SOCIAL activist and philanthropist Kuan Chee Heng, has spent years helping those in need, spearheading countless initiatives that aims to help the underprivileged receive basic needs.
Affectionately known as Uncle Kentang (Potato Uncle)—a name that stuck from his early days of goodwill work handing out provisions to the poor, in particular potatoes—Kuan recently took to social media to share a heartwarming story of a young girl from Muar, Johor who reached out to him for help in 2020.
Despite achieving an extraordinary 10As in her exams, Lim Jia Jia’s dream of studying medicine was unable to afford the high fees to pursue medicine as her father was a lorry driver and reached out to Uncle Kentang for help.
“I met her briefly … she sounded desperate. I then called a Datuk Seri, who is a friend of mine, for help and he asked me to bring her to his office the next day,” Uncle Kentang wrote in a Facebook post that has garnered more than 8,000 reactions and over 700 comments.
“We went to his office and had to wait almost two hours to meet him. He then asked us how much the cost was and we informed him it was about RM324,000. The Datuk Seri through his foundation agreed to cover the fees and we left after that.
“I never contacted her and after that COVID-19 hit the country. However, recently, I received the good news that she had graduated and was doing her housemanship in Hospital Sungai Buloh.”
For Uncle Kentang who often brushes off praise and humbly calls himself a “lousy” person with no major achievements, this was one of his proudest moments.
“However, I tried my best and I am so happy for this lady doctor. She never hoped of getting a scholarship but was determined to try and I am so delighted I was able to help her,” he shared.
“The Datuk Seri who helped her does not expect any payback also … no contracts, nothing. I personally see myself as a useless person, but today, I have the honour to relate this beautiful story.
“If you feel you are useless, at least do your best to make someone become useful to our society.”
Uncle Kentang went on to thank Dr Lim, saying her wisdom, bravery and determination to pursue her dreams has brought honour to her family.
Uncle Kentang also said that though the Datuk Seri agreed to sponsor RM324,000, she only accepted RM100,000 and secured the rest with her excellent results from her medical studies.
“I sipped my coffee and smiled … mum, your no-good son today made another father and mother proud,” he added. – May 21, 2025
