![The two-day 30th Anniversary celebration expects to welcome over 4,000 volunteers. [Photo by Lai Jih Chuan]](/images/Articles/RW/2023/KL20231230_lrq01_020.jpg "The two-day 30th Anniversary celebration expects to welcome over 4,000 volunteers. [Photo by Lai Jih Chuan]")
Thirty years ago, Tzu Chi’s spirit crossed the oceans, anchoring in Malaysia. Today, 30 years later, a flourishing forest has emerged from humble roots. Remaining steadfast in its mission and aspirations, time unfolds the incredible power within selfless, solemn vows.
“Over the past 30 years, I have found joy in each passing day. I consider meeting a wise mentor and embracing the Bodhisattva Path as my greatest blessing in this lifetime,” shared Echo Chien, CEO of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor. Her heartfelt gratitude resonated deeply.
Echo Chien and her husband, David Liu, embarked on a journey from Taiwan to Malacca, Malaysia, in the late 1980s for business. She encountered Tzu Chi during a trip back to Taiwan at the end of 1991, and was so profoundly moved and inspired, that in the following year, she initiated charitable efforts from her factory. She rallied her staff to join the cause and actively promoted Tzu Chi’s missions.
By 1993, Tzu Chi’s compassionate ideals had inspired more people in Kuala Lumpur to volunteer. As liaison offices sprouted across Malaysia, the KL & Selangor and Malacca Chapters assumed the responsibility of taking charge of Tzu Chi’s affairs in Central, Southern, and East Malaysia, collectively coordinating a network of volunteers dedicated to alleviating suffering through charitable endeavours.
In the blink of an eye, 30 years had passed. On December 30 and 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor and Tzu Chi Malacca, respectively, welcomed their volunteers ‘home’ from various parts of the country for the 30th Anniversary celebrations. Gracing the momentous event were Taiwanese counterparts, including Yen Po-Wen and David Liu, CEO and Deputy CEO respectively of the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation; Hong Jing-Yuan, Head of Tzu Chi Foundation Editorial and Compilation Department; and Ji Jing Yang, a veteran Tzu Chi volunteer.
◎ One gives rise to infinity
On the screen, a photograph captured Echo Chien on a broken roof as volunteers got on a mission to repair the dilapidated home of a care recipient. It was her pure intentions and passion for helping others that propelled her beyond the comfort of her home and into the neglected corners of society. The myriad faces of suffering she witnessed only deepened her conviction that the Tzu Chi path embodies truth and goodness.
She transformed her home and factory into activity centres, and with each step forward—from charity, medicine, education, to environmental protection—she realised that no tasks were too daunting. The key, she believed, lay in unwavering faith and seizing every opportunity to work towards the goal while maintaining a clear sight of direction.
Having weathered the challenges of the pioneering days, a formidable team of volunteers had formed by the second decade, bearing witness to the profound impact of solemn vows. “In 2007, we welcomed 700 attendees to the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. In 2008, fuelled by a bold vow, we set our sights on inviting 10,000 people to attend the ceremony…” Tzu Chi staff Tan Pei Kee and volunteers Ong Hok Ki, Ng Yooi Boon, and Eo Mooi Yan fondly reminisced about that ‘overambitious’ era, their eyes gleaming with vibrant energy.
Driven by the belief that “one more helping hand is one more force of goodness in the world, and everyone has the ability to help regardless of their wealth”, volunteers dedicated themselves to recruiting more living Bodhisattvas, who extend help to others, throughout the decade. Embracing Master Cheng Yen’s blessings, they also aimed to recruit one million living Bodhisattvas, spreading love across Malaysia. Tzu Chi’s core missions flourished, and the Jing Si Books & Café, Tzu Chi Continuing Education Centres, Tzu-Chi Free Clinics, and Da Ai Kindergartens were successively established. Volunteers took responsibility for their vows, ensuring the fulfilment of their mission.
The completion of the Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall in Kuala Lumpur in 2014 not only marked a pivotal milestone, but also infused strength into the third decade. Sio Kee Hong, Deputy CEO of the KL & Selangor Chapter, shared that volunteers promptly stepped forward to offer aid and comfort amidst major disasters, such as the Malaysian Airlines double tragedies, East Coast floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Great Klang Valley floods in 2021, Tzu Chi even collaborated with the military to reach the worst-hit areas for relief efforts.
Thirty years of steadfast endeavours, transcending religious and racial boundaries, have earned the trust and recognition of the general public and government agencies alike. Echo Chien reminded everyone that early volunteers have paved the way, and it is imperative for later volunteers to closely follow without deviation. She urged all volunteers to be obedient disciples of the Master, earnestly following the Master’s teachings and inspiring more people to walk the path of goodness together.
◎ Sustaining love and kindness
Observing the expansion of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor and Malacca, CEO Yen underscored that it all stemmed from a single altruistic thought.
Having held various senior management positions in the technology industry before transitioning to Tzu Chi in 2017, he emphasised the importance of integrating the concept of sustainability into volunteer work, viewing it with equal significance as in the corporate world. Drawing on the Master’s wisdom, he stressed the need to move beyond short-term gains, stating, “The current generation must shoulder the responsibility rather than relying on the next generation to effect positive changes in the environment.” Without a sustainable Earth, discussions about sustainable living or businesses lose their significance.
He commended the tireless efforts of Tzu Chi volunteers in Malaysia and called for everyone to lead purposeful lives, fostering a progressive and sustainable impact. He also envisioned “gratitude, respect, and love” being promoted as mainstream values, with volunteers contributing significantly to the global arena while advancing towards sustainable development for the betterment of the world and each other.
Confucius once said, “At 30, one stands firm,” signifying the culmination of personal growth and maturity over a period of three decades. Similarly, we have witnessed a comparable growth within overseas Tzu Chi Chapters, even demonstrating the ability to navigate the complexities of the world’s tribulations, bringing relief amidst disasters of various scales.
“Karmic affinities are truly wondrous,” said Hong Jing-Yuan, adding that “Perhaps in a past that we cannot see, Master sowed many ‘seeds’. Across the land separated by mountains and oceans, these seeds, including us, are unified by a shared mission, Dharma lineage, and anticipation. We have taken root and grown our own lives driven by respective karmic causes and conditions, and collectively propel Tzu Chi’s missions, which unveil to us the potent power of offering sincere comfort to those who are suffering, allowing us to testify the great compassion inherent in Buddhism, or as Master terms it, Great Love.
She encouraged everyone to remain steadfast on the path of spiritual practice, to overcome challenges with wisdom, and continue to care with love and be a positive influence to oneself and others.
◎ Cultivating the heart and character
Ji Jing-Yang, affectionately known as Mama Ji, underwent a profound transformation under the guidance of the Master and the positive influence of Tzu Chi’s spirit. With much humour, she recounted her journey of transformation and enlightening moments with the Master.
Back when Tzu Chi was expanding its education mission, Mama Ji, who assumed facilitator roles, found herself dealing with many highly educated individuals. Feeling out of depth, she sought the Master’s guidance: “Master, they hold doctorates, master’s degrees, or bachelor degrees, while I have no such qualifications. How can I lead them?” The Master replied, “I designate you as ‘bo tu’ (博土),” reassuring her that while doctorate holders (博士, pronounced as ‘bo shi’ in Mandarin) have their strengths, the volunteer team can be as valuable as the earth (土), which has a longer horizontal stroke underneath when written in Chinese, signifying greater stability. Moreover, the earth can support all things. Likewise, recycling volunteers care for Mother Earth. Hence, whether doctorate holders or ‘bo tu’, all can contribute to humanity through their respective roles and forte.
Reflecting on her personal growth through her Tzu Chi journey, Mama Ji reminded everyone that spiritual cultivation involves more than correcting behaviour; it also requires nurturing the heart and character. Change starts with oneself. Always forge positive affinities with others, replace grudges with gratitude, and happiness will follow.
●
Life becomes more fulfilling when we give selflessly and grow spiritually in the process. David Liu encouraged everyone to seize every opportunity, noting that small opportunities, when grasped, may bring about great affinities. He looks forward to the continued expansion of the force of Great Love, flourishing throughout Malaysia.
