# Singaporean Educator Dedicates Life to Supporting Dying Patients Without Family Yong Kwon Seng leads a compassionate initiative to ensure no patient dies alone. - **Source:** [The Straits Times – Singapore](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/539e5b37-10e7-4703-a047-8dc4ff92de96 ## Commitment 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. ## Personal 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. ## Operationalizing 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. ## Expanding 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. ## Recognition 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. ## Logistical 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. ## Sacrifice 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. ## Broader 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. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/singaporean-of-the-year-finalist-he-is-son-to-dying-imh-patients-with-no-family — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._