Serangoon TCM Centre: 
Every Tuesday morning at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital @ Potong Pasir, residents look out for two familiar faces. Amy and her son Hong Yao are often greeted with smiles, waves and the occasional “You are here again!”.
For nearly a decade, this mother-and-son duo has been a steady presence in the wards, bringing not just activities, but warmth, laughter and companionship. What began as a simple act of giving back has since grown into something far more meaningful, a shared journey that has strengthened their bond over time.
Amy Zheng, 52, began volunteering with KWSH in 2015 at our Serangoon Road nursing home. Not long after, she started bringing her son, then a secondary school student, along during his school holidays. This was how So Hong Yao, now 24, first became part of the KWSH volunteer family.
Amy’s motivation to volunteer was deeply personal. Years earlier, she had received treatment at our TCM clinic and was touched by the physicians’ compassion and attentive care.
“When the opportunity arose in 2015, I knew I wanted to give back,” she shared.
Volunteering has since become a shared space for Amy and Hong Yao to connect. Hong Yao enjoys serving alongside his mother and finds meaning in the interactions with residents. He particularly treasures their stories, such as one gentleman who fondly recounted how he used to dodge bus attendants in his younger days to avoid paying fares. These light-hearted exchanges remind him that every resident carries a lifetime of experiences waiting to be heard.
When KWSH opened its second nursing home at Potong Pasir in 2022, Amy and Hong Yao made the decision to continue their journey there together, bringing their experience to the new home. Today, in addition to supporting ad hoc activities and events, they are part of the Tuesday befriender group, visiting residents regularly each week.
Amy, a beauty therapist, keeps her Tuesday mornings free so she can dedicate time to volunteering. One of her most memorable experiences was an outing to Gardens by the Bay, where volunteers accompanied residents through vibrant floral displays. Seeing the residents’ faces light up remains a meaningful reminder of why she continues to serve.
“My son even led us to the spots with the prettiest flowers!” Amy shared with a smile, clearly proud of her son’s journey as a fellow volunteer.
Her dedication has had a lasting influence on Hong Yao. Now in his second year at university, he continues to prioritise volunteering despite his academic commitments. Each semester, he plans his timetable carefully to keep Tuesday mornings available for befriending sessions. Even during his full-time National Service, when he was confined to camp on weekdays, he remained involved by supporting weekend activities such as outings with residents.
Over the years, the duo has contributed to a wide range of programmes. Beyond befriending sessions and monthly birthday celebrations, they have organised self-care activities such as facials, as well as creative sessions like teaching the residents how to “sing” with sign language. During festive seasons, they also support crafts activities that bring colour and joy to the home.
Through their consistent presence, Amy and Hong Yao have helped create a more engaging and homely environment for residents. Their contributions reflect the spirit of community at KWSH, where residents, volunteers and staff come together in meaningful ways.
“It always makes me happy to see the residents remember me and my son!” Amy said.
