(Singapore, 22.11.2025) On 21 Nov, the 19th Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Award for Enrolled Nurses—the nation’s highest accolade for Enrolled Nurses—was presented at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, honouring 12 outstanding nurses whose professionalism, compassion and leadership continue to strengthen Singapore’s healthcare system.
Established in 2006 by the D.S. Lee Foundation, the Award remains the pinnacle of distinction for Enrolled Nurses. Organised by the Singapore Nurses Association (SNA) and jointly presented with the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation and the D.S. Lee Foundation, this year’s ceremony brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers and nurses in celebration of a profession that has anchored Singapore’s care journey for 140 years.
Nursing Is Not a Profession, It Is a Calling
Guest of Honour Madam Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State at the Ministry of Health & Ministry of Digital Development and Information, commended the awardees for their dedication to patient well-being across acute hospitals, community settings and long-term care.
Reflecting on Singapore’s 140-year nursing history, she highlighted how generations of nurses have built a legacy of resilience, compassion and excellence. Madam Rahayu spotlighted two top recipients who exemplify the highest standards of practice:
- Madam Wong Yan Ming, Principal Enrolled Nurse at Sengkang General Hospital, recognised for her contributions in radiology and nuclear medicine, award-winning infection-control projects and more than 100 patient commendations.
- Ms Ong Jawati Binte Abdul Razak of AWWA Senior Community Home, whose 17 years in community care—including critical service during the COVID-19 circuit breaker—demonstrate dignified, holistic care and zero-error outcomes through personalised medication charts.
She also outlined enhancements to education and career development, including the upgraded Higher Nitec in Nursing, new Work-Study Diploma pathways and the ongoing efforts of the Standing Committee for Nursing to strengthen well-being, supervisory competencies and progression opportunities.
As the organizer, Samantha Ong, President of the Singapore Nurses Association, delivered her speech and honoured the courage, compassion and quiet strength that define the nursing profession. “Use this milestone as a light to guide others,” she urged the awardees, encouraging them to mentor younger nurses and continue raising standards of care.
Human Touch in a High-Tech Era
Representing the D.S. Lee Foundation, Noel Ng conveyed Dr Della Lee’s appreciation to the nursing community and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the profession.
In his speech, Noel Ng reflected on the enduring value of human presence in healthcare—even as technology transforms the way care is delivered.
“There is no algorithm that can replace the healing effect of a nurse’s gentle touch, kind smile or reassuring voice,” he said, emphasising that the essence of nursing remains deeply human.
Ng also announced an enhancement to the Award: from this year, the top three recipients will each receive a certified 10-gram 24-karat gold bar from UOB, replacing the previous 22-karat Florence Nightingale medallion—a symbolic gesture acknowledging rising gold values and honouring excellence.
He concluded with a personal reflection from visiting a hospitalised family member earlier that morning, noting that while loved ones may leave the bedside, “nurses are there 24/7,” quietly sustaining patients and families through their presence and care.
Honouring the Vision Behind the Award
The Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Award was the brainchild of Dr Della Suantio Lee, Chairman of the D.S. Lee Foundation, who conceptualised the Award together with Associate Professor Lim Swee Hia, then Group Director of Nursing at SingHealth.
Following the passing of the late Tan Sri (Dr) Tan Chin Tuan in 2005—an eminent banker and philanthropist known for his kindness and generosity—Dr Lee inherited S$100,000 from his estate and donated the full amount to establish this Award, ensuring that his spirit of service would continue through the recognition of outstanding Enrolled Nurses.
Beyond the Tan Chin Tuan Nursing Award, the D.S. Lee Foundation—under the leadership of Dr Della Suantio Lee—has long supported initiatives that advance healthcare, education and community well-being. In 2024, the Foundation contributed S$3 million to the National University of Singapore to support mental health research and education, further underscoring its commitment to strengthening healthcare for future generations.
Each year, the ceremony is held on or around Tan Sri Tan’s birthday, 21 Nov, as a gesture of remembrance and gratitude. The ceremony included the traditional birthday cake-cutting to honour his legacy.
Ms Chew Gek Khim, Deputy Chairman of the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, expressed her heartfelt address marking what would have been the birthday of her late grandfather, Tan Sri Tan Chin Tuan.
The annual birthday cake ceremony, she noted, symbolises the family’s continued appreciation for nurses—“a gesture of friendship and gratitude” started decades ago.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Healthcare System
This year’s 12 awardees come from public hospitals, private institutions and the ILTC sector, representing diverse practice areas—from acute radiology and geriatric care to patient education, wound management and infection control.
Their dedication, empathy and resilience continue to anchor patient safety, strengthen community health and uphold Singapore’s 140-year nursing legacy. The ceremony concluded with warm applause for all healthcare professionals and a shared conviction that, even in an age of AI and medical innovation, the heart of care remains profoundly human.
