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At just 16, Klarisse Ng from Raffles Girls’ School has already made a remarkable impact. As the chairperson of volunteer initiative Project Pal since 2023, she has led her peers in bringing joy, companionship, and meaningful activities to patients at HCA’s Oasis@Woodlands Day Hospice. Her dedication was recently recognised with the prestigious Singapore Silent Heroes Award, which honours individuals who make extraordinary contributions quietly and selflessly.
Inspired by HCA’s vision of creating good days for patients and its mission of helping them celebrate their lives meaningfully, Klarisse and her peers found purpose in their partnership with HCA. At Oasis@Woodlands, she has organised and facilitated singalongs, games, exercise sessions, and festive celebrations – opportunities that have allowed her to connect deeply with patients on a personal level.
This is Klarisse’s journey in her own words.
I have found great purpose in bringing comfort and companionship to patients through our activities and interactions. This experience has taught me to always prioritise patients’ needs. Sometimes, that means centering our efforts on simpler activities that truly bring comfort joy to the patients, rather than pursuing elaborate or innovative ideas that may not be as meaningful. I feel happiest whenever I see patients clapping, smiling, or waving at us. It reminds me why I serve.
One memorable moment was when a patient who was initially hesitant to join our activities slowly opened up after we took time to simply listen to her. That reminded me that beyond the activities, it is our presence and listening ears that truly make patients feel supported.
Through this journey, I’ve learned that service is not about doing things for others, but journeying with them. It is about recognising the dignity of every patient, seeing them not as passive recipients of care, but as individuals with their unique stories and voices. When we treat them as equals and friends, we can build authentic and lasting connections, where we find joy in each other’s presence.
Klarisse, front row, first from left, at HCA’s Volunteers’ Appreciation Night 2025
End-of-life care may seem taboo to many, but to me, it is deeply meaningful. Offering companionship and moments of joy to patients in their final chapter is a blessing in itself. In the future, I hope to pursue medicine, where I can continue serving others through care and compassion.
After all, building relationships and journeying alongside others is the most meaningful form of support we can give.
