A 73-year-old monk becomes BSN’s 124th millionaire, using his RM1 million prize to support fellow monks and expand his temple.
GEORGE TOWN: A 73-year-old monk who became Bank Simpanan Nasional’s (BSN) SSP 124th millionaire says he hopes to use his RM1 million windfall to support fellow monks facing medical expenses and to gradually expand his temple in Air Itam, Penang.
Chan Chai Siang, who has spent the past 30 years in monastic life after ordaining in his 40s, said he has yet to finalise plans for the prize money but intends to use it wisely.
“Money is only as useful as the purpose it serves. Use it well, and it brings happiness to yourself and others. That is where its true meaning lies,” he told reporters at BSN’s Penang main branch on Macalister Road today (June 23).
Chan said monks in Malaysia do not enjoy the same level of institutional support as their counterparts in countries such as Thailand, making mutual aid within the monastic community all the more important.
He said his temple had previously assisted monks who fell ill, including those who travelled to Penang specifically to seek medical treatment, adding that the windfall would allow him to extend such support further.
When asked whether he regarded the win as a blessing from the Buddha, Chan said the outcome was more a matter of karma tied to past life conditions rather than something that can be sought or granted, stressing instead the importance of using wealth wisely.
Born in Butterworth and now based in Air Itam, Chan previously worked in factories in Singapore and Penang, including a stint as a supervisor, before entering monastic life.
He said he never expected to become a millionaire and had never won any lucky draw before, joking that monks rarely have occasion for such contests.
Chan also reflected on modern realities, noting that people often have to prioritise self-reliance as help may not always be available during difficult times.
“Save for your rainy days. It is hard to rely on your children. In the end, we have to rely on ourselves,” he said.
A friend later reinforced his decision, advising him that keeping cash at the temple could pose a security risk.
Chan is the fifth BSN SSP millionaire of 2026, with the draw held on June 6. The monthly programme crowns one millionaire from January to December, with participants required to maintain a minimum savings of RM3,000 for at least 60 days to qualify.
BSN Penang state director Mohd Hairul Izam Abu Bakar and head of strategic communications department Aizurra Mellissa were present at the press conference.
