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The NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Mr Ong Pang Boon, Chairman of the Mee Toh
will soon be able to boost its research and teachings in Foundation said, “Our Foundation traces its roots to
Buddhist Studies, thanks to a generous gift of S$500,000 Venerable Sek Kong Hiap who started Mee Toh School
from Mee Toh Foundation. because of his dedication to the cause of education. We
are delighted to work with NUS to promote a deeper
The gift will enable the establishment of the Mee Toh understanding of Buddhism and Buddhist studies
Foundation Visiting Professorship in Buddhist Studies, among Singaporeans.”
augmenting FASS’ Buddhist Studies offerings with
fresh perspectives on the history, philosophy, art, and Prof Qu Hsueh Ming, Head of the FASS Department of
literature of Buddhism. Philosophy, added, “The establishment of the Mee Toh
To be administered over the course of five years from Foundation Visiting Professorship in Buddhist Studies
2024 by the Department of Philosophy at FASS, the new underscores our commitment to academic excellence
Visiting Professorship will be awarded annually to a and the cultivation of cross-cultural awareness.
distinguished Buddhist studies academic/expert who Buddhist Studies holds the potential to encourage more
will teach undergraduate courses, spearhead research academic discourse by offering fresh outlooks not only
endeavours and deliver public lectures related to the in the area of philosophy, but also in religion, history,
field. The appointed Visiting Professor’s focal areas may philosophy, art, and literature. By embracing these
encompass Buddhist philosophy, history in Buddhist perspectives, interdisciplinary research flourishes,
studies, and literature related to Buddhist studies, in enriching our comprehension of various fields of
order to foster a comprehensive exploration of this knowledge.”
multifaceted field.
Mee Toh Foundation is a registered charity incorporated
FASS Dean Professor Lionel Wee said, “Singapore, in 2016. Besides supporting the underprivileged and
a culturally diverse nation, is home to a tapestry of welfare organisations, the Foundation provides financial
religious and cultural traditions, including Buddhism. help to three Buddhist schools in Singapore (Mee Toh
A deeper understanding of one another’s culture and School, Maha Bodhi School and Manjusri Secondary
religion will promote mutual understanding and foster School). Through the Visiting Professorship at NUS,
a greater sense of respect within society. We are pleased it hopes to bring more awareness to the public about
to partner with the Mee Toh Foundation to provide Buddhist Studies.
invaluable opportunities for students, scholars, and the
broader community to engage with world-renowned Source: www.Buddhistchannel.tv EH
experts so as to enrich their understanding of this rich
subject.” The search for the first Visiting Professor will
commence soon.