A sharing by Ling Ai Ee as told to Ling Sing Lin
I was born in Singapore but lived in Kuala Lumpur from the time I was 13 years old. I went to secondary school and medical school in KL. When my children were 4 and 5 years old respectively, my family decided to relocate to Singapore.
Having to balance the role of a young mother as well as a doctor, I decided to specialize in non clinical subjects. I obtained a diploma in Bacteriology and later qualified for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. I was appointed head of Virology and also of Serology in the Department of Pathology in SGH.
Musical Journey
Music had always been my first love, but my father had ruled it out as a career for me. I received first a performing diploma, and subsequently a teaching diploma (LRSM or Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music).
I provided piano accompaniment for singers, gave 2-piano recitals (2 pianists performing at the same time), performed with my husband on television, amongst others. My husband loved the performing arts, and the whole family was roped in to help in various tasks, including our two young kids. He produced musicals and operettas, and organised galas (social occasions with special entertainment). I was choral master, vocal coach for singers, repetiteur (my piano playing took the place of the orchestra during rehearsals), and other roles as required.
Organising Soirées
My husband also organised soirées (evening party at home with music). After he passed away, my friend, Geh Min, suggested that I continue to organise soirées, but this time with a social purpose, by making it a charity event.
Because I know many musicians, who also relish the opportunity of having venues to perform at, I actually did not have problems getting performers for the soirées. These musicians were professionals and amateurs who were pianists and other instrumentalists, as well as singers.
Together with administrative support from my Personal Assistant, I organised supper and arranged the musical program for the soirée.
Supporting Charities
I invited guests to the soirée, and each guest was expected to donate at least $100. The money raised went to the charity directly. One generous lady immediately wrote a cheque for $20,000 when informed by the charity that there was still a shortfall of $20k despite the funds raised. I also raised some additional money by selling hand made crocheted scrubbies and auctioning art and a singing bowl set.
I selected less well known charities which do not receive many charity dollars. These were:
- Women in Need —- women transitioning from penal servitude to normal life. This organization trained the women to take up viable skills like hair dressing, manicure and pedicure services, etc.
- Needy families of prisoners.
- St John’s-St Margaret’s Church Home for the Aged, children’s daycare, and to renew the lease of the land where the church was built.
- Animal Lovers League, a non-kill shelter for cats and dogs (does not practice euthanasia for human convenience)
- Single mothers with monthly incomes below $500.
In 2 years, I organised 5 events, but Covid resulted in a respite of my endeavors. Should I organise more in future, I hope you can come to my soirée.
Dr Ling Ai Ee is a retired virologist whose first love of music has continued to provide her many hours of enjoyment in her retirement.
(Featured image by Milk-Tea on Unsplash)
