After years of searching for a spiritual home, Nancy Chew Ann Jee found her direction in life at Tzu Chi. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
From a young age, Nancy Chew Ann Jee’s mind was always filled with endless questions such as “What is the meaning of life?” and “Why do people come into this world?” These thoughts lingered in her mind, yet she was not able to obtain any answers to her own questions.
Her father was a kind and generous man who served as the executive secretary of a clan association, while her mother made a living by running a stall. Although the family was not wealthy, her father always put others before himself. Every Chinese New Year’s Eve, he would have reunion dinners with those elderly people living alone before returning home for a simple meal with his own family. Whenever he encountered someone in need, he would never hesitate to help, even if it meant going hungry himself.
This example set by her father left a deep impression on Nancy. As a child, she could not comprehend why her father could give so selflessly to others. Only when she grew older did she gradually come to appreciate his compassion and kindness.
(Photo by Susan Ong)
Searching For the Answers to Life
Nancy Chew was born in 1959, the fourth of five siblings. At the age of 19, she read Master Cheng Yen’s “Questions and Doubts about Learning Buddhism”, which gave her the foundational understanding of cause and effect and planted a seed of spiritual seeking in her heart.
In her youth, Nancy Chew cared greatly about her appearance; hence, she pursued a career in the beauty industry. She recalled owning so many clothes that she could go an entire month without repeating an outfit, and she also had countless shoes and bags. Once, a relative visited her house, teased her by calling her “Singapore’s Imelda” after seeing her overflowing shoe collection. This comment prompted her to do some self-reflection and gradually change her excessive shopping habits.
In her next career, she switched professions and became an accountant. After realising that she should not waste her time away during this precious human lifetime, she decided to join the Kwan-In Welfare Society as a volunteer. After work or on weekends, she would accompany traditional Chinese medicine practitioners on their rounds, helping to pack medicine and care for patients. In 1989, one of the doctors handed her a book describing Master Cheng Yen’s vision of building a hospital, which deeply moved her. From that moment on, she longed to find Tzu Chi. After three years of searching, she finally found her spiritual home.
In her personal life, marriage had never crossed her mind. This deeply upset her mother, who often cried over it. When her elder sister revealed how heartbroken their mother was, Nancy then realised that her reluctance to settle down had caused a lot of distress to her mother. As a result, she gave in and agreed to consider marriage only if her future partner could meet the following five requirements: he doesn’t smoke, gamble, drink alcohol; has a stable job and a house; and is over 1.7 metres tall. Surprisingly, her mother managed to find someone who met all the criteria. They eventually fell in love and she got married at the age of 36.
Nancy loves Tzu Chi and reveres Master Cheng Yen. Shortly after her marriage, she chose to spend her honeymoon volunteering at the Jing Si Abode in Hualien, Taiwan. Her husband readily agreed, giving their honeymoon a deeper and more meaningful purpose.
When she first stepped into Jing Si Abode in Hualien, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. At that moment, she felt that she’s finally home. Becoming a disciple of Master Cheng Yen gave her a profound sense that her life had finally reached its destination. From then on, she vowed to walk the Tzu Chi path life after life.
(Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
Persevering Through Her Husband's Battle with Cancer
Six years into their marriage, her husband was diagnosed with a malignant thyroid tumour, which metastasised to lymphoma the following year. After the surgery, she brought their two young children to visit him in the hospital. Watching him take his first sip of water and grimace in pain filled her with heartache. As their children were too young and naive to understand their father’s condition, so they were playing innocently in the hospital room. At that moment, the bitterness in her heart was indescribable.
She chose not to tell her family about her husband’s illness, bearing the burden alone silently. Balancing work and family, she often nourished her mind with Buddhist teachings. Her husband finally recovered after five years. Even during those difficult times, Nancy continued contributing to Tzu Chi, often taking on financial tasks and meticulously handling every matter.
Nancy has been a vegetarian since the age of 32 and often takes the opportunity to share the benefits of vegetarianism for physical and mental health and the environment. (Photo by Phang Wei Wan)
Learning Through Taking on Responsibilities and Paving the Way for the Next Generation
After joining Tzu Chi, Nancy’s mindset gradually transformed. In the past, she always had expectations whenever she gave, but over time she learned to give selflessly and without expectations. Whenever she read the phrase, “Serene and content, living simply, free from worldly desires,” from the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, she felt deeply moved. She was grateful to have encountered Buddhism in this life and believed it was due to the accumulated blessings from past lives that had led her to the path of Tzu Chi.
Over the years, she has served as a Finance Officer, Concerted Effort Team Leader, and Harmony Team Leader. During the pandemic, she actively promoted vegetarianism, raising awareness of its benefits to the mind, body, and environment. Through these various roles, she has continued to grow and broaden her perspective. When faced with challenges, she always reminds herself that this is the path she has chosen; therefore, she will not turn back.
Nancy consistently puts into practice the Jing Si Aphorism, “No one should be left out in doing good deeds,” cherishing every opportunity to contribute. The photo shows Nancy promoting eco awareness to residents on Environmental Sustainability Day. (Photo by Phang Wei Wan)
On one occasion, Tzu Chi volunteer Chiu-Hua Chen from Jordan came to Singapore to share her experiences. During a session when Master Cheng Yen’s teachings were played at the Jing Si Hall, Chiu-Hua Chen listened attentively, kneeling down on the ground with her hands clasped in reverence. This scene deeply moved Nancy. Watching Chiu-Hua Chen's deep reverence for Master Cheng Yen taught her another valuable lesson.
In Nancy’s heart, Tzu Chi is like a lotus blooming within her. As long as she keeps moving forward and keeps her heart untainted, the realm before her will become increasingly serene and beautiful, allowing her to gradually realise her true nature.
After serving Tzu Chi for more than 30 years, every time she returns to Taiwan, she feels a deep sense of warmth and care from the monastic community. She also understands that the spirit of Tzu Chi must be passed down through generations. Therefore, when guiding newcomers, she is always willing to share her experiences, respect their perspectives, avoid imposing her views, and at the same time offer care and support.
Nancy describes herself as introverted and said that she used to remain silent in meetings. Her mentor later reminded her, “You must speak with a voice of righteousness.” From then on, she gradually opened her heart and learned to express herself with courage.
With a warm yet resolute smile, she said, “Though I can offer only a little, I give it with all my heart. In my next life, I hope to return to this world on Earth, connect with other Dharma brothers and sisters, and help create a world of Tzu Chi together.”
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