Our precious volunteer – Dr Leng Tan

The present Chairperson of CASS, Dr Leng Tan, has been a General Practitioner (GP) for over 30 years. She listens and spends time with her patients, showing she has their wellbeing at heart. She has earned their trust and respect with her compassionate, loving care and sound advice, based on long experience. There is always a long queue at her clinic.

She is an elegant lady, respected by all. She attracts attention because of her warmth and charm. She is very down-to-earth and efficient in her work. 

Another important role Leng plays is as a community leader. Ever since her university years she has shown strong leadership skills. When CASS was established in 1981, she was a founding member, looking after its finances. Together with the Foundation Chairperson, Mr Henry Pan and others, she dedicated time and energy to providing a service similar to family day care. She worked hard to seek government funding to establish the child care services of CASS. 

When the opportunity arose to buy a place that could be used as a child care facility, CASS did not have sufficient resources. Leng and her husband, together with Henry Pan and Cecilia Fong, used their own properties as security to secure a bank loan to buy the warehouse. Without the generosity of these founding members and their willingness to take the risk, the building of the Activity Hall, today used by so many people, would not have been possible. 

While she was the Treasurer of CASS, Leng upheld her principles of thrift and hard work in running the organisation. Because it was in its initial stage of development, she knew limited resources should be employed wisely and efficiently. Leng never uses public money for personal use; instead, she often pays for things for CASS. As well as leading, she also likes to mix with members and provide help where needed. She does not just attend Board meetings, but many CASS gatherings and activities, chatting heartily with others, always showing care and concern. She can often be seen washing dishes and cleaning venues after CASS functions. She is the “big sister” of the CASS family.

For a while, Leng left CASS to attend to other community roles. However, she readily stepped in when the organisation was in crisis in 2006. Amidst all the turbulence, she remained objective and fair, playing an important role in bringing people together. 

In September 2008, she was elected Chairperson. Working with the Honorary Executive Director, Henry Pan and other Board members, remedial work began and they were able to turn the finances of CASS from deficit to surplus. Under her leadership, new services were developed and CASS began expanding. 

Leng is also involved in other community organisations. Since 1990, she has been the Vice Chairperson of the Chinese Youth League of Australia. She was also involved in co-ordinating the work of community organisations such as the Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, the Australian Council of Chinese Organisations and the Australian Hokkien HuayKuan Association. 

She has also played a key role as humanitarian ambassador for Australia by volunteering her professional medical services. Through her involvement in “Eyes on China”, she has assisted in providing free cataract surgeries to people in remote and poor regions of the country. For many years she has joined these annual expeditions, and helped change the lives of hundreds of people with the gift of sight. Whatever role she plays, she shows prowess, efficiency, love and passion. 

While Leng commits herself to communities, she never forgets her important role in her own family as a loving wife and caring mother. Her husband is also a GP and an influential community leader. The couple shares a common passion and commitment to community affairs. At home, she makes sure her family has healthy meals and supports her children in all their pursuits.

Leng carries out all her different roles faultlessly. Her dedication and compassion make her an admirable role model. She does not simply talk; she takes action. She is loved and respected in the CASS family and in the community. This sparkling jewel is the pride of CASS.