Together For Good
Empowering Change Through Purpose
“Leading a purposeful life isn’t about hitting every high note; it’s about running your marathon at your own pace, surrounded by the people who matter most.”
From 8 Nov 2024 – 31 Mar 2025, SLH staff Tan Chin Hock is embarking on a heartfelt mission to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) through his inspiring book, It’s Ok To Be Average: YOU CAN STILL LEAD A PURPOSEFUL LIFE.
Together For Good
Empowering Change Through Purpose
“Leading a purposeful life isn’t about hitting every high note; it’s about running your marathon at your own pace, surrounded by the people who matter most.”
From 8 Nov 2024 – 31 Jan 2025, SLH staff Tan Chin Hock is embarking on a heartfelt mission to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) through his inspiring book, It’s Ok To Be Average: YOU CAN STILL LEAD A PURPOSEFUL LIFE.
Through personal stories and reflections, Chin Hock illustrates how every individual — even those who consider themselves “average”— can find joy and purpose in life. His journey reinforces the belief that every life has inherent value, a sentiment that aligns deeply with SLH’s mission.
As a purpose-driven organisation, SLH is committed to transforming lives holistically through our Clinical, Social, and Pastoral (CSP) model of care, where our patients are healed, helped and remain hopeful. This approach restores not only physical health but also hope and purpose, guiding each patient on a journey from Wellness to Wholeness.
About The Author
An earnest man, an Average Joe who wants to inspire others to build a better world.
Tan Chin Hock does not always do it in the savviest of ways but over the past two decades he has been regularly promoting filial piety and family values, donating blood, raising funds for charity, and giving free photography services and workshops to the poor and marginalised.
And what gives Chin Hock the authority to write a book on leading a purposeful life? Well, there are certainly many experts out there with more credentials and experiences than he has, who could easily write this book. But here’s the thing: everything he writes about, he’s lived, felt, and observed firsthand. That’s why he wants to share his perspective with the reader. He’s not under any illusion that his story is particularly unique, but he does believe that it might offer some light to others.
Invitation To Support
For donations of $100 and above, a complimentary copy of the book will be gifted as a token of appreciation (limited quantities available).
All donations enjoy 250% tax deduction. Our fundraising Team will reach out to you via email separately to co-ordinate the mailing of the books. Please provide your email address when making the donation.
Funds raised will go towards our Patient Welfare Fund to help:
Care for the whole person in our general and dedicated dementia, wounds and palliative wards.
Provide financial assistance for patients requiring medical care, home modifications and transport
Improve access to community healthcare services
Sample Chapter
Foreword
I have frequently remarked that there are many hidden gems at St Luke’s Hospital (SLH).
Chin Hock, our “average Joe”, is definitely one of them. In fact, Chin Hock epitomises that because of his self-effacing ways. However, if you take the time to get to know Chin Hock, beneath his pleasant and humble disposition, belies a remarkable character and inner strength forged by circumstances beyond him and shaped by his ability to sense make these challenges, adapt and pivot in a way that not only keeps him giving to society but stay wholesome as a person.
The book was a real joy to read. Chin Hock has kept each chapter succinct with a key theme that he seeks to deliver. He uses his own life experiences to illustrates the point he is making through each chapter, and this helps the reader to identify with the issues at stake. He references notable quotes from renowned people to highlight the point and he ends each chapter with suggestions for personal application.
The different chapters of the books are like stars of the Ursa Minor and Ursa Major… when one connects these stars, it points to the Polaris or North Star.
Star gazing requires one to be at a right spot to see the stars, allow our eyes to adapt to the darkness before taking time to observe the individual stars. To enjoy and get most of the book, one has to be intentional, to not only read but reflect on what’s written and to consider how it can strengthen our being so that we will be better in our doing.
The book comes at a time when the world is growing increasingly VUCA. The seas of change brought about by pandemic, wars and technology have swept nations and Singapore is not spared. These changes can result in much stress and disillusionment especially when individuals are not anchored or strong in His or Her Being.
“It’s Okay to Be Average: You Can Still Lead a Purposeful Life” will help you strengthen your Being in areas that’s perhaps been neglected or ignored in ways such that you not only cope better but thrive in your station in life.
A/Prof Tan Boon Yeow
CEO, St Luke’s Hospital
Invitation To Support
For donations of $100 and above, a complimentary copy of the book will be gifted as a token of appreciation (limited quantities available).
All donations enjoy 250% tax deduction. Our fundraising Team will reach out to you via email separately to co-ordinate the mailing of the books. Please provide your email address when making the donation.
Reviews
Chin Hock aptly captured the essence of living – the need to know our North Star, what we truly value, and the importance of living life to the fullest in a meaningful way that blesses others, and not one tied down by the shackles of materialism. His book provides pragmatic views on various topics, including personal resilience, finding life balance and time management.
Being thankful for each day that we are alive to serve a large purpose and to serve others is a virtue. I recommend this book to those who are seeking a greater meaning to life and who desire to live a life of stewardship.
Mr Ngien Hoon Ping
Group CEO
SMRT Corporation
I enjoyed reading this book tremendously, which I did on an overseas work trip. Peppered with personal anecdotes and concrete suggestions, the book is very readable and has a refreshingly authentic feel to it. The reminder to focus on purpose, passion and relationships (with self and others) is timely.
In an era where joy and purpose may have been drowned out of the lives of many, Chin Hock has shared numerous practical tips that can help us lead a meaningful life despite life’s challenges and problems.
Prof Ling San
Deputy President/Provost
Nanyang Technological University
I spent the weekend reading Chin Hock’s book ‘‘It’s Ok to be Average.’’ It is written in a readable style, and I felt that Chin Hock was pouring out his hard-earned experiences to benefit the reader. I agree with all that Chin Hock shared as these are the very practices I have adopted over the years to get me to where I am today. The essence of the writing is to find your purpose as it will be the star guiding you onto the path that will give meaning to your life. Wealth without meaning gives rise to emptiness.
Without a purpose, you will inevitably find distractions and merely enjoy momentary happiness, seeking and moving from one distraction to the next. The focus is also to develop an authentic self. In trying to be like another person, you can, at best, be a poor imitation because you do not have the same abilities and life experiences. It is when you stand out as a person, unique to yourself, that you can gain respect and trust. It is impossible to trust an individual who is just a shadow of a person. Happiness stems from having a sense of gratitude. I highly recommend ‘‘It’s Ok to be Average’’ to those who are seeking answers to a more meaningful life.
Dr Gerard Ee
Chairman
Agency for Integrated Care
Chin Hock’s “It’s Ok to be Average” is a beacon of inspiration for those seeking a meaningful life. With humble beginnings and relentless determination, Chin Hock’s own story and perspectives resonate with raw honesty and unwavering optimism. He proves that personal success is attainable for everyone, irrespective of background.
By emphasising practicality, Chin Hock equips readers with tangible actions to overcome challenges and pursue goals. This makes it invaluable for those feeling lost or even disadvantaged; and serves as a reflection for those doing well. His authentic voice and relatable anecdotes ensure accessibility to a wide audience, offering genuine hope and inspiration. Whether seeking direction or encouragement, “It’s Ok to be Average” promises a lasting impact.
Ms Mary Liew
General Secretary
Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union
Thank You For Your Support!
Your support means the world to us. Together, we can make this fundraiser a success and transform our community, one life at a time. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
