While many people prefer to take it easy after retirement, septuagenarian Mona Chin continues to dedicate her time to the poor and needy, writes FERNANDO FONG
FOR the last 16 years, 73-year-old Mona Chin has been a pillar of strength at a free clinic in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur which provides free medication and consultation to the underprivileged.
It is a path she had not expected to tread, having dedicated herself to a lifelong career of nursing in England and Singapore.
Despite the challenges, she finds joy in serving others.
This is her story.
“After finishing Form Five, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do except to continue my studies.
“At that time, there was a young man who was pursuing me relentlessly. I didn't know how to deal with it and I was not ready to be in a relationship.
“Coincidentally, at the time, a friend of mine suggested that I take up a nursing course in England as she had contacts there.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to avoid succumbing to the pressure of getting into a relationship, while at the same time giving myself a bright career outlook as a professional nurse.
“I flew to London, with a youthful desire to gain education and experience for a meaningful career.
“I spent five years in England to complete my course and became a state registered nurse (SRN).
“I came back to Malaysia and found employment in Singapore.
“I worked in three hospitals there — the National University Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital Singapore.
“At the Gleneagles Hospital, which was often frequented by the rich and famous, I was promoted to be a nursing sister (charge nurse).
“I learned to handle the organisational pressures of working in a private hospital, where patients pay a princely sum for the exclusive facilities.
“In those days, back in the 1990s, it was not uncommon for patients at the private hospital to spend S$1,000 (RM3,120) per night just for a bed, not including the medical bills.
“I had to ensure that I smiled in front of the patients all the time and serve them with the utmost hospitality, as the slightest complaint would spell trouble.
“At times, I felt like a public relations officer who had to wear a mask at work, but I quickly reminded myself that I needed to perform my duties with stride.
“One day, my colleague told me to consider furthering my career in nursing in the Middle East.
“I went for the interview and was offered a nursing job in Oman, but after much thought, I decided not to take it.
“I have always believed that success is about being happy in what you do. In 1998, I moved back to Johor Baru to take care of my mother who had a stroke. Unfortunately, she passed away a year later.
“I was sad but I also knew that I had to move on with life. I went back to work in Singapore, but I found myself unable to cope with the work pressure. I got tired, especially when working night shifts.
“Shortly after, I quit my job and came back to Malaysia. While visiting my brother in Kuala Lumpur, I came across an advertisement by international charitable non-government organisation, Hope Worldwide Malaysia, which was hiring professional nurses.
“I had wanted to give back to the society, so I saw this as a new door opening up for me. I could have stayed at home and retired comfortably without any financial worries, but I didn’t feel good about it. I felt I needed a change.
“I got the job, and 16 years on, I can say that it was perhaps the best decision I made in my life.
“Serving the poor and needy, I can see that the society is indeed full of sadness. There are many dark places in the lives of people. But there is also hope. All they need is someone to listen.
“To date, the clinic has served more than 56,000 underprivileged patients, and counting.
“The clinic is much more than just providing free healthcare for the needy. It is a place full of love, kindness and hope.
“Most of the time, the people who come here fall sick because they could not afford to eat well. Many have diabetes and have no idea how to look after themselves, so we see them dealing from complications that the disease brings.
“I do not know when I will officially retire, but I think that decision is not for me to decide. All I know is I want to keep working for as long as I am able to.
“I believe, at the end of the day, small acts of kindness can give much light to a troubled soul and have the power to keep darkness at bay.”