Silent Mentor Program Honors Lawrance Sin on Ullambana Day
The Buddhist Channel, 18 August 2024
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- On August 18, 2024, the Xiao En Centre in Cheras hosted a silent mentor workshop initiation ceremony to honor the life and generosity of Lawrance Sin Yik Fei, who passed away in an accident on April 29, 2019. Sin, remembered for his selflessness and dedication to helping others, was posthumously enrolled in the silent mentor program, which uses donated bodies for medical education and research.
Photo Credit: Academy for Silent Mentor
St. John's Ambulance of Southern Selangor, where Sin was an active member, paid tribute to him in a memorial, highlighting his commitment to serving the sick and needy. After his passing, Sin's parents signed him up for the silent mentor program, extending his legacy of helping others through medical education.
At the ceremony, Sin's life and contributions were remembered, painting a picture of a generous individual. The event also featured remarks from Professor Dr. Chin Kin Fah, Chairman and Founding Director of the Academy For Silent Mentor.
Dr. Chin shared how his experience as a medical student in Scotland, working with an anonymous donor, inspired him to create a program in Malaysia where students could learn more about their mentors' lives. This approach aims to foster values of gratitude, respect, and compassion among future medical practitioners.
A silent mentor is a person who donates their body for medical research and training, an act that is viewed as generous and compassionate in Buddhism. This donation supports the education of doctors and medical students, helping them improve their skills and ultimately save lives. The program also allows the families of donors to dedicate merits to their loved ones as a way of honoring their memory.
Photo Credit: Academy for Silent Mentor
Lawrance Sin's initiation into the silent mentor program took place on Ullambana Day, a day significant in Chinese Buddhism for teaching filial piety and making offerings to the Buddha and Sangha. Through his donation, Sin's selflessness continues to impact the medical community, serving as a tool for learning and inspiration for future doctors.
Silent mentors like Sin help shape doctors into more empathetic and dedicated professionals by reminding them of the sanctity of life and the responsibilities they carry in their profession.
Sin's legacy lives on through this profound act of generosity.
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For more information on the Silent Mentor programme, please visit: https://www.isilentmentor.com/