The Dr and Mrs Chee Kim Hoe Endowment Fund (the Fund) imbues a legacy of perseverance, learning, and service spanning three generations. Established in memory of Dr and Mrs Chee Kim Hoe, it carries forward their belief in education as a transformative force, enabling children from diverse backgrounds to access better opportunities and brighter futures.

Today, the Fund is guided by a grant committee led by Robin Chee, son of the late Dr and Mrs Chee Kim Hoe, together with his wife Pele, cousin Janet, and family friend Anthony. Together, they ensure that the family’s philanthropic mission continues to grow in reach and relevance.

A Legacy Rooted in Determination and Knowledge

The Chee family’s story began with Robin’s grandfather, who came to Singapore from China as a bookkeeper. Through hard work and prudent investments in property, he laid the foundation for the family’s future giving. Their family home, once on the site of the former Tanglin Shopping Centre, is symbolic of their journey from humble beginnings to meaningful community impact.

His son, Dr Chee Kim Hoe, embodied this spirit through academic brilliance. In Singapore, he was the top student in his Senior Cambridge exams when studying in St Joseph’s Institution. He later pursued degrees in Philosophy and Medicine, concurrently in different universities in Dublin; and specialised in internal medicine. Returning with his wife, Dr Joyce Chee, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, they established a clinic on Tanglin Road, combining professionalism with their passion for learning.

When Dr Chee Kim Hoe passed away, he left not only his estate, but also a heartfelt wish; that part of it be dedicated to helping financially needy persons gain access to education.

From a Family Wish to a Living Legacy

Working closely with the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), the endowment fund was created to honour this wish and gave structure to the family’s philanthropy. By establishing clear goals and decision-making processes, the committee thus, remain focused on making meaningful impact, while CFS managed the administrative and grantmaking duties of the Fund.

“We wanted the donation to be able to have the multiplier effect in reaching out to more people,” Robin reflected.

This structure allowed the committee to see the direct results of their giving, from financial assistance to programs that nurture students’ personal growth.

Supporting Schools and Nurturing Students

Given the family’s long ties to mission schools across generations, the Fund naturally extended its support to these institutions. Often rich in values-driven education yet underfunded, they provide a foundation aligned with the family’s belief in compassion, character, and academic excellence.

“We decided to focus our giving on mission schools. They don’t always get the funding they need, and we feel that they nurture students in a way that’s grounded and compassionate.”

What began as bursaries soon grew into book prizes recognising effort and improvement, as well as general-purpose funds for essentials such as transport, medical expenses, and learning materials. Schools were given the autonomy to use the funds where they are needed most, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness.

Beyond Financial Support: Creating Spaces and Moments of Connection

Over the years, the Fund evolved to support a wider range of initiatives. At CHIJ Lady Queen of Peace, it backed cyber-awareness programmes to advocate and protect students from scams and cyberbullying. At CHIJ Toa Payoh, it helped create The Treehouse – a safe space where students can reflect, study and most importantly, to rest.

One of the most memorable moments was when some students asked to meet the donors. Conversations flowed late into the evening, bridging generations and inspiring students to see education as a lifelong journey rather than a straight path.

“It was an honest, heartwarming exchange,” Robin and Pele recalled. “We talked about how career planning, how it might not pan out as planned, but that’s OK. The students were curious and engaged. We ended up talking till 8 pm. The school had to chase us out!”

Preserving Memory, Inspiring the Future

Like the restoration of old family photographs—a personal passion within the family—the Fund kept memories alive while creating new opportunities for the next generation. It honoured the values of Dr and Mrs Chee Kim Hoe while ensuring their legacy grows with time.

From a grandfather’s perseverance to a father’s intellectual legacy, and now a family’s collective giving, the Dr and Mrs Chee Kim Hoe Endowment Fund stand as a testament to how values endure across generations by opening doors, nurturing potential, and empowering students for decades to come.

“It’s not just about money, Robin adds. “It’s about keeping a legacy alive and doing it in a way that continues to make a difference to the lives of these students, futureproofing it for our next generations.”