ANNUAL REPORT I may have. epilepsy... but I can. Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore)

Transcription

1 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 I may have epilepsy... carry but I can on Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore)

2 Contents Corporate Directory...3 Diary of Events...4 Message from the President...5 Message from the Vice-President...6 Message from the Executive Director...7 Minutes of the 21st Annual General Meeting...9 Secretaries Report...13 Subcommittees Reports...16 Donors Honour Roll

3 CORPORATE Directory President Dr CHOONG Chew Thye Vice President Diana KOH Hwee Hoon Honorary Secretary Sherman GOH Keng Hwee Assistant Secretary TAN Jun Long Honorary Treasurer TAN Zheng Yuan Assistant Treasurer LEE Soon Chua Welfare Officer CHAN Wen Ting Council Members ANG Wei Jie GOI Ming Ying Calvin KOH Chin Khoon Dr LEONG Wei Shin MOK Wai Pun Board of Consultants Prof Michael CHEE Dr LIM Kim Whee Dr Adrian WANG Dr Vijayan LOGANATHAN Executive Director/Epilepsy Counselor Sherman GOH Keng Hwee Registered Office 112 Lavender Street #03-01 Singapore Tel: (65) Website: Solicitor Mr Anand Nalachandran, Director TSMP Law Corporation 6 Battery Road Level 41 Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) Website: Auditor Tan, Chan & Partners Certified Public Accountants 26 Eng Hoon Street Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) Website: Principal Banker United Overseas Bank Limited 1 Park Road #01-01/02 People s Park Complex Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) Affiliates International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) 7 Priory Office Park, Stillorgan Road Blackrock, Co Dublin, A94 FN26, Ireland Tel: (353) ibeexecdir@eircom.net Website: IBE Legislation Task Force Sherman Goh, Member c/o Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore) National Council of Social Service 170 Ghim Moh Road #01-02 Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) Website: 3

4 DIARY OF Events YEAR 2016 APR APR Information Session APR AUG MAY 13 3 Ceremony MAY YEAR 2017 OCT OCT DEC JAN 14 7 Association MAY FEB 15 4 JUL ECG First Dragon Boat Community Row 11th Asian Oceania Epilepsy Congress Care & Share Thank- You Show 11 th Asian Oceania Epilepsy Congress (Hong Kong) - Welcome Exchange Visit/Dialogue Session with the Hong Kong Epilepsy Epilepsy & Society Symposium Singapore Garden Festival FEB ECG 21 st Annual General Meeting ECG Second Dragon Boat Community Row ECG 23 rd Anniversary Celebration in Malacca Christmas Appreciation Dinner ECG 15 th Flag Day Lunar New Year Party Makan Makan Tour in Bekok 4

5 MESSAGE FROM THE President Dear Members and Friends How time flies! Come October 2017, Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore) (ECG) will celebrate its 24 th anniversary. As we continue ECG s mission and philosophy to enhance quality of life for persons with epilepsy, may I share the wise words of Edward Everett Hale. To look forward and not back, To look out and not in, and To lend a hand Epilepsy is a common neurological condition, affecting at least 60 million people worldwide. The manifestation of epilepsy, seizure types, severity, and age of onset can vary widely. While medical and scientific advances in treatment have improved outcomes, about 30% of epilepsy patients do not achieve effective seizure control. Other important challenges facing persons with epilepsy and their families are related to public misunderstanding and discrimination. However bumpy the journey can be, living well with epilepsy can be a realistic goal. Getting the best seizure control possible, being an active partner in the treatment process, learning about epilepsy, reaching out and sharing information are vital. Equally important are family support and a well-informed community. Joining a voluntary epilepsy organization will facilitate connecting with other people/families and support through sharing of life experiences. ECG remains a committed ally, empowering persons with epilepsy and families through support, counselling, outreach, education and awareness programs. We are pleased to submit a paper for presentation at the 32 nd International Epilepsy Congress in September titled, Developing Research Trajectories and Capabilities in Epilepsy Care Group, Singapore: Preliminary Findings and Implications. A big thank you to all ECG members and families for your continued support, for coming forward to talk about epilepsy, and to share highly inspirational stories. Your stories are powerful messages of grit, positivity and resilience of human nature. I also wish to commend and acknowledge the selfless contributions of our volunteers, sponsors, the Board of Consultants, members of the Executive Council, our Legal Advisor, Executive Director Mr Goh Keng Hwee. Your dedicated team work has made it possible for ECG to conduct its programs and activities. Life is for living, giving, looking forward and looking out! I look forward to everyone s continued support. Warmest wishes, DR CHOONG CHEW THYE President 5

6 MESSAGE FROM THE Vice-President Dear Members and Friends Against the backdrop of the high and low of the year in review, Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore) (ECG) takes on the task of carrying on the mission to reach out to as many and varied members as possible, catering across different needs, cohort, and ages; be it at indoor, outdoor, local or overseas. We hope to be a channel of support and help, a catalyst of communal living and change with constant learning, living, and reliving. I am always encouraged by our members resilience and would like to celebrate with them their success in overcoming obstacles. One of them is Elizabeth Kee who despite recent setback, did not delve in it but bounced back and carries on her life by adapting to travelling on a wheelchair with help from Mok Wai Pun, her loyal friend of many decades who stands by her because of her commitment to standards of fidelity. Another member, Wendy Woon, suffered a condition but after a period of recuperation, seems to find a new found freedom. She is now more travelled on her own than before. The common factors among them are their positivity in life and treatment adherence, forgiving spirit, adaptability, and a forward looking outlook. In essence, they have a strong sense of survival. So must ECG, and our country in this difficult time of global uncertainties. ECG braced itself and came up with events and activities. To name a few, with the help of our new dragon boat manager and captain, Goi Ming Ying and Ang Wei Jie, we revived the dragon boat community row and many members attended. It was a great camaraderie. A group of member/caregiver delegates attended the 11 th Asian Oceania Epilepsy Congress in Hong Kong and had learned much from the overseas exchanges and lectures. By the courtesy from the National Parks, ECG members and caregivers were treated to complimentary entry to the Singapore Garden Festival at the Gardens by the Bay. We also had an unprecedented event on ECG s 23 rd Anniversary whereby we celebrated it in Malacca, and backed by popular demand, many hope to repeat it. We were blessed with student volunteers from the River Valley High School to help organize the Lunar New Year party and they came up with enjoyable performances, activities and games. The young ones enjoyed the educational Adventure Trail that explored the eastern part of Singapore. Many thanks to the committed Executive Council members, executive director Goh Keng Hwee, and the many dedicated volunteers, for without them, the above events could not have been carried out. Lastly, may the spirit of giving and caring never end, so that we can enjoy continual learning and increase the awareness of causes of people with epilepsy. Best wishes and warmest regards, DIANA KOH HWEE HOON Vice-President 6

7 MESSAGE FROM THE Executive Director Dear Members and Friends When my father passed on in 1982, I told a French priest that I would live my life in such a way that I would never again have any regrets. That I thought such a thing was possible just shows how young I was when he died. Most of us may not have big regrets in life. But there is always something to regret, even in a quiet, joy-filled life. A close friend of mine shared with me of his regrets of not studying medicine when he could. A youth I used to work with regrets dropping out of polytechnic to start work. I regret not visiting an old church friend when she was ill. She has since passed on in Feb Life has a million choices, and every choice is a choice in itself not to do something else, and so regrets accrue with life. It s inevitable. Thinking through those regrets, though, gives us a chance to think about what we wish had been different. It s a chance to think about what we feel is missing in our lives, what we hope could be different. Most important, even if just in a small way, it s a chance to act on that understanding. Just recently, I chanced upon my ex-girlfriend with her family at a mall. She has since married my classmate and they have a daughter who is now studying in a polytechnic. Hope is the belief that better things are possible. Regret shows us what those better things we hope for are. Regret hones hope, sharpens and clarifies the desire at the heart of it. It is a window, an uncomfortable prompt, and possibly a painful encouragement to imagine what else could be. If we let it, regret can be a vehicle to hope. But we have to accept it first. We have to hold our regret up and look at it closely so as to see clearly what it is that we wish was different in our life. Is the life we are living the life we want to be living right now? And once when we come into full consciousness of ourselves what we experience as good-bye and a loss, we seek the rest of our lives to restore and picking up the thread. There may be thousands of regrets in a single life. But hope can take millions of forms. Hope is a shape-shifter that can appear and grow in even the tiniest of cracks, at even the eleventh hour. My mother remained acutely alive during her dying. She hoped that things would get better, but was courageous enough to move forward even if they didn t. Hope existed not just in the cancer treatment, but also within her. So what hope could mean for someone suffering from epilepsy who feels there is no hope for a cure, no hope for returning to the life before seizures they had once known and loved? Two individuals exemplified hope in its fuller sense - they are Mdm Elizabeth Kee and Ms Goi Ming Ying. In January 2017, Elizabeth had a traumatic fall. She was sent to the hospital in an ambulance, went thru lots of pain and discomfort from a fractured knee-cap, and as always bounced back into greater zest for life. 7

8 MESSAGE FROM THE Executive Director Ming Ying was an athlete. A decade ago, she had a rather bad meniscus tear. She undergone several operations which resulted in her being wheel-chair bound. Her frequent seizures did not help in her recovery. Yet, Ming Ying never fails to embrace life fully. She participates in badminton and is the current captain of ECG s dragon boat team. She even went outdoors to organize an adventure trail for other epilepsy members. Both have this hope as an anchor for the soul firm and secure. (Heb 6:19) It has often been said, a person who expects nothing is also unable to live any longer. Human existence, of its nature, stretches out into something greater. Hope can mean anything. It could look like everything. That hope is in you, waiting for you to notice it and act on it. Having epilepsy is not a choice. But hope is. Oscar Wilde once said, There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. Thanks and blessings be to all of you, and more, SHERMAN S. GOH KENG HWEE Executive Director/Epilepsy Counsellor 8

9 MINUTES OF THE 21 st Annual General Meeting Minutes of the 21st Annual General Meeting held at Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore), 112 Lavender Street #03-01 Singapore on Saturday, 20 August Present: Members Strength as at date of AGM Ordinary / Life Members required to form a quorum - 30 No. of Ordinary / Life Members present - 14 Members present: Mr Ang Wei Jie Mr Chan Wen Ting Dr Choong Chew Thye Mr Goh Keng Hwee Mr Calvin Koh Chin Khoon Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon Mr Lee Soon Chua Dr Leong Wei Shin Dr Lim Kim Whee Mr Tony Loh Kia Hiang Ms Mok Wai Pun Mr So Weng Fae Mr Tan Jun Long Mr Tan Zheng Yuan 1 Commencement 1.1 The meeting was called to order at 1530 hrs after a thirty-minute wait and chaired by the incumbent president, Dr Choong Chew Thye. 2 President s address 2.1 The outgoing President, Dr Choong Chew Thye presented her appreciation to the members and volunteers for their continued support. 2.2 She shared that ECG participated in many activities in the spirit of SG50, including being named as one of the beneficiaries of the Care & Share Movement. 2.3 Dr Choong informed the meeting that the Ministry of Health has approved ECG s renewal of its status as an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) for another 2 years from 9 August 2016 to 8 August She thanked all those involved in the application, and recorded ECG s appreciation to the Ministry of Health for its support. 2.4 Dr Choong concluded her address by thanking the 21 st Executive Council, the Board of Consultants, ECG s legal advisor, volunteers, sponsors, staff and members for their dedication and contributions over the last financial year, and look forward to their continued support for the new term. 3 Passing of minutes of last AGM 3.1 Dr Lim Kim Whee proposed to pass the minutes of the 20 th Annual General Meeting held on 22 August Mr Chan Wen Ting seconded the motion. The minutes of the 20 th Annual General Meeting was thus passed with no amendments. 4 Adoption of the Honorary Secretary s Report 4.1 The Honorary Secretary, Mr Goh Keng Hwee, presented his report for the work year 2015/ Subcommittee Reports Creative Subcommittee Chairperson of the creative subcommittee, Mr Chan Wen Ting, presented the work that the subcommittee has done over the past year. 9

10 MINUTES OF THE 21 st Annual General Meeting Dragon Boat Subcommittee Manager of the dragon boat subcommittee, Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon, reviewed the activities of the dragon boat team over the past year Editorial Sub-Committee Chairperson of the editorial subcommittee, Mr Goh Keng Hwee, presented the work of the editorial subcommittee Fundraising Sub-Committee Chairperson of the fundraising subcommittee, Mr Calvin Koh Chin Khoon, presented the statement of accounts for Flag Day 2016 and thanked the sponsors, donors and volunteers for their support Human Resource Sub-Committee Chairperson of the human resource subcommittee, Dr Choong Chew Thye, reported no staff movement Membership Development Sub-Committee Chairperson of the membership development subcommittee, Dr Lim Kim Whee, reported a steady drop in membership over the years. He urged members to actively seek their friends and relatives to volunteer at ECG Training & Education Sub-Committee Chairperson of the training and education subcommittee, Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon, reported the various training and education programs, especially the recent Asian Oceania Epilepsy Congress held in May 2016 in Hong Kong Volunteers, Welfare, and Social Integration Sub-Committee Chairperson of the volunteers, welfare and social integration subcommittee, Mr Chan Wen Ting, presented the events and activities organized over the past year. 4.3 Mr Calvin Koh Chin Khoon proposed to adopt the Honorary Secretary s report. Mdm Mok Wai Pun seconded the motion. The Honorary Secretary s report was thus adopted without any amendments. 5 Adoption of the Audited Financial Statements 5.1 The Honorary Treasurer, Mr Lee Soon Chua, presented the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March It was resolved that the audited financial statements for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 be adopted as proposed by Mr Tan Zheng Yuan and seconded by Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon. The Audited Financial Statements was thus adopted without any amendments. 6 Election of the 22 nd Executive Council for the year 2016/ The Election Officer, Dr Lim Kim Whee, conducted the election of the 22 nd Executive Council and received the following nominations: 6.2 President: Dr Choong Chew Thye Vice-President: Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon Honorary Secretary: Mr Goh Keng Hwee Asst Secretary: Mr Tan Jun Long Honorary Treasurer: Mr Tan Zheng Yuan Asst Treasurer: Mr Lee Soon Chua Welfare Officer: Mr Chan Wen Ting Committee Members: Ms Goi Ming Ying Mr Calvin Koh Chin Khoon Dr Leong Wei Shin Mr Tony Loh Kia Hiang Ms Mok Wai Pun Mr Ang Wei Jie 10

11 MINUTES OF THE 21 st Annual General Meeting 6.3 As there was contest for the committee members, a voting was held to determine the elected ones into office. 6.4 The voting was held with the following rule: Each member present (including the contestants) was allowed to vote for the 5 seats of the committee members. The first voting exercise concluded with the following results: S/N Name of Nominee No. of Votes 01 Mr Ang Wei Jie Ms Goi Ming Ying Mr Calvin Koh Chin Khoon Dr Leong Wei Shin Mr Tony Loh Kia Hiang 9 06 Ms Mok Wai Pun 9 Spoilt: 1 vote 6.5 As Ms Mok Wai Pun and Mr Tony Loh Kia Hiang obtained the same number of votes, a second round of voting was held to determine the final seat. The voting was held with the following rule: Each member present was allowed to vote for the final seat. The voting concluded with the following results: S/N Name of Nominee No. of Votes 01 Mr Tony Loh Kia Hiang 6 02 Ms Mok Wai Pun 6 Spoilt: 1 vote 6.6 As Ms Mok Wai Pun and Mr Tony Loh Kia Hiang finished with the same number of votes again, a third round of voting was held to determine the final seat. The voting was held with the following rule: Each present member was allowed to vote for the final seat. The voting concluded with the following results: S/N Name of Nominee No. of Votes 01 Mr Tony Loh Kia Hiang 5 02 Ms Mok Wai Pun 8 11

12 MINUTES OF THE 21 st Annual General Meeting 6.7 With the results of the voting for the final seat, the Election Officer, Dr Lim Kim Whee announced to the General Meeting the elected members who would form the 22 nd Executive Council: President: Vice-President: Honorary Secretary: Asst Secretary: Honorary Treasurer: Asst Treasurer: Welfare Officer: Committee Members: Dr Choong Chew Thye Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon Mr Goh Keng Hwee Mr Tan Jun Long Mr Tan Zheng Yuan Mr Lee Soon Chua Mr Chan Wen Ting Ms Mok Wai Pun Mr Calvin Koh Chin Khoon Dr Leong Wei Shin Mr Ang Wei Jie Ms Goi Ming Ying 7 Appointment of Auditor 7.1 The 22 nd Executive Council was empowered to appoint an auditor for Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore) for the period up to the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Group and the incoming Executive Council was authorized to fix the remuneration of the auditor. 8 Any Other Business 8.1 The general meeting was informed that there was no written motion received under Article 27 of The Constitution of Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore). As such, the Annual General Meeting was called to a close at 1715 hrs. 8.2 A note of thanks was accorded to all present. Recorded by: Confirmed by: Tan Jun Long Assistant Secretary Goh Keng Hwee Honorary Secretary 12

13 SECRETARIES Report Dear Members and Friends As we look back on the Financial Year 2016/2017, we thought it would be a good time to provide a year in review of the activities and initiatives ECG has led. As always, ECG continues to remain committed to creating a culture of helping our members integrate into society. We continue to organize celebrations/get-together events at key milestone and festivals. We thank each member who had taken the time and effort to attend and engage with the community at such events. As you would have probably heard from multiple reports by now, a group of us, 19 in fact, attended the 11 th Asian Oceania Epilepsy Congress held in Hong Kong. As the attendees would testify, it was indeed a humbling experience learning from our counterparts in Hong Kong. Advocating for epilepsy awareness and education remains a top priority for us and a research team has been formed to focus on the key initiatives that we can drive for the epilepsy community locally - you will be hearing more on that in the time to come. As ECG prepares to celebrate its 25 th anniversary in 2018, we have shown that we have come a long way and made true progress. Progress come in many forms publishing the first book on epilepsy in Singapore, becoming a NCCS member, moving premises from 26 Dunearn Road to 112 Lavender Street, starting the dragon boat team etc. We had made many mistakes along the way but we have definitely learned and gained more from the journey. While it has been truly heartening to see some members been there from Day 1, we have seen an alarmingly trend of lesser engagement from the members in recent times numbers are numbers and facts are facts: we hope that each individual can make an effort to contribute more back to the epilepsy community. Remember that contributions do not only come in the form of monetary support; it can be simply the extra effort to attend any events. As we continue the journey, we remain confident that ECG can and will rise up to any challenge. This is only made possible by each and every of our members. We appeal to each individual to contribute more to the community in the years ahead. Till the next time The 22nd Executive Council Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore) held its 21 st Annual General Meeting on 20 August The following members were elected into office: President Dr Choong Chew Thye Vice President Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon Honorary Secretary Mr Goh Keng Hwee Assistant Secretary Mr Tan Jun Long Honorary Treasurer Mr Tan Zheng Yuan Assistant Treasurer Mr Lee Soon Chua Welfare Officer Mr Chan Wen Ting Council Members Mr Ang Wei Jie Ms Goi Ming Ying Mr Calvin Koh Chin Khoon Dr Leong Wei Shin Ms Mok Wai Pun 13

14 SECRETARIES Report Declaration of Conflict of Interest Council members should avoid any position of conflict of interest in any transaction, project or matter relating to the Group and should make full and frank disclosure of any such potential conflict of interest to the Council immediately. If a Council member has any interest (directly or indirectly) in any transaction, project or matter relating to the Group to be discussed at any meeting, the Council member should: (i) disclose the nature of his interest before the discussion or vote on the matter, and (ii) withdraw from the meeting. The remaining Council shall then decide on this matter. We confirm that each member of the Council and the Board of Consultants is not in a position where his personal interests may conflict with his role as a member of the Council or the Board of Consultants. We also confirm that the paid executive management of ECG does not comprise more than one-third of the Executive Council nor chair its meeting. With effect from 1 April 2011, ECG is required to submit the Governance Evaluation Checklist within six months after the end of its financial year. Sub-Committees During the first Executive Council Meeting held on 2 September 2016, the following members were designated the following responsibilities: Chair, Board of Consultants Dr Lim Kim Whee Chair, Dragon Boat Subcommittee Ms Goi Ming Ying Chair, Editorial Subcommittee Mr Goh Keng Hwee Chair, Fundraising Subcommittee Mr Tan Zheng Yuan Chair, Human Resource Subcommittee Dr Choong Chew Thye Chair, Membership Development Subcommittee Dr Lim Kim Whee Chair, Training & Education Subcommittee Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon Chair, Welfare & Social Integration Subcommittee Mr Chan Wen Ting Chair, Information & Technology Subcommittee Mr Chan Wen Ting Chair, Epilepsy Congresses Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon Chair, Research Team Dr Leong Wei Shin ECG Board of Consultants The Executive Council would like to express their gratitude to the following who were invited to serve as Honorary Consultants in their areas of specialization: Neurology Prof Michael Chee Wei Liang Dr Lim Kim Whee Psychiatry Dr Adrian Wang Chee Cheng Dentistry Dr Vijayan Loganathan 14

15 SECRETARIES Report Legal Mr Anand Nalachandran Executive Council Meetings A total of 5 meetings were held during the tenure of the 22 nd Executive Council. Care & Share Thank-You Show Led by Community Chest, the Care & Share Movement brought our nation together to show care and concern for the disadvantaged and recognised the contributions made by voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs). Under the Movement, eligible donations raised by Community Chest and 240 participating VWOs (ECG included) between 1 December 2013 and 31 March 2016, were matched dollar-for-dollar by the Government. The matched amounts go towards building the capabilities and capacities of the social service sector to meet rising needs. The Care & Share Thank-You Show held on 28 April 2016 at The MAX Pavilion, was a 90-min concert with a medley of songs and items performed by international and local artistes, as well as beneficiaries. It was The Movement s way of expressing their appreciation for the countless acts of giving that exist in our society acts that encompass the selfless sharing of time and means to make the life of someone in need a little less trying and a little more comfortable. There were also a series of videos that showed how the nation had come together to show care and concern for the less fortunate. While the beneficiaries thanked the VWOs for their unwavering assistance and encouragement, the 240 VWOs galvanised together in a mass item (represented by Mr Goh Keng Hwee) on stage to thank the donors, volunteers and Singapore in general for their generous help and support. Six ECG Exco members and two persons with epilepsy were invited to this Thank-You Show. The Guest of Honour was Deputy Prime Minister Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam. In Memoriam It was with deep sadness that ECG announced the passing of: 1) Mr Tong Mun Cheong - 10 October Conclusion Lastly, Jun Long and I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Board of Consultants and our fellow members of the 22 nd Executive Council for contributing considerable time and effort, without which all the programmes and projects during our term would not have been possible. Our thanks also go out to all our sponsors and donors for their continuous support. GOH KENG HWEE Honorary Secretary TAN JUN LONG Assistant Secretary 15

16 SUBCOMMITTEES Report Dragon Boat (ECGSparks) Subcommittee Chair Vice-Chair : Goi Ming Ying : Ang Wei Jie Community Row ECG s dragon boat subcommittee held its first dragon boat community row on 9 April 2016 with a good turnout, despite the weather. This was followed by dinner at a nearby eatery. Editorial Subcommittee Editor Sub-editors : Goh Keng Hwee : Chan Wen Ting, Tan Jun Long In financial year 2016 to 2017, the editorial subcommittee produced a total of 6 newsletters and the annual report. Fundraising Subcommittee Chair Vice-Chair Members : Tan Zheng Yuan : Tan Jun Long : Lee Soon Chua, Dr Leong Wei Shin, Mok Wai Pun, Calvin Koh The second dragon boat community row was held on 2 October th ECG Flag Day Epilepsy Care Group s (Singapore) 15th Flag Day was held on 7 January Only 34 student-volunteers from schools turned up for the event to help raise funds for the epilepsy community. The responses were dismal but inevitable as ECG was allotted the first weekend of the new school year. Nonetheless, we appreciate the help rendered by the students and the few ECG members in this fundraising project. We earnestly look forward to greater support again in the year ECG would also like to thank Tote Board for their contribution of $3, in support of our Flag Day. Income and Expenditure for ECG 15 th Flag Day January 2017 NCSS Approval No.: INCOME Total proceeds collected $18, Less: EXPENDITURE Audit fee $ Flag day tin labels $ Refreshments $ Processing fee $ Net proceeds for 15 th Flag Day $18,

17 SUBCOMMITTEES Report Information Technology Subcommittee Chair Vice-Chair Member : Chan Wen Ting : Goi Ming Ying : Ang Wei Jie Human Resource Subcommittee Chair Vice-Chair Member : Dr Choong Chew Thye : Dr Lim Kim Whee : Diana Koh The human resource subcommittee reported that in financial year as at 31 March 2017, ECG has only one paid staff. Membership Development Subcommittee Chair Vice-Chair Member : Dr Lim Kim Whee : Dr Choong Chew Thye : Goh Keng Hwee, Diana Koh 17

18 SUBCOMMITTEES Report In the year under review, there were 151 members as at 31 March Adults and children with epilepsy make up for majority of the members. Other members include their caregivers and volunteers. A breakdown of the membership into categories as at 31 March 2017 is as follows: Life Membership - 90 Ordinary membership - 61 Total Training & Education Subcommittee Chair : Diana Koh Vice-Chair : Dr Leong Wei Shin Member : Jimmy Tan EnAble EnAble is an on-going support group held on the last Wednesday of each month. It provides an atmosphere where members meet to share their experiences and learn from one another on how to care for people with epilepsy. It also provides them with an opportunity to render emotional and moral support to each other. Information Session on the 11 th Asian Oceania Epilepsy Congress An information session to brief participating members for the 11th Asian Oceania Epilepsy Congress, Hong Kong, was held on 15 April ECG would like to thank Dr Tan Bin Seng and Mrs Christina Tan for sponsoring the dinner reception. 18

19 SUBCOMMITTEES Report Dialogue Session with The Hong Kong Epilepsy Association Nineteen ECG members visited the Hong Kong Epilepsy Association in Wang Tau Hom Estate on 14 May They had an intense sharing of life experiences. An exchange of mementos between the two groups followed after the sharing. Members also toured the centre and were treated to a tea reception of local Hong Kong delicacies. Many members found the exchanges enriching from sharing their success stories and struggles. Epilepsy & Society Symposium -11 th Asian Oceania Epilepsy Congress (Hong Kong) The 11 th Asian Oceania Epilepsy Congress (AOEC) was held in Hong Kong from 13 to 16 May A strong team of nineteen delegates from ECG attended the Epilepsy and Society Symposium on 15 May The sessions covered were Naming Issue of Epilepsy in Hong Kong and Around the World, How Technology Improves Diagnosis, Self-management and Community, and lastly, Enhancing Medical and Nursing Care for Persons with Epilepsy. Members had a wonderful time meeting delegates from other parts of the world. Members also attended the Opening Ceremony of the main congress on 13 May We look forward to the next AOEC in June 2018 in Bali! Media Coverage Print - Newspaper Mr Goh Keng Hwee wrote to The Straits Times (ST) in response to an article, Optimism in the face of epilepsy ; Feb 21. The letter titled, Individualised solutions needed to help people with epilepsy was published in the ST Forum on 23 February Source: ST 23/2/

20 SUBCOMMITTEES Report Welfare & Social Integration Subcommittee Chair : Chan Wen Ting Vice-Chair : Tan Jun Long Member : Tan Zheng Yuan Singapore Garden Festival 2016 Fifty members of ECG together with their families were given complimentary tickets to the Singapore Garden Festival held from July 2016 at the Gardens by the Bay. ECG would like to thank National Parks Board for their sponsorship of admission. We certainly look forward to the next Festival in 2018! ECG 23 rd Anniversary Trip - Malacca Nineteen ECG members and their families celebrated the group s 23 rd anniversary in a two-day trip in Malacca from October Christmas Appreciation Dinner 2016 ECG closed the year with a Christmas Appreciation Get-together by the poolside at the Medical Alumni Association on 4 December Members and their families and friends were treated to a fun-filled celebration by the members of the Exco. Lucky draws were also conducted at various intervals during that evening s program with members getting to pick their choice of prizes. Old friends reconnected after many years and the evening ended with a KTV session. And last but not least, what is Christmas without a sumptuous spread of great festive food from Cedele, nasi lemak from Dr & Mrs Tan Bin Seng, and warm fellowship? ECG acknowledged the members and friends support and donations for this event. 20

21 SUBCOMMITTEES Report Lunar New Year Party 2017 The Monkey exited from this year s Lunar Calendar with a kick from the Golden Rooster, aptly performed in a mini skit by students from River Valley High School on 4 February They even hosted a series of fun, songs, dance and exciting games for everyone. And as with any Chinese New Year celebration; festive songs were sung. There were also attractive prizes given out to members who participated in ECG s very own Wheel of Fortune game depicting the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Everyone won something which brought much laughter to the members faces. The highlight of that evening was nonetheless the tossing of the auspicious Lou Hei, signifying abundance, prosperity and vigour and the sumptuous buffet dinner. Not only were the food filling to their stomachs, their heart were also filled with warmth, as they continued to share the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year. Makan Makan Tour in Bekok Twelve ECG members made an exciting one-day tour to Bekok Town in Johor Bahru on 25 February They were brought to different places to try out some of the local delicacies from the Hokkien, Teochew, Hakka, and Malay communities. On top of that, they visited a farm; a Centuries Old Train Station-Bekok s most iconic landmark, that witnessed many events here; the Hakka Cultural Center that exhibits rich cultural values of Hakka people and many vintage household appliances used by past older generations. This was indeed an opportunity for the younger ECG members to understand the traditional lifestyle back then. Last but not least, they also had their retail therapy at Bukit Indah Aeon Shopping Centre. They were then treated to a delicious Chinese dinner at the Peking restaurant before heading back to Singapore. 21

22 DONORS Honour Roll (as at 31 March 2017) $40,000 plus President s Challenge 2015 $16,000 plus Singapore Totalisator Board $6,000 plus The Shaw Foundation Pte $5,000 plus Lee Foundation Tan Ean Kiam Foundation $3,000 plus Tan Chin Tuan Foundation $1,000 plus The Late Mr Jimmy Wong $700 plus Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon $600 plus Mr Goh Keng Hwee $500 plus Dr Ho King Hee Mr Leong Wah Kheong Mr Gary Ong Kian Heng Ms Dayna Ong Yee Mun Mrs Tan Kim Hoie Mr Gerald Yeo Shibin $300 plus Dr Choong Chew Thye Dr Lim Kim Whee $200 plus Ms Boey Kit Yee Ms Goi Ming Ying Mdm Koh Gek Choo Mr Tan Jun Long Mr Jimmy Tan $100 plus Mr Chan Wen Ting Mr Darren Mr Gavin Heng Teng Hui Mdm Koh Lay Choo Mr Colin Lee Fook Kok Mr Lee Soon Chua Dr Leong Wei Shin Dr Jade Lim Shuxian Mr Tan Hui Meng Mdm Mary Yeo Asiatic Engineering Pte Ltd $80 plus Mr Ho Liam Chew $50 plus Mr Gho Wie Min Mdm Jiang Heng Mr Mok Yek Khuan Mr Jeffrey Yang $ 20 plus Mdm Bessie Chan Flag Day 2017 Ms Boey Kit Yee Dr Choong Chew Thye Mr Darren Mr Goh Keng Hwee Ms Goi Ming Ying Mr Gho Wie Min Dr Ho King Hee Mr Ho Liam Chew Mdm Kok Gek Choo Ms Diana Koh Hwee Hoon Mdm Koh Lay Choo Mr Colin Lee Fook Kok Mr Lee Soon Chua Mr Leong Wah Kheong Dr Lim Kim Whee Dr Jade Lim Shuxian Mr Mok Yek Khuan Mr Gary Ong Kian Heng Ms Dayna Ong Yee Mun Mr Tan Hui Meng Mr Jimmy Tan Mrs Tan Kim Hoie Mr Jeffrey Yang Mdm Mary Yeo Mr Gerald Yeo Shibin Asiatic Engineering Pte Ltd Lee Foundation Tan Chin Tuan Foundation The Shaw Foundation Pte..and numerous other generous donors who prefer to remain anonymous Note: In compliance with Regulation 8(1) (c) of the Charities (Institutions of a Public Character) Regulations 2007 on Duty to Donors, consent has been sought from the above donors to be acknowledged for their monetary contributions. 22

23 MISSION STATEMENT We seek to promote awareness, concerning epilepsy and to provide epilepsy related education and counselling to persons with epilepsy, their family members and to the public. PHILOSOPHY Persons with epilepsy should be treated as a group of persons who have an illness but who, for the most part can lead normal, productive and fulfilling lives. They should be able to say I have epilepsy without being rejected or discriminated against. OBJECTIVES To educate persons with epilepsy, their caregivers and the public about epilepsy. To provide opportunities and activities for meaningful social integration for persons with epilepsy and their caregivers. To advance the cause and interests of persons with epilepsy in Singapore. To provide social and emotional support for persons with epilepsy. Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore) 112 Lavender Street #03-01 Singapore Tel: (65) ecgs93@singnet.com.sg Website: ROS 226/95 WEL CA1204 HEF0043/G UEN: S95SS0164F