Reported by:
Chloe Soh Ke Er Sr1ScH
Photography by:
Kuen Cheng Photography Club
On August 3, 2024, the Academic Department of Kuen Cheng High School organized an enlightening talk on silent mentors for both levels of Junior Middle Two and Senior Middle One. The event, held in the school hall, featured Professor Dr. Chin Kin Fah, Founder of the Academy for Silent Mentor Training Centre—Malaysia’s only institution dedicated to body donation, the silent mentor, for the study of medicine.
Dr. Chin shared his journey of discovering the importance of hands-on learning in medical education. Reflecting on his university years in Scotland, he recounted his first encounter with real human organs during a dissection. He soon learned that many bodies were sourced from unknown origins, with some organs even being purchased from outside of the country, raising ethical concerns about voluntary donations.
This talk provided students with a profound understanding of the significance of silent mentors in advancing medical education through ethical body donations.
Dr. Chin Kin Fah, Founder of the Academy for Silent Mentor Training Centre
Dr. Chin’s vision for the Silent Mentor Program was sparked by the pioneering efforts of Tzu Chi University, which launched the world’s first silent mentor initiative. Inspired by this model, he was determined to introduce a similar program at the Universiti Malaya. Despite initial challenges, particularly due to Malaysia’s diverse multiracial and cultural landscape, Dr. Chin and his team have successfully overcome these hurdles in the end.
The donation of Malaysia’s first two silent mentors marked a significant milestone, leading to the establishment of the Academy for Silent Mentor on October 5, 2016. The academy’s logo was designed by the medical students, holding significance and radiance. Shaped like a dandelion, it reflects the positivity, growth, and enduring legacy of the silent mentors. Each ‘i’ in the logo represents a mentor, with one standing out to signify the transition into the afterlife, celebrating their lasting contribution to medical education.
Logo of the Academy for Silent Mentor
Following a brief meditation session, Dr. Chin introduced Ms. Kam Bao Juan, a remarkable individual who bravely battled breast cancer and chose to become a silent mentor as a way to give back to society.
The talk concluded with students from the Academy sharing their personal experiences from various workshops. They spoke about how the program has helped people rediscover a sense of purpose during difficult times. An alumnus of Kuen Cheng High School, now a student at IMU University, added a poignant reflection, stating that everyone we encounter—whether in school or in life—can serve as a mentor. This inspiring sentiment brought the meaningful talk to a close.
An alumnus of Kuen Cheng High School sharing her views
Group photo