This year, the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) proudly celebrates 55 years of tireless advocacy and action in preventing cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Held at the National Gallery Singapore on 6 April 2025, SHF’s anniversary event — themed “Resilient HeARTs: Celebrating 55 Years of Empowering Heart Health” — honoured the organisation’s enduring mission and the community that has supported it throughout the decades.

Graced by Guest of Honour, Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung, the celebration showcased SHF’s impactful work across its three core pillars: Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Resuscitation.

A Legacy of Prevention Through Innovation

Since its founding in 1970 by a group of committed cardiologists, SHF has rolled out countless public education campaigns and programmes to raise awareness on heart disease. From school initiatives to outreach events for the visually impaired, these efforts have educated over 727,000 individuals in the last year alone.

In line with evolving trends, SHF has launched a new gamified experience — the CardioChase Game Kiosk. Featuring adorable mascots Hugo and Sandy, this motion-sensing game is designed to engage primary and secondary school students in learning heart-healthy habits in a fun, interactive way. It will be introduced in schools from the third quarter of 2025.

Supporting Recovery: A Heartfelt Approach to Rehabilitation

Beyond prevention, SHF continues to play a pivotal role in helping heart patients reclaim their health. Its Heart Wellness Centres (HWCs) offer subsidised cardiac rehabilitation programmes, designed for patients in post-surgery recovery and those with pre-existing risk factors like high cholesterol or diabetes. Currently, SHF operates three centres across the island — in Bukit Gombak, Fortune Centre, and Junction 8 Office Tower — supporting over 3,100 clients as of March 2024.

One such client, 77-year-old Patricia de Souza, credits the Gombak centre with helping her bounce back from heart surgery to hike at Rifle Range Nature Park. “The SHF team truly encouraged and guided me,” she said.

Recognising that financial support is often key to recovery, SHF also runs the Heart Support Fund (HSF), providing aid to heart patients in need. In FY2023/24, the fund supported 300 individuals, including Mr Rahmat Bin Mohamed, 65, who received over S$5,000 in assistance for life-saving heart surgery.

Building a Nation of Lifesavers

Empowering the public with lifesaving skills has always been a cornerstone of SHF’s mission. Through initiatives like Project Heart, CPR+AED training courses, and CPR Self-Learning Kiosks, SHF has trained more than 8,400 people in emergency response techniques over the past year.

In 2023, SHF also launched two new community groups: the Community First Responders Club to support trained individuals through education and mental wellness, and the Cardiac Arrest Survivors Club, providing a support network for survivors to share and heal.

A Creative Celebration of Resilience

The anniversary event featured the ‘Resilient heARTs’ exhibition — a moving collection of 55 visual and audio artworks contributed by cardiac patients, survivors, and SHF staff. Visitors could also explore interactive stations including blood pressure awareness kiosks and try their hand at life-saving CPR.

A highlight of the day was a Mandarin dialogue session titled “Building Tomorrow with Heart and Resilience”, co-organised with Fortune Times, where leaders and entrepreneurs discussed heart health through the lens of resilience and innovation.

Creative workshops held in partnership with local social enterprises and artists underscored SHF’s theme of community inclusion and empowerment. From moss photo frames to sustainable farming and artistic crafting, participants were invited to engage their hearts and hands in celebration of strength and unity.

Looking Ahead: SHF Charity TV Show

SHF will continue its anniversary celebrations with the SHF Charity TV Show ‘Resilient Hearts’, airing 29 June 2025 on Mediacorp Channel 8 from 7pm to 10pm. The foundation invites the public to tune in and donate to support its vital work in heart health education and support.

To learn more about SHF’s 55th anniversary or to contribute, visit https://shf55.myheart.org.sg.

Images: Singapore Heart Foundation