For years, Tan See Leng, a Wesley member of our 9.30am traditional service congregation, has dedicated her professional life to the meticulous world of operations, finance and eventually leadership. However, in 2010, a pivotal moment arrived during a career break from her auditing role, leading her down a path of profound impact and unwavering faith. Introduced to Heartware Network through a friend, See Leng was immediately drawn to the organisation’s mission: to empower youth through community service and instil in them positive values, strong character and essential skills to make a tangible difference in the community.
Established in 2000, Heartware Network is a registered Charity and Institution of Public Character (IPC) that provides a vital platform for youth volunteerism through initiatives like Youthbank 4.0, a comprehensive one-stop portal. Intrigued by their work with young people, See Leng began volunteering, readily applying her professional expertise. Within a remarkable two months, she played a crucial role in securing accreditation for their youth entrepreneurship programme.
Serving the Next Generation
During her tenure, See Leng worked closely with youths aged 14 to 35, witnessing firsthand their potential to become agents of positive change. Under her guidance, hundreds of young volunteers engaged in meaningful service, mentoring and academically supporting nearly 600 less privileged children annually and regularly visiting isolated seniors, bringing much-needed connection and care. Initially focused on volunteerism and entrepreneurship, Heartware Network underwent a strategic evolution, pivoting its focus to the foundational work of building good character and strong values in young individuals.
While her initial involvement was as a volunteer, the value See Leng brought to Heartware Network was quickly recognised. An employment offers soon followed, which she initially declined, wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the organisation while simultaneously pursuing an opportunity with a Big Four auditing firm. However, the precarious financial situation of the charity soon came to light. Facing a significant $400,000 cash deficit and struggling to meet payroll, Heartware Network’s sustainability was in jeopardy.
Stepping Up to Lead
Deeply concerned, See Leng undertook a thorough investigation into the root causes of the financial crisis. Her analysis revealed the urgent need for a comprehensive restructuring plan encompassing not only finances but also programmes, organisational structure, operations and internal processes. It was at this critical juncture that See Leng felt a distinct calling. “I felt God calling me to this task,” she reflects. With unwavering faith, she accepted the job offer, fully aware that her salary might be delayed for several months. This challenging period, she recounts, ultimately strengthened her faith and deepened her relationship with God.
For 14 impactful years, See Leng poured her heart and soul into Heartware Network. With prayer as her constant guide, she made the difficult decision to step down in the last quarter of 2024, feeling it was the right time after a fulfilling journey. Looking back, she sees the unmistakable hand of God working through every step. Despite the initial daunting financial deficit, she experienced divine favour, attracting the right people at the right time. A Christian friend’s generous loan of $100,000 provided crucial support, enabling the charity to continue its vital work. Remarkably, this debt was repaid within a year following their first successful Fundraising Gala dinner, marking a turning point towards financial stability and growth.
Over time, under See Leng’s leadership, Heartware Network flourished. The scope of their work expanded dramatically, reaching thousands of youths annually, a significant increase from the initial 500 in 2010. National projects like the SG50 Event, SEA Games, Youth Celebrate and the National Day Parade 2015 became part of their impactful portfolio. Even amidst the demanding schedule, including during her pregnancy, See Leng felt God’s protective hand, ultimately leading to the healthy birth and growth of her son, now a ten-year-old serving in Sunbeams.
Seeing Lives Changed
One of the most profound impacts See Leng witnessed was the spiritual growth of the young volunteers. Many who had drifted away from church found their way back after experiencing the transformative power of serving others. For See Leng, God’s unwavering faithfulness and favour were undeniable in enabling her to make a tangible difference in the lives of these young people.
Guiding See Leng’s work are fundamental Christian teachings. Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” serves as a crucial reminder, particularly for young adults navigating life’s distractions. Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” provides constant direction, especially in leadership, reminding her to maintain pure motives amidst inevitable disappointments.
This journey with Heartware Network has profoundly impacted See Leng’s own faith, solidifying it as a core strength. The greatest joy and fulfilment she derives from her service comes from witnessing the growth and development of the youths and her dedicated young staff, seeing them mature into responsible and contributing members of the community. Treating them like her own brothers and sisters, their progress over the years has been incredibly rewarding.
SHAPE Provided Insights
Through the challenges, including financial hurdles and the occasional harsh criticism, See Leng has experienced significant personal growth. Her heart has expanded, her understanding deepened and her soul enriched. Discovering a gift for shepherding through the SHAPE assessment, a review by Wesley to help members discover their areas of service, provided further insight into her natural inclination to guide and care for others.
Reflecting on her transformative experience, See Leng offers a powerful message to the church community: “I encourage everyone to try engaging with the wider society. It can help shape our faith, character, heart, mind and soul.” As a young ACCA graduate years ago, she never envisioned dedicating over a decade to a charitable organisation. Yet, God’s leading took her down this path, which she describes as the peak of her faith journey. Her unwavering conviction is clear: “If God calls you to a mission, He will equip you to do it.”
Photos courtesy of Tan See Leng
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