Kidney patient’s son carries on legacy of donating to NKF
SUTL head Arthur Tay takes after his father in supporting NKF’s dialysis and sustainability efforts.
In 1999, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) sought funds to establish a dialysis center at its headquarters in Kim Keat Road. Renowned philanthropist Tay Choon Hye, founder of SUTL, contributed $5 million. He proposed adding aquariums to comfort patients enduring four-hour dialysis treatments. SUTL subsequently covers the center's maintenance costs, approximately $20,000 annually.
Tragically, Tay, battling kidney failure for about a decade, passed away in 2002. However, his philanthropic spirit endures through his son, Arthur Tay, who now leads SUTL.
When the NKF needed to renovate the center after 25 years, SUTL generously donated $4 million. The funds enabled the expansion of dialysis stations from 21 to 36 and the installation of a groundbreaking Centralised Acid Concentrate Delivery System. Arthur Tay was particularly enthusiastic about this system, which has significantly reduced the number of plastic containers needed to store acid concentrate at the center by nearly 30,000 annually.
Recognizing the environmental impact, he emphasized the reduction in plastic waste as a matter close to his heart.
Arthur Tay views philanthropy as a means of giving, rather than accumulating wealth. His father's teachings guided him to use his success for the benefit of others. Among his favorite charities are the Singapore Heart Foundation and community-focused organizations in West Coast and Pasir Panjang, where he actively engages as a grassroots leader.
Bursaries and community support form the bulk of his donations, but his devotion to NKF remains unwavering. Arthur Tay attributes this dedication to the profound impact of his father's illness and the essential role of compassionate, reliable dialysis care.
His commitment to NKF was evident when he donated over $33,000 in hongbao received on his 60th birthday to the organization. This tradition will continue at his 70th birthday celebration in August 2026. In 2023, SUTL contributed $275,000 to NKF to mark the foundation's 55th anniversary, further solidifying Arthur Tay's commitment to the cause.
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