Singaporean couple donates 400-year-old Buddha statue to Bhutan in late son's name

On May 9th, a 400-year-old Buddha statue embarked on its voyage from Singapore to the Kingdom of Bhutan, catching a 9 a.m. flight.

Singaporean couple donates 400-year-old Buddha statue to Bhutan in late son's name

Dr. Tommy Ong and his wife, Heidi, made the heartfelt decision to donate the polychrome clay statue from their personal collection back to its country of origin. They dedicated this gesture to their late son, Zi Yun, who passed away in April 2023 at just a month old.

Dr. Ong, CEO of a dietary supplements company, formally presented the statue to Bhutan Ambassador to Singapore, Kinzang Dorji, during a ceremony at the Singapore Buddhist Federation (SBF) in Geylang on May 8th. A thermoluminescence test confirmed the statue's age, dating back to the 1620s. Standing at 34cm tall and 27cm wide, the statue was valued between US$2 million (S$2.7 million) and US$3 million by an antique dealer.

Singaporean couple donates 400-year-old Buddha statue to Bhutan in late son's name

Dr. Ong emphasized the rarity of an intact clay statue of such age, noting the challenges of preserving clay over centuries. Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, president of SBF, emphasized the profound significance of this gift, considering the statue's importance as a sacred symbol of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Mr. Dorji highlighted the statue's historical significance as one of Bhutan's national treasures, dating back to the 17th century. Dr. Ong first encountered the Buddha statue during a visit to Bhutan in 2016. He was led to it by his tour guide, who introduced him to an elderly couple selling the statue on the outskirts of Thimphu.

Moved by the statue's aura and beauty, Dr. Ong made a heartfelt commitment to care for it. Although he didn't know its age at the time, he promised to cherish it.

In December 2022, Dr Ong returned to Bhutan with his five children and his wife, who was then pregnant with their sixth child. During a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan, Dr Ong noticed that some statues in the Chapel of the Tree of Merit, part of the museum, resembled the Buddha statue he owned. “I thought, I have something like that at home.” 

His wife gave birth to Zi Yun in March 2023, but he died the following month in a case of sudden infant death syndrome, where no cause of death is known. The loss of their son deeply affected the Ong family. During this time, he said he sought advice from Ven Kwang Phing on what to do with the statue. Thereafter, Dr Ong sent the statue to Kotalla Laboratory in Germany for dating in December 2023, and also had it valued.

For the Ong family, the statue's return signifies the continuation of their son's spiritual journey, bringing a sense of closure to their grief.

He said looking at the statue made him remember his son, and at one point in 2024, “a voice whispered to me that the statue yearned to return to Bhutan, a place where our beloved son had visited in his mother’s tummy”. 

Dr Ong and his wife then contacted Mr Dorji in April 2024 to tell him he was donating the statue.

For Dr Ong and his family, the statue’s return symbolises the continuation of his son’s journey to the Pure Land – a realm of enlightenment in Buddhism – and is their way of seeking closure. 

“For my beloved son, he is my love lost, but it was his love found.” 

Asked about what will be done with the statue after it returns home, Mr Dorji said he does not know where it will end up yet, but that it will be “placed at the right place for all people to worship”.



Related Posts

Bhutan Removes Mandatory Travel Insurance for Tourists

Bhutan's Department of Tourism has announced the elimination of the compulsory travel insurance obligation for tourists.

Apr 26, 2024 10:03

The Restoration of Wangduechhoeling Palace: A Cultural Revival in...

Discover the remarkable transformation of Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bumthang, Bhutan. After a decade-long restoration,...

May 02, 2025 16:05

A Historic Royal Visit: The First State Visit of the King of...

Bhutan welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand for a historic State Visit from 25–28 April 2025....

Apr 28, 2025 10:28

Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Framework Set to Take Root in...

Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index will be adapted for the first time in Brazil through a pioneering...

Apr 24, 2025 16:28

His Majesty King Jigme's Visit to Gelephu and Assam

His Majesty The King’s recent visit to Gelephu and Assam highlights Bhutan’s forward-looking vision—strengthening...

Apr 21, 2025 10:46

Bhutan’s Roadmap to 2040: Connecting Communities, Preserving...

Bhutan is embarking on a major infrastructure initiative to construct 200 km of new roads by 2040, aimed at enhancing...

Apr 01, 2025 17:18

Latest

News

The Restoration of Wangduechhoeling Palace: A Cultural Revival in Bhutan

Discover the remarkable transformation of Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bumthang, Bhutan. After a decade-long restoration, this historic royal...

May 02, 2025 16:05

A Historic Royal Visit: The First State Visit of the King of Thailand to Bhutan

Bhutan welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand for a historic State Visit from 25–28 April 2025. Discover how this landmark...

Apr 28, 2025 10:28

Features

Lost & Found: Bhutanese Textiles at Melbourne Design Week 2025

Bhutanese designer Chandrika Tamang brings Lost & Found to Melbourne Design Week 2025, showcasing traditional Bhutanese weaving through a...

May 16, 2025 18:23

Bhutan’s Secret: The World’s Most Exquisite Hazelnuts

Discover Bhutan’s hidden gem: the world’s most exquisite hazelnuts grown at the highest orchards on Earth. Sustainably farmed, rich in...

May 02, 2025 11:00

Business

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

Heli Bhutan Takes Flight: Private Helicopter Service Boosts Connectivity in Remote Bhutan

Heli Bhutan, the first private helicopter service in Bhutan, offers high-altitude flights to remote destinations with a brand-new Airbus...

May 23, 2025 15:59

Bhutan Goes Cashless: Bhutan Launches World’s First National Tourism Crypto Payment System

Bhutan partners with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system. From flights and...

May 07, 2025 14:06

Lifestyle

Most Popular Restaurants in Thimphu

Most visitors to Bhutan are aware of our serene hiking trails, religious sites and colorful festivals.

Feb 03, 2025 10:16

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31
Singaporean couple donates 400-year-old Buddha statue to Bhutan in late son's name
0:00 0:00

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app