Venerable Kong Hiap was born Huang Runzhi in Luo-Dong, Nan -An County, Fujian Province , China , on 4 January 1900 to the Huang family. In 1921, Venerable Rui Deng of Nan Pu-Tuo Temple in China, ordained him. He practised the Nan-Shan precepts under Preceptor Master Venerable Gu Xing in Nan-Shan Guang Hua Monastery, Pu-Tien.
During the early years of the Sino-Japanese War, he sailed to Singapore and stayed with his teacher, Venerable Rui Deng, at Leong San Temple. In June 1952, with the passing away of the Abbot of Leong San Temple, Venerable Zhuan Feng, Venerable Kong Hiap was appointed as the new Abbot. He dropped the plan to establish Mee Toh Temple in 1954 and initiated the building of Mee Toh School instead. Venerable Kong Hiap was truly concerned with the social and moral education of the public, especially the young.
In 1956, heading a team which included Phor Kark See, Pu Tuo See, Fa Hua See and Chiam Pok Ee, Venerable Kong Hiap appealed to the Government of Singapore to grant a Public Holiday for the Buddhists. His persistent efforts paid off when the Government finally gazetted the full moon day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar, as a Public Holiday in celebration of Vesak Day. Venerable Kong Hiap also personally looked into the raising of funds of which was donated to the poor, sick and the needy, regardless of race, language or religion. Records of his contributions can be seen in Mee Toh School Heritage Centre.
Besides contributions to education and society, Venerable Kong Hiap’s love for the arts and culture was also evident in his devotion to the late renowned artist Master Feng Zikai’s works. He held an exhibition in 1987 to showcase many of Master Feng’s masterpieces,.
Over the last thirty years, Venerable Kong Hiap held top posts in various Buddhist organisations in Singapore . He was awarded the Public Service Medal (BBM) in 1988 on National Day. In 1990, the Ministry of Education awarded him the Meritorious Award for his dedication and committed efforts towards promoting education and in establishing Mee Toh School.
Credits: https://www.meetoh.moe.edu.sg/about-us/Our-Identity/school-founder
释广洽（1900年—1994年2月24日），俗姓黄，法名照润，字广洽，福建泉州南安县人，新加坡佛教高僧。1921年于厦门南普陀旁的普照寺剃度，属于漳州南山清泰寺临济宗的“喝云法派”。释广洽（1900年—1994年2月24日），俗姓黄，法名照润，字广洽，福建泉州南安县人，新加坡佛教高僧。1921年于厦门南普陀旁的普照寺剃度，属于漳州南山清泰寺临济宗的“喝云法派”。释广洽（1900年—1994年2月24日），俗姓黄，法名照润，字广洽，福建泉州南安县人，新加坡佛教高僧。1921年于厦门南普陀旁的普照寺剃度，属于漳州南山清泰寺临济宗的“喝云法派”。
在中日战争初期，他乘船抵达新加坡，并住在龙山寺跟随他的老师释瑞等法师学习。1952 年 6 月，龙山寺住持释转峰法师圆寂后，广洽法师被任命为新任住持。1954 年，他放弃了建造弥陀寺的计划，而是着手创办了弥陀学校。广洽法师真正关心公众的社会道德教育，尤其是年轻人的教育。
1956 年，广洽法师带领包括普觉寺、普陀寺、法华寺和薝蔔院依居士在内的一支团队，向新加坡政府呼吁设立卫塞节公共假日。经过他的坚持不懈，政府最终将农历四月十五日定为卫塞节假日。广洽法师还亲自资助贫困、生病和需要的人士，不分种族、语言或宗教信仰。有关他捐赠的记录可以在美陀学校遗产中心找到。
除了对教育和社会的贡献之外，广洽法师热爱艺术和文化也体现在他对已故著名艺术家丰子恺大师作品的热爱上。他于 1987 年举办了一次展览，展出了丰子恺大师的许多杰作。
过去 30 年里，广洽法师在新加坡佛教界担任过重要职务。他于 1988 年国庆日获得公共服务奖章 (BBM)。1990 年，教育部授予他荣誉奖状，以表彰他为促进教育事业和创办美陀学校所付出的奉献和努力。
