequent the centre, many are from the nearby neighbourhood as they were initially attracted to the centre out of curiosity. Here, recycling has brought about the opportunity for the community to gather together. By Chan Shih Yih, Tan Siew Chern & Yap Chai Hoon Translated by Woon Xiao Rui Photograph by Gan Wee Meng “W ishing you a happy birthday!” As joyous voices rang out from inside the Tzu Chi KK REC when volunteers took the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of 60-year-old Chan Kai Wah while awaiting the delivery of recyclables. Even though the 60-year-old was aware of the celebratory plan, he could not help but shed a few tears. The mango cream birthday cake at the