Singaporean At Heart - 40 Years Of Social Service

Do you know our W. Bro Michael Gray (St George Lodge No. 1152 E.C., Singapore)? Some know him as the Librarian of The Singapore Masonic Library. To others, he is a Trustee of the Masonic Charitable Fund (MCF).

Michael Gray, a former British citizen, made the life-changing decision to become a Singaporean three decades ago. Remarkably, Michael is one of the pioneering Caucasians to actively engage in Singapore’s grassroots community. Imagine a British citizen surrendering his British citizenship to become a Singaporean!

At the request of our DGM, the Ashlar is proud to present a remarkable interview from Singapore’s Channel News Asia, highlighting Michael Gray's 40 years of social service.

Introduction:

Singaporean At Heart" is Channel News Asia (CNA) television program.

About the show 'Singaporean At Heart': From the UK, US, Sweden, and Hong Kong, they came to Singapore decades ago and have since been quietly contributing to its arts, healthcare, social service, and philanthropy, leading the institutions under their charge to new heights. Join presenter Jo Tan in an intimate look at what they do, what drives them, and why they consider themselves Singaporeans at heart.

Introducing Michael Gray

When British-born Michael Gray arrived in Singapore in the 1980s, he became deeply involved in advocating for greater access to services and facilities for the disabled, including toilets on Singapore Airlines. Over 40 years, he has quietly contributed to society’s underprivileged. An unpaid volunteer, he has served on the boards of the National Council of Social Service and the Community Chest, founded SUN-DAC (a centre for the intellectually disabled), and worked with the Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre and PAVE, a non-profit addressing family violence. Host Jo Tan explores what drives this dedicated naturalized citizen.

Watch the full interview here:

[The British-Born Volunteer Who Served Singapore's Needy For 40 Years | Singaporean At Heart - Pt 3/4].

Transcript Highlights:

Michael's Journey:

Michael Gray's journey in social service began through his accounting expertise, which led him to volunteer with the Community Chest, helping to manage budgets. His commitment grew as he became involved with the Singapore Council of Social Service, leading a committee to develop a disability plan. He played a significant role in advocating for accessibility, including special schools and disabled-friendly facilities.

One notable achievement was founding SUN-DAC, a centre for the intellectually disabled in HDB estates. Despite initial resistance from residents, Michael's efforts helped integrate disabled individuals into the community.

Michael's dedication extended to the Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre and PAVE, where he addressed family violence and supported vulnerable communities. His work with the NCSS involved various leadership roles, contributing significantly to Singapore's social service sector.

Why Michael Serves:

Michael's motivation stems from gratitude towards Singapore and a desire to give back. He values the learning experiences and personal growth gained from his volunteer work. Michael's long-time colleague, Hazlina, praises his authentic leadership and respect for professional staff, highlighting his genuine commitment to making a difference.

Conclusion:

Michael Gray's story is a testament to the impact of dedicated volunteers in shaping a more inclusive society. His journey from a British citizen to a passionate Singaporean social service advocate is inspiring. Michael's contributions to accessibility, support for the intellectually disabled, and efforts to address family violence have left a lasting legacy in Singapore.

Part of the Transcript (starts from 16:27 mins):

Singapore after 40 years of volunteering, giving back to society as a Freemason, caring in social service.

Jo Tan :	Michael is now mostly retired and enjoying a second career as an author. Given that he's been a lifelong Freemason, his first book is, not surprisingly, about a Freemason. Did you know that Freemasons in Singapore have a long history of contributing to charities? During my (the host, Ms. Jo Tan) tour of the Freemasons Hall, I discovered another thing about Michael that, true to his nature, he didn't tell me about. I see that you also have your surname, M. Gray, there under Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) with a contribution of S$63,000. Did you personally contribute to the fund?
M. Gray :	Our family are all artists apart from me, so that's why they want to support NAFA. That's a 5-year bursary that essentially puts them through the full term of their studies at NAFA and beyond. It's really about getting people out of the poverty trap. Education is the way to upgrade people in society, and that's the best way to do it.

For a deeper understanding, watch the full interview on YouTube: [The British-Born Volunteer Who Served Singapore's Needy For 40 Years | Singaporean At Heart - Pt 3/4].

Editor's Note:

Attached is a photo of Michael Gray with the Editor, taken on 9th August 2024, during Michael's visit to Elopura Lodge No. 7545 in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia.