First Lady of Malaysia Opens Kechara Soup Kitchen!!
28th March 2011 was an extremely significant date in Kechara history – it was the official opening of Kechara Soup Kitchen! Y.A.Bhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, the First Lady of Malaysia herself, graced the occasion as our guest of honour.
Altogether there were 450 invited guests who attended the event, and amongst them were Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (Minister of Women, Family and Community Development) and Datuk Dr. Victor Wee (Chairman, Tourism Malaysia and Former Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism).
Tuan Syed Annuar (Director of Corporate Finance of Ambank) and Dato’ Sayed Rahman (CEO of National Welfare Foundation) also graciously attended the opening.
Those who attended the event enjoyed it thoroughly. The food (vegetarian of course, just like the food that KSK serves to the homeless each week) was catered by Kechara Oasis, the flower arrangements by Kechara Blooms were beautiful and I’m glad to hear that many Kecharians attended the event to help in any way that they could.
As a registered NGO established in 2006, KSK has really come a long way since its humble beginnings. A handful of my close students were distributing 20 packets of food a week, 5 years ago. Today, we have 60-100 volunteers a week who give out 1,300 packets of food!
Our services at KSK have also expanded to providing mobile kitchens to those who are unable to come to KSK’s building, light medical care (mobile and at the building) to those who have minor injuries, basic laundry services, job placements and there are plans for national and international expansion… how incredible is it that a core team of 6 people have made all of this possible!
KSK does not discriminate in terms of race, religion or creed when distributing food or providing their services. It’s good to know that guests who attended the event recognized this. One even expressed how, “Kechara is the first Buddhist organization in Malaysia that everyone can be proud of.”
May KSK inspire many others to do the same. Whether it be to volunteer at KSK or to start your own little KSK, wherever you are. Give back to the country you live in through social work, and to help those who are less fortunate than yourself.
Once again, I am extremely honoured that The First Lady of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berbahagia Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, has graced our occasion to officially open our KSK building. And my warmest congratulations go to the KSK team for making their official opening a success!!
Do take a look at the photos, and press articles and the videos below.
I thank very much our First Lady of Malaysia, Datuk Shahrizat, Datuk Victor Wee, Tuan Syed Annuar, Dato’ Sayed Rahman and all of our distinguished guests for attending this special event that we promise to do much more and help or fellow citizens. I thank my long time friend and student Dato’ Ruby Khong for taking this dept all the way without any doubts or hesitation. I thank the staff of KSK for your hard work and you have one of the best jobs in the whole world. Kechara organization has come a long way. There will be many people who support our work. It doesn’t matter what people think or say, the tree will be known by it’s fruit. Eventually our hard dedicated work will speak louder and louder for our good intentions. No one can take that away.
Tsem Rinpoche
The marquee in front of KSK’s new building has a banner to greet the First Lady
The KSK building from across the road
Andrew Boon (Tsem Ladrang staff) makes adjustments to the ribbon that will be cut by the First Lady of Malaysia.
Soup Kitchen turned gourmet kitchen!
Kechara Oasis staff preparing their gourmet food for the 450+ guests!
This kitchen is the soup kitchen that dishes out free food to the homeless
Delicious cheese and corn on a pastry base
Kechara Oasis comes up with very interesting and delicious vegetarian food…
10 trays of crispy mushroom were devoured in less than an hour!
Rainbow salad served imaginatively
Fresh out of the oven… hot and ready-to-serve!
Guests signing in… Lily (right; Malaysian Tatler journalist) signs in as part of the media.
The plaque that Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor will be signing to officially open KSK’s building
Up close
Beautifully designed by Kechara Blooms – flowers to celebrate the opening.
Dato’ Ruby Khong (left) with Wan (right; Liaison and Manager of Kechara Paradise SS2)
Khong Jean Ai (E-division), Clifford Khong and Siong Woan (Treasurer of KSK)
Guests start arriving…
More guests arrive…
Dato’ Ruby Khong taking a photo with invited guests
Chris Tan of Kechara InMotion filming the event… and Facebooking it via iPhone hehe
Guests from all walks of life came to show their support to the charitable cause.
Many cameras were clearly taking a photo of them… all three of them are looking in different directions!
A nice group photo
Datuk May Phng (President of Kechara House)
William Chua (left), Mr Phng Hooi Siang and Paul Yap (right; Liaision and Head of Kechara Blooms, Kechara Saraswati Arts and Kechara Discovery)
Dato’ Ruby Khong (President of KSK; left) and Julia Tan (Vice-President of KSK; right)
Dato’ Ruby Khong’s three children came to support her for this significant occassion (left to right: Khong Jean Ai, Khong Jean Mei and Clifford Khong)
Julia Tan, Siong Woan (Treasurer of KSK; middle) and Karen (Secretary of KSK; right)
Phng Li Kim and Khong Jean Ai (right)
A full-house!!
VIPS – Datin Rina, Tengku Zahara, Datin Sri Zaniah, Datuk May Phng, Datin Siti Endon and Phng Li Kim
Y. Bhg. Datuk Dr. Victor Wee (second from right) is the patron of KSK
It’s nice to see that guests had fun during the event…
Dato’ Ruby Khong greeting Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil (right) upon her arrival
Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil greeting Antoine Bakhache (Head of Asia Operations of Mouawad; middle) and wife, Sabah. (left)
2 beautiful girls are a little shy to shake Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil’s hand… cute!
Datuk May Phng welcoming Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil into KSK’s new building
Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil greeting everyone
A nice photo of the President of Kechara Soup Kitchen and the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. By working hand-in-hand, a lot can be achieved to help the community.
Press from different TV stations, magazines and newspapers attended… Take a look at some of the newspaper articles and video coverage below!
A flower girl getting ready to present flowers to…
… the Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor when she arrives!
Cutting the ribbon to symbolize the opening of KSK’s building.
The press recording the historical event.
The Prime Minister’s wife signature. This symbolizes how Kechara has done so much for the local community with NO agenda. The Malaysian government supports our work.
Dato’ Ruby Khong delivering her opening speech
Datuk Dr Victor Wee and Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil listening intently to Dato’ Ruby Khong’s speech…
Which was filled with casual humour…
Dato’ Ruby Khong is known to speak very eloquently. She was, as per usual, very natural.
Dato’ Ruby spoke for 10 minutes.
Her speech was received well, especially to those who wanted to know a little more about KSK’s historybackground and future plans.
Datuk Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil speaks as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.
She has been a supporter of KSK for the past 2 years. She has steadily found KSK to be a very stable and worth-while cause to support.
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor speaks to the media, press and guests about KSK’s work and why she personally likes it.
She also covered how the government plans on helping and what they think about KSK’s current efforts.
The First Lady of Malaysia delivered a 15 minute speech.
It was received very well by everyone…
… even amusing guests along the way.
Dato’ Ruby Khong talking about why KSK does the work that they do.
Kechara Oasis serves food to the VVIPs.
Dato’ Ruby Khong giving a gift to Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil as a token of appreciation.
Dato’ Ruby Khong presenting a token of appreciation to Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor leaving after 3-4 hours. She enjoyed the event!
As the event close, a group shot is taken of…
Team Kechara!!
(Recorded by Kechara In Motion on the day of the event)
The Official Opening of Kechara Soup Kitchen
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TheOfficialOpeningKSK.mp4
(Recorded and played on the day of the event)
Personal Message for Kechara Soup Kitchen
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/message_for_ksk_HQ.mp4
(Recording from Bernama News)
Malaysia’s National News Agency, Bernama, TV news cover of Kechara Soup Kitchen’s official opening
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Bernama-News.mp4
(Recording from Channel TV1)
Malaysia Government TV station’s news report on the opening of Kechara Soup Kitchen
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/Malaysia-Government-TV-stations-news-report-on-the-opening.mp4
(Recording from Channel TV3)
TV3 Prime Time News Report (28 March 2011) – The Opening of Kechara Soup Kitchen
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/TV3-Prime-Time-News-Report.mp4
(Published on The Star Newspaper)
Rosmah: Govt and NGOs must collaborate to help homeless
(Close-Up)
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=574408
Look At Bigger Picture To Tackle Homelessness, Says Rosmah
KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) — The prime minister’s wife wants scholars and professionals to collaborate with the government and relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to “look at the bigger picture” to overcome homelessness.
That way, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said, the issue could be addressed to derive at a proactive strategic approach, rather than providing short-term solutions that would be costly in the long run.
“Homelessness can be the result of either a personal failing or situations beyond control of a person, for instance poverty, lack of affordable housing, domestic abuse, mental illness and others.
“Hence, I believe we need to look at the bigger picture to understand the issue…what causes them to remain in the streets?,” she said when launching the Kechara Soup Kitchen building here Monday.
Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Kechara Soup Kitchen president Datuk Ruby Khong.
Rosmah said, although the number of homeless people in the country was not alarming as compared to other countries, the government nevertheless, needed various strategic plans and programmes to reduce and eliminate the homeless population.
She said the government, via the women, family and community development ministry, had come up with a public shelter home, ‘Anjung Singgah’, which would open its doors in April to those seeking temporary refuge and warm meals.
“This is part of the Government’s Transformation Programmes to provide a holistic approach in managing and resolving issues concerning homeless people in urban areas,” she said.
She added that ‘Anjung Singgah’, situated within the city, would help provide a much needed shelter and counseling, while assisting the homeless to find appropriate jobs to enable them to be independent and self-sufficient.
Meanwhile, Kechara Soup Kitchen, a registered NGO established in 2006, offers food, drinks and basic first-aid to those in need, especially the homeless, regardless of race or religion.
They take inspiration from their spiritual guide, Tsem Rinpoche, who experienced homelessness and hunger as a teenager.
— BERNAMA
(http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/3/29/nation/8367773&sec=nation;
the same article was also published in Borneo Post Online at: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=110103 ;
the same article was also published in Malay at: http://www.bernama.com/bernama//v5/bm/newsindex.php?id=574416
Rosmah: Govt and NGOs must collaborate to help homeless
KUALA LUMPUR: Collaborative efforts between the Government and NGOs are needed to tackle homelessness in the country, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said.
She said it was crucial to understand why some segments of society remained homeless despite many programmes to help them.
“Material loss may have forced some people onto the streets but the reason for them remaining homeless is something else entirely. It could perhaps be their loss of will and spirit to continue living.
Charity begins at home: Rosmah and Shahrizat witnessing the mock cheque presentation between AmBank Corporate Finance director Syed Anuar Syed Ali (left) and Kechara Soup Kitchen president Datuk Ruby Khong at Jalan Barat here yesterday. Also present are Kitchen patron Datuk Dr Victor Wee (second from left) and National Welfare Foundation CEO Datuk Sayed A. Rahman Sayed Mohd
“I call upon caring Malaysians to extend assistance to these NGOs so that we can all help to bring an end to homelessness,” Rosmah said in her speech before opening the KSK Building here yesterday.
“We are very lucky to have NGOs like Kechara Soup Kitchen working with government agencies to help the homeless.
“I call upon caring Malaysians to extend assistance to these NGOs so that we can all help to bring an end to homelessness,” Rosmah said in her speech before opening the KSK Building here yesterday.
The building, located in Jalan Barat off Jalan Imbi, has been in operation since Sept 23 last year. It provides hot vegetarian lunches from Monday to Friday to homeless people in the area for free.
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/The-Star-Online-TV-News.mp4
Newly renovated, the building also welcomes walk-in customers who may pay any amount for their meals as donations.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who also attended the function, announced that the ministry will open a new shelter called Bangunan Ehsan at Jalan Lekiu on April 9. The shelter will provide 76 beds for males and females.
The First Lady’s speech at Kechara Soup Kitchen
source: http://www4.pmo.gov.my/datinrosmah/_view_speech.php?submission_id=375
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With the First Lady of Malaysia gracing the opening of Kechara Soup Kitchen, it was indeed a significant and a day of grandeur for KSK. Kechara Soup Kitchen has indeed worked very hard to achieve this honour under the capable leadership of Datuk Ruby Khong. Our First Lady Y.A.Bhg. Datin Padukah Seri Rosmah Mansor, seemed pleased and full of appreciation for our KSK’s hard work when she said, “We are lucky to have NGOs like Kechara Soup Kitchen working with the Government agencies to help the homeless.” Calling upon all caring malaysians to extend assitance to the NGOs to collaborate with the Government to overcome Homelessness, it was also highlighted and made known through Bernama that KSK take inspiration from their Spiritual Guide, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, who experienced homelessness and hunger as a teenager. Our Rinpoche, as a matter of fact,is the most perfect Spiritual Guide to lead us, having the experiences, divine knowledge and a Guru who is always caring, giving, kind and compassionate to benefit all beings. Like mother Teresa said – “It is not the Magnitude of our actions, but the amount of Love that is put into them that matters.”
Congragulations on your official opening of KSK and most of all to Dato’ Ruby, her selfless team and supporters of KSK. It’s an inspiration to all that a seed of Rinpoche’s vision and love could grow to what it is today. With the endorsement of our First Lady and Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat, awareness of this good cause will be grow and hope that more companies will step forward to contribute towards feeding the homeless. Bravo!
Congratulations to Dato’ Ruby and its hardworking team for the grand official opening of KSK. They deserve very much the recognization not just from the government but also from the public that KSK is a non profit organization who has done so much to feed the homeless regardless of race and religion. It is truly 1Malaysia, and if we can have more of such NGOs, Malaysia will be a much better place! All these are made possible from the vision of one man, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche and the commitment of Datuk Ruby and her committed team. Kudos KSK! It is hope that more organizations will step forward to support KSK into feeding the homeless and provide them with employment opportunities and given the homeless more meaning to their lives!
Wow it shows that the even Government is supportive of Kechara Soup Kitchen contributions to the society by helping the poor and destitute!It is indeed an honour for KSK to have our First Lady Y.A.Bhg Datin Paduka Sri Rosmah Mansor officiating KSK’s building.
I like what Bernama wrote, “They take inspiration from their spiritual guide, Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, who experienced homelessness and hunger as a teenager.” Yes, we have to thank Tsem Tulku Rinpoche who inspired and encouraged us to start Kechara Soup Kitchen which will benefit even more in the future.
Congratulations to Dato Ruby and the hardworking KSK team who would tirelessly for the less fortunate and for making the official opening a success!!!
It is really a great honour for KSK to have Y.A. Bhg. Datin Paduka Sri Rosmah Mansor, Malaysia’s First Lady to officiate KSK’s building. For me it is a form of endorsement from the Government that supporting KSK’s good work. Kudos to everyone who is involved in this.
Wow! Kechara has expanded rapidly over the past few years. I am extremely proud and it is very inspirational for someone like me to commit more and do more as it will fruition in benefiting more people.
I like the fact that people are beginning to feel proud that KSK, is one of the shining examples of a Buddhist organisation that is doing so much for society. Buddhist temples and societies are often viewed narrowly as places of worship for the elite few and do very little for society. Thus, Kechara breaks this myth with KSK and soon to be Kechara Animal Sanctuary as well.
All this is born from just one man and that is of course HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. His teachings is solidifying into an institution that benefits others. It is amazing to be a part of this organization. I fold my hands to HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche for a wonderful teachings, life lessons and I fold my hands to his students who work so hard and do so much to make everything come alive.