The Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. highlighted its simple year-long 25th anniversary last September 20, 2011 at the Century Park Sheraton with the launching of the commemorative book, Silver Reflections: The Tan Yan Kee Foundation at 25 and the annual U.E.-Tan Yan Kee Foundation Scholars’ Recognition Day. This follows the first quarter kick-off of the anniversary celebration with the inauguration of the Tan Yan Kee Elementary School in Balete, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya.
By Dr. Lucio C. Tan Chairman and President Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. Today, we are celebrating two milestones. First is the Tan Yan Kee Foundation’s 25th anniversary. The other is the annual recognition of our scholars and grantees. Education is our best investment for the future. It is from knowledge that we find meaning and direction in our lives. Education makes dreams possible for families, communities, and the nation. When I was your age, I worked during the day to send myself to school. It’s not easy, but with dedication, a clear vision of what I want, and with my parents’ guidance, I was able to turn vision to reality. I know many of our scholars know what I mean. Because most of us come from humble beginnings, I find strong connection with most of you. Twenty five years ago, in 1986, my family and I established the Tan Yan Kee Foundation. It was designed to help those in need—those who can’t afford a good education, those who suffer from lack of medical care, and those who lack opportunities for a better life. The Foundation was named after my father. He was our idol, our inspiration and the one who taught us the value of hard work and education. I’m happy to note, that we are launching today, a publication titled Silver Reflections: The Tan Yan Kee Foundation at 25. This book tells my father’s continuing legacy, our story. It is an inspiring tale, especially for those who have less in life. It reflects your story as well because you’re now part of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation. Before closing, let me share with you some important lessons my father taught us: Work hard—don’t give up at the slightest sign of difficulty; Have a clear vision of what you want for yourself, your family and others; and Share your blessings. It is by making life better for others that one finds true meaning in life. As we celebrate 25 years of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, I thank our trustees, officers, staff, partners and volunteers for a job well done! Congratulations too, to our new and continuing scholars. Much work remains to be done. Let’s begin! Thank you very much. | 
The twin celebration was doubly significant because of the Foundation’s strong advocacy on Education and the youth. As the title indicates, the book reflects on the experiences of the last twenty-five years and provides a perspective on the evolving role of social responsibility in corporations. Its creative approach sets the metal silver as it also evolves from the ore to the utilitarian and life’s finer use of this glittering metal, paralleled to the strategic advocacies of the foundation towards long-term and genuine progress. A lion dance at the start of the event provided the beginning of a sustained celebratory mood, with performance by the U.E. Chorale, the U.E. Silanganan Dance Troupe, the children of the Tan Yan Kee Elementary School in a Cañao Dance, and the inspirational messages. A brief, quiet audio-visual presentation on TYKFI’s first 25 years kept the audience glued to the giant screens. TYKFI’s 25th year signals an even more vigorous commitment to its advocacies in education, health, and social welfare. |
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