Opening Speech at SCS 60th Anniversary

Speech by Speaker of Parliament, Mr Seah Kian Peng
at Singapore Cancer Society’s 60th Anniversary – Many Lives, One Legacy

Mr Lee Meng Tat, Chairman of Singapore Cancer Society (SCS)

Mr Albert Ching, CEO, SCS

Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening.

I am delighted to be here tonight as we mark a momentous occasion – the 60th anniversary of the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). This milestone is a testament to six decades of unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by cancer. It’s a time to celebrate the incredible progress made and to reaffirm our dedication to the future of cancer care in Singapore.

First, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients of the SCS Aspiration Award. Your passion and dedication to this cause is truly inspiring. Whether you are anindividual, a corporate partner, or part of a community group, your contributions—from donations to volunteering—have made a meaningful impact. This award recognizes your generosity and the holistic support you bring to fight against cancer.

Earlier this evening, I had the honour of meeting some of the awardees, including Mr. Ellil Mathiyan. Ellil’s story is extraordinary. Battling not just one but two types of cancer, he stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. From trekking the Gobi Desert to raise funds for cancer warriors, to championing initiatives like the Ostomy Association of Singapore and the SCS-TalkMed Relay for Life, Ellil shows us all the power of living with purpose. His courage and dedication inspire us to do more and to be more for those in need. 

As we celebrate the achievements of the past 60 years, we must also look forward with hope and purpose. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Forward Singapore vision reminds us of the importance of inclusivity, resilience, and collective responsibility. Cancer is a challenge that knows no boundaries. It affects all of us in some way. But it is in how we come together, as one united community, that defines us.

This is why tonight’s launch of the “Gift of Love: Legacy Giving Programme” is so meaningful. This initiative offers all of us an opportunity to make a lasting difference. Legacy giving is not just about financial contributions – it’s about building a future of hope. By supporting SCS through donations, CPF or insurance nominations, or bequests, we can honour our loved ones and contribute to a stronger tomorrow for cancer care.

Legacy giving embodies values of compassion and collective responsibility. It’s about empowering others and leaving a mark that will benefit generations to come. I urge everyone to think about how you can contribute—not just financially, but with your time, your voice, and your advocacy. Every effort matters. Together, we can create a Singapore where no one battles cancer alone. 

As 2025 approaches, let’s carry forward the spirit of unity and generosity that defines us as a nation. To our awardees—thank you for challenging us to care more, give more, and build a future where hope thrives.

Finally, to the Singapore Cancer Society, thank you for six decades of extraordinary service to our community. I want toalso take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to Albert for his exceptional leadership for the past twelve years. Under your guidance, SCS has reached new heights, touching countless lives and strengthening the fight against cancer. Your dedication and vision have laid a strong foundation for the future. As you pass the baton to Kwang Cheak, we look forward to the next chapter of SCS’s journey under his leadership. Let us continue to work together in the spirit of Forward Singapore to create a legacy of hope and compassion. Together, we can make a real difference.

Speech by Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) Chairman, Mr Lee Meng Tat
at Singapore Cancer Society’s 60th Anniversary – Many Lives, One Legacy

A very good evening to Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Seah Kian Peng, our cancer warriors and families, and all our partners, volunteers, and friends of the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS). 

Welcome to this special night as we celebrate 60 years of making a difference. Earlier today, we had the privilege of presenting the first SCS Aspiration Awards to organisations and individuals who have gone over and beyond in giving to the cancer cause. Their contributions capture the spirit of service that has been at the heart of our work from day one. was founded in 1964 by a small group of public-spirited individuals determined to fight cancer, which was then Singapore’s top killer. Our beginnings were humble – our first office was a borrowed space in a library at Singapore General Hospital. Yet, even then, SCS was at the cutting edge of patient-centred support. We introduced free Pap smears in 1969 and pioneered Southeast Asia’s first mastectomy support programme in the 1970s, which lives on today as our Reach for Recovery support group.

From a borrowed office to a leading cancer charity, SCS has grown tremendously thanks to your encouragement. Times have also changed. With advances in medicine and changing mindsets, cancer is no longer a death sentence or a taboo. Tonight, we celebrate life and the resilience of our cancer warriors. 

Take Madam Foziah Yeon, for example. After breast cancer treatment in 2021, her muscles were so weak she struggled to hold a cup of water. But with SCS’s rehabilitation support, she regained strength and returned to her passion – gardening. This August, she was part of a team which created a stunning garden display at the Singapore Garden Festival, even winning an award. Stories like hers drive SCS to do more. A key priority is expanding rehabilitation services, as rehab can improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects. Since 2023, SCS has launched two community rehab centres – one at the National Cancer Centre, Singapore (NCCS) building in Outram and another at National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) at NUH Medical Centre to serve patients in the West. This year, we also opened Singapore’s first tertiary rehab centre at the NCCS building to serve newly diagnosed patients before and during treatment. Moving forward, we will make rehab even more accessible, in hospitals, community care settings, and local communities. As we look to the future, I’d like to warmly welcome Mr. Tan Kwang Cheak who will step up as our new CEO in February. Kwang Cheak brings 25 years of experience in the public service, private, and healthcare sectors. He last served as CEO of the Agency of Integrated Care (AIC) for six years, where he built up the organisation, doubled its manpower and scope of work, and drove strategies to empower seniors and clients. I have no doubt he will take SCS to new heights. 

I would also like to thank Mr. Albert Ching for his remarkable contributions over the last 12 years. Albert’s visionary leadership saw SCS expand its services and forge strategic partnerships with key cancer institutions. Thank you, Albert, for your leadership, and thank you, Kwang Cheak, for taking up the baton in SCS’s next lap. 

As we celebrate 60 years, I want to say that this milestone isn’t just about SCS. It’s about all of you — the warriors who fight, the families who support, and the community that rallies around the cause. Together, we must ensure this fight continues. One way is through taking part in our annual Singapore Cancer Society-TalkMed Relay For Life on 8-9 March 2025. Registration for this overnight relay is now open at the website www.scsrelayforlife.sg and I encourage everyone to join us. Funds raised will go directly into supporting vital programmes and services like rehabilitation care.

Another way to make a difference is by leaving a legacy of love. Legacy giving isn’t just about donations or bequests – it’s also about actions we take during our lifetime to make a difference, whether by championing the cause, or honouring loved ones who have passed from cancer. To help you explore this, SCS has created The Gift of Love, a resource which you can find in your goodie bag. It will guide you in making a lasting impact. We also warmly invite you to our Legacy Giving event on Valentine’s Day next year (February 14, 2025), at SCS headquarters to learn more.

As we celebrate tonight, let’s take a moment to honour each of you—our cancer warriors and caregivers. Your courage inspires all of us and reminds us that no one fights this battle alone. Enjoy the evening, and let’s continue to stand strong, together. Thank you.

8 December 2024