SHORT HISTORY OF PROPERTY
Nestled on a ¼ acre of land at Middle Station in Penang Hill, Penang, Malaysia are 2 exclusive timber built bungalows that have been standing for about 80 years. They were affectionately known as the “Green House”. Green House was owned by a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Penang, the late Mr Ong Keng Seng. Green House, now known as Passadhi Meditation Centr
e, was a place of solace and retreat for the late Mr Ong Keng Seng’s family. It was then an exclusive getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, to relax and bond with family members. It has an unhindered panaromic view of Penang Bridge and beyond to the mainland. In morning sunrise, the sea glows with a golden aura which permeates through the cool crisp air of Penang Hill. Green House then was adorned with flowers and there was a beautiful manicured garden by the side of the bungalows where the family members would have leisurely walks and watch their young children play. There was also a basketball court behind the bungalows where their older children will have fun. In the earlier years, there was a suspension bridge which connects Middle Station to the Green House. Through time, the suspension bridge has collapsed but it can still be accessed via pathways along the hill. Sadly, Green House was left unattended for decades and through time, it is now in a depilated state. THE LATE OWNER
This property is jointly owned by the late Mr Ong Keng Seng (1898-1963) and his friend, the late Mr Phuah Choon Hwang. Mr Ong was a prominent businessman and philanthropist in Penang. He was patron to Chinese education and a social activist in the State. He has helped many people in need and has also helped many establishments for the good of society. Since 1928, he had played a significant role in Sino-China politics. He was also co-founder/Chairman of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chung Ling School, Penang Chinese Girls School, Lam Wah Ee Hospital, Kwong Wah Yit Poh. He was also co-founder and Vice President of the Malayan Chinese Association, Penang. He also held positions in the Penang Nanyang University Committee, Seh Ong Kongsi, Penang Philomatic Society, Sin-Seng Li-Chi-Seah as well as all the major Chinese schools on the island. PROPOSAL TO CONVERT PROPERTY TO A MEDITATION AND RETREAT CENTRE
It was at this time that Sister Bin, granddaughter of late Ong Keng Seng and Brother Cheong, her husband, proposed to the Ong family to consider using this place as a retreat/meditation centre. The Ong family members allowed them to proceed on this dream and most of the Ong family members shall donate “Green House” to Penang Passadhi Buddhist Society as a retreat/meditation centre. It shall be an escapade, a place to learn and understand the Dhamma and to cultivate & purify one’s mind. Venerable monks will be invited to stay for cultivation purposes and also for the devotees to learn Dhamma and meditation. Stages 2 and 3 will be to repair of the upper & lower bungalows which can be used as a hall to hold talks, meditation retreat and also accommodation for the devotees. The aspiration of this place is as follows:
1. A place of peace and tranquillity to learn and understand the teachings of the Buddha;
2. Open to all to study Dhamma and practise meditation;
3. To learn, practice and cultivate virtue, one-pointedness of mind and wisdom; and
4. Follow the doctrine of free enquiry (Kalama sutta). CHALLENGES
Conducting repair works on a property located on a hill is challenging in terms of transporting building/repair materials up as there is no access road except the funicular train and motorcycle lanes. This has escalated costs and finding the contractor who is willing and able to do the repair works was also a challenge. In addition, reinforcement of the foundation of the property is badly needed to allay any further soil movements on this hilly terrain. Notwithstanding these challenges with the help of friends, repair work on the upper bungalow’s detached kitchen & toilets started in December 2015 with the blessing of the Sangha on 1 December 2015. PROJECT MEDITATION CENTRE
Although the property was in a depilated state, it is the wish of the Society to preserve the 2 bungalows as close to its original design as possible. The cost of repairing the property is estimated at about RM2.0m. This includes repairing the 2 bungalows, the detached kitchen & toilets, reinforcing the foundation of the property, building 2 new kutis, ancillary work and contingency. This Project shall be done in stages as follows:
Stage 1
1. To clear the undergrowth and shrubs;
2. Clear pathway and landscaping;
3. Repair kitchen and toilets (upper bungalow);
4. Strengthen and repair retaining walls at upper bungalow and kutis; and
4. Build 4 new kutis to accommodate monks. Cost is about RM300,000. Stage 2
1. Foundation & stabilisation works at upper bungalow;
2. Repair walkway; and
3. Repair lower bungalow and detached kitchen & toilets. Estimated cost is about RM250,000. Stage 3
1. Repair upper bungalow. Others
Contingency is estimated at RM50,000. Status of Project
Stage 1 - Through generous donation from the friends, relatives and the general public, we have raised sufficient funds to finance the repair of the kitchen & toilets. The path has been cleared and is accessible via the Middle Station. The kitchen & toilets are completed. Stage 2 - . Due to COVID-19, this project was put on hold until May 2022. Foundation and stabilisation works at upper bungalow is nearing completion. To get the balcony, support beams to the balcony, wall and the roof fixed as soon as possible.
