Venerable Sing Kan is the fourth Abbess of Sam Poh Thong Temple, dedicated to Buddhist education, youth development, and interfaith harmony. She has over 41 years of monastic life and continues to actively promote Dharma education and Bhikkhuni development in Malaysia.
1997 – Diploma in Buddhist Studies (Buddhist & Pali University of Sri Lanka)
1999 – Diploma in Pali and Buddhist Studies (University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka)
2001 to 2004 – Advanced Buddhist Studies (International Buddhist College, Thailand)
2025 – Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka)
Venerable Sing Kan was born in 1957 and is the eldest daughter in her family. At the age of twenty, her father passed away suddenly. Through arranging his funeral, she came into contact with Buddhism and began to contemplate the meaning of life. Inspired by the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings, she developed the aspiration to renounce worldly life and enter the monastic path.
In 1981, at the age of twenty-four, Venerable Sing Kan entered Sin Fook Tong (善福堂) for monastic training under the guidance of her grand-master and master. She spent two years training as an Anagarika, followed by another two years as a novice nun (Sramaṇeri). After four years of preparation, she received full ordination as a Bhikkhunī in 1985 at Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, with the late Venerable Bai Sheng (白圣长老) as her preceptor.
Early in her monastic life, while conducting funeral rites, she found herself unable to adequately answer questions posed by the bereaved family. This experience made her realize that chanting alone was insufficient and that a deeper understanding of the Dharma was essential. She therefore began attending Sunday Dharma classes at the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, where she studied under the late Uncle Fam.
In 1996, Venerable Sing Kan enrolled in the Diploma in Buddhism programme of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, which was conducted at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Kuala Lumpur. There, she had the privilege of studying under the late Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dharmananda and Uncle Vijaya.
From 1997 to 1999, she travelled to Sri Lanka to pursue further studies in Pāli and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya. In 2002, she continued her higher education at the International Buddhist University, Thailand, as a member of its inaugural batch of students (the institution was subsequently renamed the International Buddhist College in 2004). During this period, she also served as a teacher and later as vice-principal of Xiang Lin Kindergarten in Melaka, balancing her academic pursuits with educational service.
After a hiatus of twenty-one years, she resumed her academic pursuits and completed a Master of Arts Degree in Buddhist Studies conferred by the University of Kelaniya, graduating in 2025, a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning.
In 2007, Venerable Sing Kan was appointed the fourth Abbess of Sam Poh Thong. Guided by her vision of promoting education, she devoted herself to the propagation of the Dharma. In 2008, she established Children’s Sunday Dharma School which now expanded to various ages and has since organized regular Dharma activities, Sunday chanting practices, and various educational programmes. Recognizing the inadequacy of the old temple facilities, she made a vow to rebuild. After ten years of planning and construction, her aspiration came to fruition with the completion of the present five-storey temple, providing a conducive environment for Dharma learning and spiritual cultivation.
Other Leadership Roles & Recognition
With over 41 years of monastic experience, Venerable Sing Kan has been deeply committed to supporting Buddhist nuns in Malaysia. Recognising the need for unity, training, and support, she led efforts to establish the Malaysian Buddhist Bhikkhuni Association (MBBA). The association was officially registered on 15 November 2018, and its first general meeting was held on 26 January 2019 at Sam Poh Thong. Venerable Sing Kan serves as its founding President, with the mission of uniting Bhikkhunis and strengthening their role in Dharma propagation and education.
Venerable Sing Kan is the fourth Abbess of Sam Poh Thong Temple, dedicated to Buddhist education, youth development, and interfaith harmony. She has over 41 years of monastic life and continues to actively promote Dharma education and Bhikkhuni development in Malaysia.
1997 – Diploma in Buddhist Studies (Buddhist & Pali University of Sri Lanka)
1999 – Diploma in Pali and Buddhist Studies (University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka)
2001 to 2004 – Advanced Buddhist Studies (International Buddhist College, Thailand)
2025 – Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka)
Since becoming the fourth Abbess of Sam Poh Thong Temple in 2007, Venerable Sing Kan has upheld the vision of Buddhist education. In 2008, she established the Children’s Buddhist Class and later expanded structured learning programmes for all ages, from children to adults. Under her leadership, the temple underwent a decade-long development process, resulting in a five-storey Dhamma centre. She also revived the Sunday Dharma School, introduced English and enrichment classes, and grew student participation from 50 to over 150, while encouraging parental involvement in Dharma learning. In 2014, she founded the Sparta Bodhi Youth Group, strengthening youth engagement and Dharma propagation.
Other Leadership Roles & Recognition
With over 41 years of monastic experience, Venerable Sing Kan has been deeply committed to supporting Buddhist nuns in Malaysia. Recognising the need for unity, training, and support, she led efforts to establish the Malaysia Buddhist Bhikkhuni Association (MBBA). The association was officially registered on 15 November 2018, and its first general meeting was held on 26 January 2019 at Sam Poh Thong Temple. Venerable Sing Kan serves as its founding President, with the mission of uniting Bhikkhunis and strengthening their role in Dharma propagation and education.
