In December 2007, when most people took advantage of the festive season and holidays to rest and relax, six JTC officers put on their work boots and dirtied their hands. Not to oversee a JTC project but to create a better environment for an orphanage in Cambodia.

JTC’s adopted charity, Students Care Service, had initiated a programme to lead 15 youths to an orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The JTC officers – whose day jobs ranged from marketing, industrial planning to customer service – set off on the trip with a passion to make a difference to the children in the orphanage.

They put their skills to good use by planning and enhancing the infrastructure of the orphanage. The volunteers built a road leading to the orphanage; and a volleyball court. They also built a vegetable patch so that the children could enjoy home-grown ‘organic’ food. These were challenging tasks given the limited manpower. However, everyone worked hand-in-hand on the projects and the volunteers accomplished what they set out to achieve. This exemplified the power of teamwork.

It was not just all work and no play at Cambodia. During leisure, the volunteers gave the children a crash course on a musical instrument and indulged themselves in games and songs. The volunteers and the children had a great time and enjoyed themselves, and wished that they could spend more time together.

During their stint there, the volunteers learnt the value of living a simple life and appreciating what life has to offer. They were also heartened that their expertise was put to good use and that they played a part in enhancing the lives of the children. The fruit of their labour was not just the amenities built but the smiles on the children’s faces and the warm welcome extended by people who may be materially poor but spiritually rich.

Let’s hear from the team on their experiences in Cambodia:

Lim Ai Ting, Senior Land Resource Analyst and expedition leader: “It is only through such experiences that we realise how truly fortunate we are. Things we took for granted, such as a simple meal, can bring such joy to the orphans in Cambodia.”

Regent Khor, Senior Officer (Marketing): “This trip has enabled me to see the problems faced by people from a different socio-economic background. During the two weeks, I had the chance to get to know the Cambodian youths and understand what they are thinking.”

Inn Oh, Assistant Manager (Planning): “There is an angel living in everyone’s heart always ready to guide each and every one of us through the darkest days with his light of hope. As it turns out, a beautiful life is all that is simple.”

Eddy Ong, Senior Officer (Lease Management): “I went on this trip to help the orphans. Never did I expect to gain such invaluable life experiences and receive a gift in return – the need to appreciate. My life has been greatly enriched as a result.”

Terry Tan, Property Executive: “The environment, spirit and happy faces of the children really touched my heart.”

Yeoh Cheng Yow, Senior Officer (Marketing): “A piece of bread, a construction brick, a worn-out tyre. These simple things gave such joy to the orphans. This expedition has taught me to appreciate life, friends and my family even more.”


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