Mr Shawn Loh (centre, wearing a purple shirt), MP for Jalan Besar GRC (Whampoa), joined our seniors and community in celebrating a heartwarming Mid-Autumn Festival at KWSH, filled with lights, laughter, and togetherness.
This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (KWSH) was one to remember. Held on 27 September 2025, this celebration was undoubtedly one of our most anticipated events every year. Not only did the premises come alive with elegant lanterns, the community spirit and lively atmosphere were truly something to bask in. Moreover, this year’s celebration was a little different as we paid tribute to the wisdom and resilience of our seniors, the heart of the KWSH community.
Festivities were held at both KWSH Serangoon and KWSH Potong Pasir, where residents, families, and volunteers enjoyed an evening of joy and connection.
A Lantern-lit Night
The evening began with a beautiful lantern light-up across both premises, casting a warm glow throughout our hospital grounds. Soon after, the night sky came alive with Kong Ming Sky lanterns that carried the hopes and dreams of participants. The Lotus Flower Pond added a moment of quiet reflection, as delicate lotus flower lanterns bearing heartfelt wishes drifted gently across the water.
A Festival of Fun and Togetherness
At the event, CEO Dr Mok also announced a new community food fridge initiative for Potong Pasir residents. Recently launched ahead of the Mid-Autumn celebration, the fridge is sponsored by iJooz and KWSH has been working with The Food Bank Singapore to stock up the fridge. For a start, members of our Active Ageing Centre at Potong Pasir will be entitled one free food item on a weekly basis. Kwong Wai Shiu will also be exploring other partnerships to secure more food sources to expand the initiative to all Potong Pasir senior residents. Beyond offering free food items to the elderly, the community food fridge also aims to educate fridge users and the public on reducing food waste.
Over at our KWSH Serangoon, staff and residents enjoyed traditional bites, carnival games, lantern riddles, and even an old-school Singapore-themed photo booth — complete with a Samsui woman and trishaw! Meanwhile, at KWSH Potong Pasir, the celebration was just as vibrant, featuring carnival games, nostalgic ice cream treats, lively song-and-dance performances, and caricature drawings that brought plenty of smiles all around.
Stories that Inspired
A big highlight of the evening was the “Celebrating Our Seniors’ Life Stories” segment, where eight seniors from our Active Ageing Centres and KWSH Potong Pasir took the stage to share their personal journeys. Decked out in vibrant apparel from modern vintage to trendy chic styles, they strutted the runway with confident enthusiasm.
Among them was Ms Belynda Sim, 67, a Stage 4 cancer survivor who emerged stronger, more radiant, and with a renewed sense of purpose. She has never let age define her — embracing each day as a valuable gift to be lived to the fullest.
As a passionate volunteer, she dedicates her time and energy to supporting others, finding fulfillment and joy in every act of kindness. Those who meet her often comment on her radiant spirit and infectious zest for life. Her message to the younger generation is to live boldly yet gently: pursue what you love, stay true to your heart, and let kindness ripple outward. To her, a fulfilling life is one rooted in courage, compassion, and gratitude.
Another inspiring story came from Ms Helen Teo, 66, whose life embodies quiet strength and unwavering determination. As a single mother, Helen juggled five jobs over the years to support her family, turning every challenge into a stepping stone.
Today, she exudes confidence, vitality, and grace — a living testament to the power of perseverance. Her advice to the younger generation is simple yet profound: be kind, take chances, and let compassion guide your path. To Helen, a meaningful life is one that balances self-love, resilience, and joy, no matter what challenges arise.
Adding to the festive spirit were Mr Shawn Loh, Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC, and KWSH’s leadership team, including Chairman Mr Tang Kin Fei, CEO Dr Mok Ying Jang, and other board members. Their presence brought warmth and encouragement, which underscored the hospital’s strong sense of community and care. It was heartwarming to see Mr Loh mingling and interacting with our seniors with great authenticity and care.
During the celebration, KWSH presented Mr Shawn Loh with a framed calligraphy portrait of the Chinese character “恩” (gratitude) as a token of appreciation for his support. In a touching moment, Mr Loh shared that “恩” was particularly meaningful to him — it is one of the characters found in the names of all his children, symbolising kindness, grace, and family bonds.
A Celebration of the Heart of Our Community
From laughter-filled games to heartfelt stories, this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival reminded us that our seniors are not just recipients of care. They are storytellers, inspirations, and role models who continue to empower us every day.
As the lanterns floated into the night sky, they carried more than just wishes. They reflected the gratitude, hope, and love of a community that honours its seniors and celebrates the spirit of togetherness that defines KWSH.