Singaporean Educator Dedicates Life to Supporting Dying Patients Without Family
Yong Kwon Seng leads a compassionate initiative to ensure no patient dies alone.
1Commitment to Final Moments
Educator Yong Kwon Seng has spent 16 years volunteering at Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health. In 2019, he launched the No One Dies Alone program to support critically ill patients lacking next of kin. He personally sits by their bedsides during their final hours, offering comfort, music, and a reassuring human presence.
2Personal Inspiration and Background
Yong’s dedication stems from watching his mother care for his brother, who has a severe intellectual disability. Growing up, his family faced social stigma, which shaped his empathetic approach toward marginalized individuals. Following his mother’s death in 2022, he took on the primary caregiving responsibilities for his brother at home.
3Operationalizing Compassionate Care
The program currently involves eight dedicated volunteers who befriend elderly, critically ill patients. Yong serves as an emergency contact for these patients, keeping his phone active 24/7 to respond to hospital calls. He ensures that even when patients cannot respond, they are treated with dignity, compassion, and consistent emotional support.
4Expanding Social Engagement
Beyond end-of-life care, Yong leads 450 volunteers in organizing weekend activities for long-stay patients at the institute. These events range from karaoke sessions and popiah-making to mock elections and fashion shows. These initiatives aim to integrate patients into community-like experiences, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and connected to the outside world.
5Recognition and Award Nomination
Yong is a finalist for The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year award, which honors citizens making significant societal contributions. The award, presented by UBS Singapore, recognizes individuals who go beyond their professional duties to improve lives. This nomination highlights his selfless commitment to fostering belonging for those often forgotten by society.
6Logistical Support and Dignity
The Woodbridge Hospital Charity Fund, the philanthropic arm of the institute, supports Yong’s efforts in ensuring patients receive dignified funeral arrangements. By managing these final rites, the volunteers ensure that every patient’s life concludes with respect. This holistic approach addresses both the emotional needs of the living and the final requirements.
7Sacrifice and Personal Impact
Yong’s commitment requires significant personal sacrifice, as he balances his teaching career, caregiving for his brother, and extensive volunteer duties. He admits that he has little time for personal pursuits like marriage or socializing. Despite these challenges, he views the patients as his family, consistently promising to return every week.
8Broader Societal Implications
The initiative challenges societal perceptions regarding mental health and isolation. By humanizing patients through name-based interactions and inclusive activities, Yong advocates for the inherent value of every individual. His work serves as a model for community-driven care, emphasizing that empathy and presence are vital components of public health and social welfare.