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Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution celebrated the 2026 Chinese New Year on 26 February 2026 at its headquarters in the Thong Chai Building. The evening brought together more than 150 distinguished guests, Board members and staff in a warm and festive gathering to mark the beginning of a new year.

The Institution was honoured to have Professor Lim Shih Hui, Head of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Branch at the Ministry of Health and Registrar (Chief Executive) of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners’ Board, who was recently awarded the National Outstanding Clinician Award, as Guest of Honour. In his address, he conveyed heartfelt encouragement to Thong Chai.

The celebration was also graced by numerous distinguished guests, including Life Senior Honorary Chairmen Mr and Mrs Lew Chee Beng PBM, Mr Ho Kiau Seng BBM, Mdm Thia Sia Eng; Senior Honorary Chairmen Mr and Mrs Wong Swee Chun BBM, Mr Yang Tse Pin; Honorary Chairmen Mr Chua Kim Hua BBM, Mr Ang Chin Koon BBM, CStJ, Mr Oh Boon Shi Tome, Tan Sri Albert Cheng Yong Kim, Mr Aw Chye Wee; Honorary Advisors Mr Khoo Boo Liat; Legal Advisors Ms Lim Lay Choo Jennifer PBM, Mr Ong Lip Cheng Peter; Medical Advisors Prof Teo Eng Kiat; Academic Advisors Prof You Ke, and Honorary Directors, Board members, staff, and supporters whose continued commitment has strengthened the Institution over the years.

The evening commenced at 6:00 p.m., with members of the Board accompanying the Guest of Honour into the hall to warm applause. The programme was hosted by three of the Institution’s physicians, Phy Tiew Chong Hui Grace, Phy To Weng Fui and Phy Gan Chin who opened the celebration with a lively New Year song that immediately set a joyful tone.

Chairman Mr Yeo Eng Koon expressed appreciation to the guests for their presence in his welcome address, and to the Board members for their generous support in making the event possible. Reflecting on the past year, he noted that Thong Chai’s charitable mission remained steadfast throughout 2025. A key highlight was the successful fundraising golf tournament held in July 2025, which raised over S$1.4 million in support of the Institution’s medical and charitable work. He conveyed sincere gratitude to the fundraising team and all whose contributions continue to sustain Thong Chai’s mission.

Beyond its charitable efforts, the Institution achieved significant milestones in medical research. In 2025, the Institution’s medical team was awarded three grants under the Ministry of Health’s 6th Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Grant (TCMRG) call. The funded projects include:

A collaborative study with the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and National University of Singapore (NTU) titled ElectroAcupuncture to manage Symptoms of cognitive Toxicity in cancer survivors: Assessing impLementation, cost, and effectIveness for inteGratioN (EAST-ALIGN);
A randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled trial conducted in collaboration with Singapore General Hospital (SGH), Duke-NUS Medical School and Nanyang Technological University, investigating the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine (Modified Si Miao Xiao Bi Tang) in the treatment of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis; and
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupuncture Treatment of Paresthesia In Intercostobrachial Nerve Injury In Breast Cancer Patients (Acutepin), undertaken in partnership with Changi General Hospital (CGH).

This marks the first time the Institution has secured multiple research grants concurrently, further strengthening Thong Chai’s professional standing in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine research. These awards underscore the Institution’s growing capabilities in clinical research and integrative medicine. Chairman Yeo reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to investing in professional development and strengthening its medical team, combining clinical excellence with compassionate care to better serve patients.

The evening’s entertainment showcased the many talents within the Institution. Physicians took to the stage with musical performances ranging from festive ensemble pieces to well-loved classics, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Guests at the event also joined in singing, contributing to the festive and celebratory atmosphere. The performances created a sense of camaraderie and warmth that reflected the close-knit community within Thong Chai.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of staff awards, recognising Best and Outstanding employees for their dedication and service. Long service awards were presented to colleagues who have devoted five, ten, and fifteen years to the Institution. In addition, five newly introduced awards, Inspiring Mentorship, Best Teamwork, Support Excellence, Excellent Service and Rising Star were presented to acknowledge exceptional contributions over the past year. These recognitions underscored Thong Chai’s commitment to nurturing talent and honouring dedication.

In keeping with festive tradition, the Cai Shen Ye, made a cheerful appearance, represented by Head of Medicine Committee Mr Chan Sen Meng PBM, accompanied by four “Xiao Cai Shen”, Phy Lin Lay Yiak, Phy Quek Yi Yang Eugene, Phy Leong Hao Li and Phy Kon Wen Xuan, distributing red packets and well-wishes to delighted guests. The celebratory toast of “Yum Seng” further lifted the atmosphere, followed by an eagerly anticipated lucky draw featuring attractive prizes.

As the evening concluded with the announcement of the Best Dressed awards and consolation prizes, the celebration ended on a high note of gratitude and joy. The emcees extended heartfelt thanks to the Board members, organising team, and staff whose collective efforts made the event a success. May Thong Chai continue to thrive, achieving new milestones and bringing hope and healing to the community in the year ahead.

Welcome speech by Chairman Yeo Eng Koon