Singaporean of the Year finalist: He is ‘son’ to dying IMH patients with no family

In Singapore, 40-year-old Yong Kwon Seng, a finalist for The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year award, has been volunteering at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for 16 years. As a volunteer, Yong has made a significant contribution by accompanying critically ill patients at IMH who have no family to support them during their final days.

Yong noticed that some patients never had family visiting during public holidays and began showing up almost every Saturday and public holiday to befriend long-stay patients. This sparked the idea for the No One Dies Alone programme, which he founded in 2019. The programme has been instrumental in keeping 19 patients company until their deaths, offering emotional support and companionship to those who need it most.

In addition to his work with No One Dies Alone, Yong also leads over 450 volunteers in hosting weekend and public holiday activities for the patients. These activities include karaoke, popiah-making, and festive celebrations like Chinese New Year, making sure that the patients have a sense of normalcy and enjoyment. Yong also lines up unique experiences, such as fashion shows and mock elections, to engage the patients and bring them joy in their final days.

Yong's dedication to the patients is deeply personal, as he grew up with an older brother who had a severe intellectual disability. His late mother, who worked as a dishwasher, devoted her life to caring for her disabled son. This strong maternal figure inspired Yong to emulate her love and selflessness.

Despite his demanding volunteer work and caring for his brother, Yong has little time for himself. He admits that marriage is not on his agenda, as he prefers to be with the patients, who affectionately call him "Ah Seng." Yong's story is a testament to the power of compassion and the impact that one person can have on the lives of others.