By Valissa Yap

For over two decades, NHCS has been a steadfast supporter of the SingHealth President’s Challenge 2025 (SHPC25). This year proved no exception, with departments across NHCS rallying together under the theme of “Your Compassion, Their Hope” to raise funds for beneficiaries in our community.

A Feast of Generosity

Fundraising efforts kicked off in June with a pledge card drive, followed by department-led sales initiatives that featured an array of food and practical items. Colleagues from the Chief Operating Officer’s (COO) Office sweetened the atmosphere with freshly baked waffles paired with indulgent gelato in various flavours, while Support Services kept everyone energised with aromatic, freshly brewed coffee. The Cardiac Laboratory team attracted health-conscious colleagues with nourishing desserts, while Human Resources struck a nostalgic chord with buttery and savoury cup corn, evoking fond childhood memories. Corporate Development also catered to diverse interests – offering decadent homemade tiramisu alongside quirky nanoblocks and bags.

(Top row L-R): Colleagues from Support Services, Cardiac Laboratory, Human Resources and Corporate Development in full gear to raise funds for SHPC 2025!

Balancing culinary temptations was Nursing Administration, with the Nursing Outreach and Wellness Council (NOWC) appealing to staff through a curated selection of practical and cute merchandise, including tote bags, lanyards and umbrellas.

(L-R): The Nursing Administration and NOWC team brought their fundraising efforts directly to departments through trolley sales.

(L-R): NHCS hosted three charity bazaars at Level 2, with participating vendors donating a portion of their sales proceeds to the President's Challenge 2025.

Team Spirit on Display

Running parallel with the pledge cards and institutional fundraising efforts was SHPC’s signature Sports Day event, which brought the cluster together through cheerleading, bowling, futsal and captain’s ball competitions.

Representing NHCS in the bowling competition were two teams – one led by Asst Prof Tan Teing Ee, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (National Cardiac Services and Quality), and Senior Consultant, Cardiothoracic Surgery, alongside the Pharmacy department team. Both teams delivered commendable performances, with the Pharmacy team achieving 3rd place and Asst Prof Tan’s team securing 4th place. An interactive bowling clinic was also conducted under the guidance of national bowlers, with participation from Ward 44 nurses.

(L-R): NHCS teams at the bowling tournament and interactive clinic.

NHCS fielded three inter-department teams coming together for a good cause in the competitions – a Futsal team and two Captain’s Ball teams.  The teams exemplified teamwork and camaraderie, as the Futsal and a Captain's Ball team advanced to the quarter finals. Nurses from Ward 56 also demonstrated exceptional team spirit by forming a cheerleading squad, bringing passion and spreading infectious energy at the cheerleading competition!

(L-R): The Captain’s Ball and cheerleading team at the preliminaries.

(L-R): The inter-department Futsal and Captain’s Ball teams at the SHPC Sports Day finals held on 6 September at The Arena @ Woodleigh.

Joy for a Cause

“NHCS has raised $64,000 this year, an incredible achievement made possible through the collective support of all staff,” expressed Muhammad Ibrahim Bin Zainal Akmar, Principal Radiographer from Cardiac Radiology and Chair of NHCS President’s Challenge Steering Committee 2025. Fundraising proceeds from NHCS goes towards our adopted beneficiary – Centre for Seniors.

At the SHPC 2025 Grand Finale on 6 October, SingHealth proudly presented the total funds raised of $1.4 million – the highest amount raised for SHPC since its inauguration in 2004 - to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to every staff who participated, donated, and volunteered their time in making SHPC 2025 a remarkable success for our community!

* The beneficiaries of SHPC 2025 are Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE), Centre for Seniors, Filos Community Services and St. Andrew’s Autism Centre.