St John Phnom Penh (SJPP) has led volunteer missions in Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom and Kampong Speu province.

Having lived in Cambodia for many years, Andrew Tay, managing director of Himawari Hotel Apartments and president of SJPP, understands the importance of reaching out to Cambodians in need.

St John aims to improve the health and well-being of people around the world, our mission in Cambodia is the same.

Since SJPP first started operating in Cambodia in 2006, the organisation has successfully built 20 wells, two of which were fitted with pumps, conducted health screenings and donated medical supplies to thousands of Cambodians. In addition, they conducted the first aid, hygiene classes and vocational training for rural villagers.

On other completed missions SJPP has donated daily necessities, such as rice, scarves, fish sauce, instant noodles, basic medical supplies and mosquito nets, all packed to more than 1,500 families.

On August 9, Singapore’s National Day, SJPP will inaugurate the creation the St John Phnom Penh Organisation.

"After several missions, with our work being recognised by the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Singapore, our organisation has decided to take a leap forward by registering our organisation as an NGO in Cambodia."

Once the NGO gains government approval, Tay said that it already has 25 trained volunteers ready to begin activities in Phnom Penh and Kampong Thom province.

"Once formed, they will continue their training in first-aid, complete their leadership course and begin providing humanitarian and public services", he said. "All the while, SJPP will provide administrative funding to the Corps."

Tay, who took the lead for Singapore’s mission into Cambodia, has previously worked alongside the Cambodian Red Cross, Side by Side International, Project Khmer HOPE and Family Care Cornerstone Project.

In terms of education, SJPP has donated first aid books and other school materials to over 500 students, as well as renovating and repairing classrooms at the Po Banteay Chey Primary School in Siem Reap, Tay added.

For more information on St John Phnom Penh activities, visit St John Phnom Penh facebook page.