Ang flanked by her husband Khoo Ee Cheang (left) and her son Khoo Yoeng Ming after receiving her DJN. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
THE idea of dedicating one’s life to a social cause is daunting but Ang Chye Hoon, 66, has done just that for over three decades now.
Ang said she grew up watching her father help others and when she realised she could do it, she made it her calling.
She is dubbed “Panadol” as people with problems look to her to alleviate their woes.
She said it had not been easy, but seeing children succeed and becoming independent had kept her going.
Ang started her own association called “Saddhamma Social Work” more than 30 years ago, with two social workers.
She works with the Penang Welfare Department and other organisations to help underprivileged families.
“Sometimes, the problem is something small like needing money to pay their schoolgoing children’s bus fare.
“Sometimes, it is something major like needing to arrange for surgery.
“I look into ways to make their lives better, including helping the children get into college and then securing work.”
She said it makes her happy to see some of those she helped, going on to have much better lives, including buying their own homes.
She was speaking after she received the Darjah Johan Negeri (DJN) honour for her contribution to society at an investiture ceremony at Dewan Sri Pinang.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the 74th birthday of Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
Ang said the cases she usually handled concerned financial, employment or health issues.
“The families are so used to approaching me that they call me their ‘Panadol’ as I help ease their pain.
“For example, I help them fill up forms to get government aid.
“I cannot pick a particular case and cannot remember how many I have handled, but I do keep in touch with some of the families.
“It is nice to see them do well and improve their lives,” she said.
As she does this entirely on a voluntary basis, Ang said she was lucky to have a supportive family.
“I am honoured by this recognition, but what drives me is my belief that we must help others,” she added.
Among the people who were also honoured on the same day were Penang Women’s Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng and Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa communications director Datuk Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman.
