ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Tsem Rinpoche Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable foundation that focuses on causes such as education for the underprivileged, animal care and environmental issues.
- WHY EDUCATION?
Because education is the key to a better future for the underprivileged. - WHY ENVIRONMENT?
Because the Earth is our home and we must protect it. - WHY ANIMALS?
Because all living creatures deserve a life of happiness free from pain.
HISTORY
A UNIQUE BOND
Our story began with two visionary individuals who come from social backgrounds that are worlds apart. One is a businesswoman at the top of her game while the other prefers a life of quiet contemplation.
Yet, their common purpose of giving back to society by helping those in need irrespective of race, religion or creed formed an unbreakable bond that led to the establishment of Tsem Rinpoche Foundation.
A NEW CHAPTER
Under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s Department, the Tsem Rinpoche Foundation (formerly known as the Tsem Tulku Foundation) was established in 2011 under the governance of ten trustees.
Our founding trustees, Datuk May Phng and Tsem Rinpoche had successfully created a platform where like-minded people could come together to create real change and a better quality of life in their communities.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
In 2016, Tsem Rinpoche Foundation was granted tax-exempt status under subsection 44(6) of The Malaysian Income Tax Act 1967 by the Ministry of Finance – a very positive development for our supporters and beneficiaries alike.
Today, the Foundation continues to focus primarily on the areas of educational assistance for the underprivileged, care for neglected animals and environmental issues.
OUR PILLARS
ANIMAL CARE
ENVIRONMENT
EDUCATION
TSEM RINPOCHE
FOUNDING TRUSTEEKEY PEOPLE
TSEM RINPOCHE
Well-known for his community-driven work in Malaysia, India and Nepal, Tsem Rinpoche draws inspiration from his difficult life experiences to conceptualise charitable projects that have, amongst others, furnished schools and hospitals for the poor in India, helped disaster victims in Nepal and fed hundreds of thousands of homeless and urban poor people in Malaysia.
Like his hero, Mother Teresa, his mission in life is to alleviate as many difficulties from as many people as he can.
DATUK MAY PHNG
Known for her business acumen, Datuk May Phng was the Chairman of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Shanghai and Suzhou, a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC), a Committee Member of the Malaysian Rubber Products Manufacturers’ Association (MRPMA) and director of companies across diverse industries from motor vehicles to clean room technologies.
A strong proponent of education, Datuk funded tertiary education scholarships, built community centres in rural areas and was a life coach with an adult experiential program to create excellence in people to achieve their goals. She is a strong supporter of the Help Education Fund and various medical and cancer charities.
DATUK MAY PHNG
FOUNDING TRUSTEEJP THONG
A former hotelier and property developer, JP Thong found his calling as a charity worker and uses his skills and entrepreneurial experience to help the less fortunate through various charitable and non-profit organisations.
His notable works include his time as the President of the Asiaworks Foundation which supports orphaned, underprivileged, abused and special needs children. During his term, he initiated the Community Chest which allows registered non-profit organisations to appeal for funds to support projects which empower children to live their life to their fullest potential.
JP THONG
TRUSTEEDATO’ COLIN TAN
Dato’ Colin Tan is the Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director of the multi-award winning Hatten Group, a fast-rising conglomerate specialising in property development and asset management.
A successful businessman who believes that there is more to life than corporate success, Dato’ combines his business experience with his passion for charity work to empower many lives through the CSR initiative, Hatten Cares, and Tsem Rinpoche Foundation.
