Former head of Ren Ci Hospital, Ven Shi Ming Yi, charged in court

It's sad that the image of charitable organisations in Singapore has taken yet another beating, casting doubts on the true intentions of those who seek public donations to support the needy.

According to the COMMISSIONER OF CHARITIES ANNUAL REPORT 2006, there are 1,875 charities and IPCs (Institutes of Public Character), out of which, half are religious organisations, and 320 are set up for social & welfare purposes. 64 of these charities had annual income exceeding $10 million, accounting for 77% of the $4.97 billion of total income of all registered charities in 2006.

From its 2006 Annual Report, the NCSS alone supports 63 charities and caters to 350,000 people (close to 8% of Singapore's population!).

Why are there so many needy Singaporeans out there, despite the economic growth and the many good years?

It is contended that if every working adult were to take personal responsibility to do their own financial plans (including cash-flow management, life and health insurance planning), they would be able to live in dignity and not have to depend on the charities of others, should misfortunes strike.


Back to the Ren CI case, a re-cap of the events leading to the criminal charges.

17 months ago
Feb 2007
Ven Ming Yi was told he could not hold the posts of chief executive and chairman concurrently as that was contrary to good corporate governance practices.

10 months ago
Sep 2007
Prominent businessman Chua Thian Poh, head of property developer Ho Bee Group, took over as chairman. Ven Ming Yi became the honorary chief executive.

8 months ago
07/11/07 Ren Ci under probe after MOH found financial irregularities:

MOH added that Ren Ci's past transactions also disclosed other gaps in corporate governance and internal controls.

The Ren Ci's Board of Management Committee stated that it has "a culture of strong corporate governance and transparency", and when complaints are made, they will be fully investigated.

So, how does Ren Ci's Management Committee define strong corporate governance and transparency?

5 months ago
18/02/08 CAD called in to probe Ren Ci's finances
The honorary CEO Ven Ming Yi applied for leave of absence.

Contacted yesterday, the charity's chairman, Mr Chua, told The Straits Times that he planned to improve the charity's 'credibility and sustainability' by bringing in new blood, among other things.

He has roped in Mr Seah Moon Ming, president of Singapore Technologies Electronics, to head the committee on corporate governance, while Mr Tan Huay Lim, a partner with audit firm KPMG, now leads its audit committee.

Last week
15/07/08 Former head of Ren Ci Hospital, Ven Shi Ming Yi, charged in court

The monk faces four charges under the Penal Code involving two counts of alleged criminal breach of trust. He also faces one count of forgery for the purpose of cheating, and one count of abetment for allegedly falsifying accounts.

He also faces six charges under the Charities Act for allegedly providing false information over a decade.

The venerable's lawyer, Andre Yap, said: "Some of the charges relate to matters which the previous board of Ren Ci had discussed at board meetings and had even sanctioned. So we don't believe that there's a criminal element to many of these charges."

Member of Parliament, Dr Ong Seh Hong, took over as CEO.

19/07/08
The charity has also implemented a whistle-blowing policy.

Chairman Chua said: "We have come up with some regulation on checks and balances, and approval system and for corporate governance. Of course, we’re trying to be more transparent and even (have) a more independent director on the board.

"We will ensure... that all these money coming in, every dollar and cent in future, will be spent on the patients."

"From now onwards, we will be more prudent... all the mistakes which we have made, we will correct them," said Mr Chua.

One wonders what is meant by "more independent"? Also, what can one single independent director do to further strengthen the "culture of strong corporate governance and transparency"?

As the Jedi Master Yoda once said, "Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try."