Tek SengDr. Tan

DAILY REFLECTION

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭21‬ ‭

No human effort can thwart His divine will. His sovereignty guarantees that all He intends will come to pass.

Tan Sri Chan Ah Chye, a titan of Malaysia’s property and construction sector, founded Talam Corp (later Talam Transform Bhd) in 1982, building it into a leading force in national development. Yet in the wake of ambitious expansions and extensive bank loans, the company fell into deep financial distress - facing RM3.5 billion in debt and the potential abandonment of 13,000 homes. At his lowest point, a visit to St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg ignited a spiritual awakening. Encountering the presence of God, he embraced Christianity - a decision that became the foundation for everything that followed. His newfound faith inspired humility, prayer, and reconciliation. He met creditors not with defiance but with a spirit of peace, ultimately initiating a restructuring that resolved over a billion ringgit in debt.

With the same resolve, he addressed outstanding government dues through strategic asset sales, embracing solutions that benefited all parties. Prayer became central - not only to him personally, but throughout his company, where a prayer group stood with him in every challenge. In the midst of the storm, worship overflowed: he rewrote the lyrics of more than 35 popular Chinese songs with English words that glorified Christ. Before going home to be with the Lord on 11 June 2024, at the age of 78, he had fully repaid all his debts - an act of grace, faith, and determination. His journey stands as living testimony to the truth of Proverbs 19:21

Proverbs 19:21 assures us that God’s plans are greater than ours. Even when things don’t go as we hoped, we can rest knowing that God’s purpose will always be for our good and His glory.

“The more you act on your faith in God, the more you will see his way for you.”