A Johor boy at heart, Steven Chew previously worked as a quality controller for garments for six years, travelling extensively for his job. In 1997, Steven opened his own computerised embroidery factory, dealing with sub-contracts for export to the USA. As President of the Kechara Southern Jewel Chapel (KSJC), Steven is responsible for their weekly operations, such as arranging for teams to take turns going to the Chapel to do pujas. Steven’s other duties include donating food on behalf of KSJC to an old folks’ home.

Tell us about yourself, Steven! What is your background? What were you doing before you came to Kechara?

I’m a married father of two girls and two boys, and worked as a quality control inspector in a textile firm for six years. I travelled from one factory to another quite a lot, both in Malaysia and abroad, to ensure products met the buyers’ requirements before they were shipped. After I quit in 1997, I set up my own embroidery factory to produce items for export. I also supply uniforms for factory workers and government staff.

Did you have any spiritual inclinations or experiences with spirituality before coming to Kechara?

Before Kechara, I didn’t actually know about Dharma and Buddhism because Taoism was the main spiritual tradition around me. Even with Taoism around me, I seldom visited the Chinese temples to make offerings or do prayers, and I didn’t have any statues at home.

So how did you come to know about Kechara? Did you meet H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche when you were first introduced to Kechara?

While I was running my factory, Fat Monk (Wong Kok Thai) told me that a Lama from India was in Malaysia, and asked if I wanted to meet him. I said yes so we chartered a van and 10 of us drove up to KL. We had our audience with Rinpoche and he answered all of our questions without hesitation. That was the first time I met Rinpoche – my impression of him was that he was very compassionate and caring, and had a kind, smiling face.

Why did you join Dharma work? Why did you start up Kechara Southern Jewel Chapel (KSJC)?

I joined Dharma work and we started KSJC because Rinpoche asked us to. In 2006, Rinpoche advised Fat Monk to do something to benefit others. Fat Monk then approached me to ask if he could set up the Setrap chapel in one of my properties. I agreed without hesitation so he quickly organised a few of us students to form the committee to help him. The chapel was officially opened by Rinpoche on 23rd December 2007, with the help of Kechara members to complete all the necessary arrangements. I was inspired by how all the members gathered to help us open the chapel. Their dedication to spreading Dharma is more than just words.