THE former president of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) has donated $100,000 to fund a series of lectures on caring for the elderly.

Dr Robert Loh, 84, gave the money to the NCSS as he believes Singapore is lagging behind countries such as the United States when it comes to dealing with issues related to an ageing population.

With the lecture series, social service professionals here can learn from overseas experts and 'update their knowledge and skills' in caring for the elderly, he said on Monday.

The retired eye doctor is no stranger to philanthropy.

Inspired by his parents, Dr Loh said he started giving his time and money to various causes since he was a boy.

His father, a doctor, was a very active YMCA member, while mum volunteered at the YWCA.

During World War II, the young Dr Loh was on his way to study medicine in Australia when the boat he was on was diverted to India due to fighting at sea.

He ended up doing his medical degree in India and saw first-hand the extreme poverty there.

The time in Inda left a deep impression on him and since he started working, Dr Loh said he has donated 'a fair share' of his paycheck to various charitable causes. Dr Loh declined to reveal how much money he has given.

The father of three children said: 'I'm lucky to have survived the war, the hardships in India and I feel I should give back to the community.'

But more than donating money, Dr Loh has given decades of his life to volunteer work.

He was the president of the YMCA, a christian charity, for about 20 years.

And he helped to put in place 'a lot of' systems and structures to develop social services when he was president of NCSS from 1992 to 2002, said NCSS chief executive Ang Bee Lian.

Dr Loh is still doing volunteer work.

He advises the Boys' Brigade and the YMCA, and helps feuding parties settle their disputes at the Subordinate Courts.