National Cancer Centre Singapore Raises S$20.5 Million to Advance Cancer Research and Patient Care
The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a charity dinner that raised S$20.5 million for cancer research and patient support. The event, held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, was attended by more than 700 guests and graced by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who witnessed the presentation of major philanthropic contributions from long-term partners and donors.
A key highlight of the evening was a S$6 million gift from Professor Goh Hak Su to the Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Institute, continuing the legacy of the late palliative care pioneer Professor Cynthia Goh. The contribution will help build capacity and capability in palliative care, addressing Singapore’s growing needs in supportive and end-of-life care.
To further drive innovation, the Verdant Foundation pledged S$4.5 million to support the development of a new cancer drug discovery facility at NCCS. The center will integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze plant biodiversity data for novel cancer treatments. This builds upon the foundation’s earlier S$5 million contribution in 2021 that enabled the creation of the Cheng Kin Ku Herbal Biodiversity and Medicine Programme under the SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine.
Another S$2.5 million gift from philanthropist Prajna Murdaya will establish the Research Institute for Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection (RISE), co-led by NCCS and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. The institute will evaluate emerging screening technologies, including Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests, to enhance population health and identify cost-effective ways to detect cancer at its earliest stage.
President Tharman also oversaw the announcement of four S$1 million donations supporting initiatives in digital health research, blood cancer and stem cell research, gastrointestinal cancer studies, and patient care programmes. The event also recognized long-standing community partners, including Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Petite Fleur, and Fashion For Cancer, for their fundraising support.
To commemorate the milestone, NCCS unveiled a newly cultivated orchid, the Papilionanda National Cancer Centre Singapore, symbolizing resilience and hope. A commemorative book, Our Story: A Beacon of Hope, and the original song Hope, performed by NCCS staff and patients, were also launched, celebrating the center’s 25-year journey of advancing cancer care and research in Singapore.
