Singaporean Entrepreneur Jeshua Soh Embarks on 500km Walk to Support Thai-Burma Border Clinic

Jeshua Soh, a Singaporean entrepreneur, the founder of Crossworks Myanmar has embarked on a walking expedition to raise awareness and funds for the Mae Tao Clinic. On March 16, 2025, Jeshua Soh will begin an extraordinary 500km walking expedition with a mission—to raise at least $150,000 SGD for the Mae Tao Clinic. 

This ambitious endeavor comes in response to a critical funding crisis, as the clinic faces a 15-20% budget cut due to the USAID funding freeze, coupled with a surge in patient caseloads from neighboring health facilities that have already ceased operations. The clinic, located on the Thai-Burma border, has been providing essential healthcare services to displaced communities for over 30 years.

The Mae Tao Clinic, founded by Dr. Cynthia Maung in 1989, has served as a vital healthcare lifeline for displaced individuals affected by conflict and economic hardship. However, it faces ongoing financial challenges, making fundraising efforts like Soh’s crucial to sustaining its operations.

Over ten consecutive days, Jeshua will walk 50km per day, pushing the limits of physical endurance to bring awareness and financial aid to the clinic, which has long served displaced communities along the Thai-Myanmar border.

Soh has set a fundraising goal of $150,000 SGD, with any additional contributions going into an endowment fund to provide long-term financial support for the Mae Tao Clinic. If the fund reaches $5 million SGD, it could generate at least $150,000 SGD annually for the clinic, assuming a 5-6% return on investment, with a portion reinvested to protect against inflation.

A History of Giving Back

In 2024, he launched a fundraiser to raise $100,000 after witnessing the devastation caused by the intense fighting in Myawaddy, Myanmar. His response? A 2,000km cycling journey from Singapore to Bangkok, an effort that helped him surpass 70% of his fundraising goal thanks to the generosity of over 300 donors.

His first fundraiser for the Mae Tao Clinic took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to the clinic’s mission of providing healthcare to refugees, migrants, and vulnerable populations.

Why This Fundraiser Matters

The USAID funding freeze has already begun to impact essential health services along the Thai-Myanmar border. Reports indicate that certain organizations were instructed to halt spending as early as January 2025, leading to the shutdown of multiple healthcare facilities. While Mae Tao Clinic does not rely solely on US funding, the cutbacks significantly strain its ability to operate at full capacity.

Jeshua’s campaign aims to fill this critical gap, ensuring that the clinic can continue providing life-saving medical care. His challenge is not just about personal endurance—it’s about mobilizing a community to support a cause that truly matters.

How to Support the Campaign

Jeshua is calling on individuals and organizations to join him on this journey—whether through donations, spreading awareness, or even walking alongside him for segments of the expedition. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in keeping the Mae Tao Clinic operational for those who need it most.

For those inspired by Jeshua’s journey, donations can be made directly to the Mae Tao Clinic. Let’s walk this path together and ensure that essential healthcare services continue to reach the people who need them most.

Driven by a passion for social impact, Soh’s journey aims to shed light on the struggles faced by refugees and migrants who rely on the clinic for medical care. The expedition, which spans from Bangkok to Mae Sot, symbolizes resilience and solidarity with those in need. Throughout his trek, Soh is sharing updates on social media to inspire others to contribute to the cause.

Supporters can follow Jeshua Soh’s journey and contribute to the fundraising campaign through dedicated online platforms. His initiative underscores the power of individual action in making a tangible difference in the lives of marginalized communities.