Mr. Yeo Whee Jim, 52, is facing the progressive loss of his physical independence due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite losing the ability to walk, feed himself, and perform basic functional tasks, he has dedicated the final phase of his life to creating a lasting charitable legacy.
Establishing a Legacy of Giving
Using payouts from critical illness and other insurance policies, Mr. Yeo has donated a six-figure sum to establish the Lok Yan and Whee Jim Fund. Started in May 2025 with the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), the fund is designed to support young caregivers from lower-income families.
The fund operates as an endowment, where donations are invested and the returns are allocated to charitable causes of Mr. Yeo’s choice. Whereas he declined to disclose the exact amount, he stated it exceeds the $200,000 minimum required for a donor-advised fund at the CFS.
Urgent Efforts to Reach Beneficiaries
To ensure Mr. Yeo can meet some of the fund’s beneficiaries, his friend Yap Su-Yin launched a fundraiser on Giving.sg on March 27. The goal is to raise $100,000 to kick-start disbursements, as the endowment’s first official tranche is not due until May 2027.
In the first two weeks of the campaign, more than $50,000 was raised. The fund is currently collaborating with Care Singapore, a social service agency, to identify youth from lower-income families who care for parents with disabilities or illnesses.
A History of Turning Pain into Purpose
What we have is not the first time Mr. Yeo has used loss to assist others. In 2014, following the death of his wife from breast cancer at age 39, he used part of her insurance proceeds to start a bursary for lower-income pupils at Mayflower Primary School.
Mr. Yeo, who comes from humble beginnings with a father who was a camera repairman and a mother who was a housewife, believes in paying forward the benefits he received from Singapore’s meritocratic system.
Navigating Life with ALS
Diagnosed in 2023, Mr. Yeo has lived past the halfway mark of the typical two to five-year survival window. Yet, his condition has progressed to the point where he requires a ventilator around the clock to breathe, and speaking has become an exhausting task.
Before his diagnosis, Mr. Yeo had a successful career in the civil service, including roles at the Public Service Division, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and as an institute director at the Civil Service College. He later started his own training consultancy in 2021.
Pursuits Beyond the Illness
Mr. Yeo has embraced new creative outlets, publishing a book of photographs and reflections and a collection of poems. He has similarly written a series of essays for The Straits Times as part of his effort to live “audaciously.”
He now relies on a caregiver and a domestic helper, both from Myanmar, for his daily needs. Despite his frustrations and initial embarrassment regarding his wheelchair, he focuses on his remaining capacities to love, speak, and make a difference.
Preparing for the Future
Mr. Yeo’s primary goal is to leave a legacy of resilience for his 20-year-old daughter. He has set aside money in a trust for her and appointed a friend and a family member as her guardians.
He hopes his daughter will learn from his final phase of life—specifically his ability to open up, accept help, and show that love is a “two-way street.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Lok Yan and Whee Jim Fund?
The fund is a charitable endowment designed to help young caregivers from lower-income families who are caring for parents with disabilities or illnesses.
What is ALS and how does it affect the body?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neurone disease that causes the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It affects the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe, with respiratory failure being the most common cause of death.
How did Mr. Yeo fund his charitable initiatives?
Mr. Yeo used payouts from his critical illness and other insurance policies to fund his current charitable efforts. Previously, he used insurance proceeds from his late wife to establish a school bursary.
How can individuals best prepare a lasting legacy for their loved ones during times of crisis?
