Late Poet - Painter Arthur Yap Leaves A Legacy For Cancer Research
Friday, July 11 2008

Singapore, 11 July 2008 – True to his love and concern for his fellowman, Singapore’s leading poet and artist, the late Singapore Cultural Medallion winner, Dr Arthur Yap Chioh Hiong has left a legacy for cancer research by the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS).

This bequest was one of Arthur’s last wishes before he succumbed to laryngeal cancer on 19 June 2006. This fund will be donated to NCC Research Fund (NCCRF), which is administered by the NCC Foundation, set up to support cancer research in Singapore.

To honour this legacy, the NCCS will hold a get-together of his friends and supporters from the arts circle where the invited guests will be able to relive his memory through the recitation of Arthur’s poems and an exhibition of some of his paintings. This will be held at the Blue Room of The Arts House, located on 1 Old Parliament Lane, on 11 July 2008 at 7pm.

There will be a playback of a recording of Arthur reading his own poems, thanks to the courtesy of Arthur’s family members. Arthur, 63, who helped shaped the local literary arts scene, was a source of inspiration for many young writers. He won numerous awards, including the Singapore Cultural Medallion for Literature in 1983, for his literary accomplishments and contributions.

Also an avid painter, Arthur had held seven solo exhibitions of his works in Singapore and participated in many overseas group exhibitions in Australia, Thailand and Malaysia.

NCCS Director, Prof Soo Khee Chee, who first met Arthur when he came to the Centre for treatment, said: “We are deeply humbled by his gesture to support the cause of cancer through his philanthropy. Arthur is truly a son of Singapore. He has always been very caring as a person. Though he himself was ill, he showed concern and compassion for others. “

“NCCS is honoured to benefit from Arthur’s generosity and thoughtfulness. This fund will be used for research and thus benefiting many more cancer patients in the years to come,” added Prof Soo.

The NCC Foundation is the core administrative body for NCCRF. Established in 2005, NCCRF has served as the flagship fundraising and grant-making channel by providing seeding and bridging fundsfor an array of translational and clinical research programmes.

Cancer Research at NCCS
With cancer accounting for approximately one in three deaths in Singapore, NCCS plays a pivotal role in the holistic care and multidisciplinary-based treatment of cancer patients. There are around 80 nurses, 100 doctors and 200 researchers at NCCS working towards this noble goal.

NCCRF provides seeding funds to kick-start emerging research work as well as bridging funds to ensure continuous momentum in research productivity. Innovative medicine requires quality research; clinical research is an arduous undertaking and our doctor-scientists require ample philanthropic support and public understanding in order to usher medical breakthroughs for the benefit of the community.

NCCRF is registered under the Charities Act as an Institution of Public Character (IPC) with an independent Board of Trustees. All donations to the NCCRF are eligible for double tax exemption. For more information, please contact the NCC Foundation team at 6236 9454 / 9430 / 9440 or email NCCFoundation@nccs.com.sg.

About Planned Legacy
Planned legacy giving such as Arthur’s bequest is still a relatively new concept to many in Singapore. It is applicable to anyone from all walks of life who wish to do good for the society beyond their lifespan. One can bequest stocks, bonds, real estate or even CPF account to support a cause.

About National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS)
The National Cancer Centre Singapore is a premier cancer research and treatment facility in Singapore and in the region. It was established in 1997 and sees about 68 per cent of the public sector medical oncology cases and 74 per cent of radiation oncology cases. NCCS not only houses the most number of oncologists in Singapore but is also equipped with the largest number of equipment to provide the latest radiation oncology care in Singapore.

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