Singapore - When one of Indonesia's wealthiest men settles in at his posh Sentosa Cove home during one of his periodic visits to Singapore, he is not thinking of relaxing but on how he can give away much of his considerable fortune.

Mr Tahir - like many Indonesians, he has just one name - has already donated vast amounts to causes ranging from education to polio eradication.

The 61-year-old tycoon, who founded the Mayapada group, spoke effusively about his philosophy of philanthropy in an interview with The Straits Times at his Sentosa Cove bungalow.

His most recent donation involved a partnership between his privately-funded Tahir Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The partnership has committed US$200 million (S$247 million) over five years - US$100 million from each partner - in support of polio eradication, the fight against tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and family planning.

About US$150 million will go towards beneficiaries in Indonesia with the rest to a global fund.

"I was born in Indonesia, I grew up in Indonesia and I will die in Indonesia... my loyalty lies with my country, Indonesia made it happen for me and it has given me many opportunities," said Mr Tahir.

"It's natural that if I can give back, I should... I don't feel that I am reducing my wealth by doing so."

His next initiative is also close to home: "My dream is to build an Islamic museum in Jakarta."

Mr Tahir, an ethnic Chinese and a staunch Christian, said he hopes the museum will benefit the country's Muslims, who form the religious majority.

And as vice-chairman of Bank Mayapada - part of the Mayapada business empire of duty-free shops, property and hospitals - he hopes to inspire other businessmen to be as philanthropic.

"What is the real meaning of life? To be a blessing," he said.

"If you want to help people, you have to have money in your pocket. So I have to work more, and work harder - this is why I went into business."

Born in Surabaya to working- class parents - his family rented out pedicabs, and his mother also worked as a broker for a goldsmith shop - Mr Tahir came to Singapore for his education. He has a business degree from the then-Nanyang University.

Last year, he donated $30 million to the National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine for research and education.

Mr Tahir, a father of four, travels to Singapore once a month - and still calls his mother, who lives in Jakarta, every day.

"I will ask her, how are you? Are you healthy this morning? She will tell me not to think about her, to think about myself... In a parent's eyes, you're always a child, that's how they show their love," he said.

Mr Tahir said he wants the Mayapada brand to be remembered not just for being synonymous with quality, but also as a "sympathetic brand name" involved in helping the community.

"Since the financial crisis, people hate the rich, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor," he said.

"I like to be rich... it makes my life easier and more convenient. But I also like to be loved... I want to change people's perception of the rich."

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