New building opening ceremony Report

Constructed at a cost of $4.5 million, the building became operational in August 2007. A grand opening ceremony was held at 2 pm on 9 November 2008 and Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Community Development, Youth and Sports, was invited as our guest-of-honour. Participants at the event include members of the Buddhist community, our supporters as well as patients who have benefited from our free clinic consultations.

In his message, Dr Balakrishnan praised the Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic (SBFC) for the outstanding services that it had rendered to the society throughout the past 39 years of its existence. As Dr Balakrishnan pressed the crystal ball, the plague commemorating the event was unveiled. This event, which was also witnessed by the Board of Directors, marks a new milestone in the history of the SBFC.

As a token of appreciation to the various Buddhist organizations and individuals for their unwavering support in the past 39 years, SBFC had given out a total of 108 souvenirs in the event, which was the highest number of awards that it had given out in its history.

Entertainment programmers for that day include dance, choir and pugilistic performances put up by Buddhist organizations and Buddhist schools. These programmers brought the celebratory mood to an even higher level.

Dr Balakrishnan visited the stations that showcase acupuncture and cupping treatment techniques, enthusiastically posing questions to the practitioners. The chief physician was there to answer the guest-of-honour's questions. At his tour of the Ming En Ge, which is a historical walkway located on the sixth floor of the building, Dr Balakrishnan was briefed by Ong Siew Lean (secretary of the board of directors) on the valuable contributions made by the Venerable Hong Choon and Siong Khye, as well as chronological events in the SBFC's 39-year history.

Ming En Ge captures SBFC's historical development of the past 39 years. On display there were memorabilia of the SBFC. Members of the public are welcome to pay a visit. Booking for visits by a group of 8 persons or more can be made directly by telephone so that guides can be assigned to accompany the groups during their visit. Visiting hours are Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The hall located at the seventh floor of the SBFC building has a capacity of 120 and is suitable for holding small-scale seminars or celebratory events. The conference room on the fifth floor can accommodate 40 persons, and can be used for holding small group meetings. Buddhist organizations (members will be given priority) that intend to make a booking for using these premises can contact the administrative office of SBFC.

Click to download Rules governing the booking of the hall and conference room.