Yap Yoke Fui’s background is in finance. An accountant by profession, she worked as a Financial Controller in an advertising agency for seven years. Yoke Fui then went on to establish a property development and construction company with her husband, Ngeow Voon Chin. After being introduced to Kechara and H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche in 2006, Yoke Fui now makes Dharma her career as the Liaison of Kechara House.

Tell us about yourself, Yoke Fui, what were you doing before you came to Kechara?

Before Kechara, I led the usual life of a busy working mother. I was juggling work, raising my three children and later, taking care of my two grandchildren. When I had the time, I also indulged in my passions for music, photography, reading and painting.

So when did you come to Kechara? How were you introduced?

Tara brought us to Kechara! It was 2005 and I was looking for some Green Tara tsa tsas. We went to Kechara Paradise SS2 where I saw pictures of Gurus and Masters of different spiritual organisations. I remember telling Ngeow that this Rinpoche must be very non-sectarian and open-minded.

What attracted you to Kechara? Why did you choose to stay and engage in Dharma work?

It was H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche – I was attracted by his eloquence, directness and genuine care for others. On the night we were to have our first audience with him, it rained heavily and we were stuck in terrible traffic. As though he could sense our anxiety, his assistant called to tell us that Rinpoche said to not worry, just drive carefully and that he would wait for us.

When you were asked to join Kechara full-time as the Liaison of Kechara House, why did you say yes? Why did you join Dharma work?

I joined Dharma work because I wanted to have a higher meaning or purpose in life. I felt that there had to be more to life than just getting an education, meeting the right partner, starting a family and bringing up your children. I see it as an unfulfilling, perpetuating cycle.

What do you think the future holds for Kechara? What role do you feel Kechara World Peace Centre (KWPC) will play?

I believe Kechara will become a prominent institution of the Gelug lineage in this region through the manifestation of KWPC. The different departments are there to attract different people and establish their connection with Buddhadharma. When Rinpoche’s students manifest his vision, KWPC will be the training ground for more local teachers and Sangha to propagate the lineage, with the unique touch developed by Rinpoche.