Cover Heartware Network’s 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala was graced by distinguished guests, including Tun Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam, the Governor of Melaka, pictured with Heartware Network founder Raymond Huang and his wife, Sharon Ho, in support of young volunteers
Heartware Network’s 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala was graced by distinguished guests, including Tun Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam, the Governor of Melaka, pictured with Heartware Network founder Raymond Huang and his wife, Sharon Ho, in support of young volunteers
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In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Heartware Network honours a legacy of service and reaffirm its mission to empower young people through meaningful community engagement
Heartware Network’s 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala brought together leaders, partners and long-time supporters for an evening anchored in the organisation’s steadfast mission—to nurture and empower youth through meaningful volunteering that strengthens communities across Singapore. The gathering marked a milestone for an organisation shaped by consistency of purpose and a clear belief in service from the heart.
Since its founding 25 years ago, Heartware Network has mobilised more than 30,000 volunteers who have contributed over 1.2 million hours of service, supporting socially isolated seniors, underprivileged children and beneficiaries across the nation. These figures, recorded across its programmes and initiatives, offer a portrait of an organisation that measures its legacy through cumulative acts of care—the kind of impact built patiently by young people choosing to serve.
The gala was graced by Singapore’s president Tharman Shanmugaratnam, alongside Tan Kiat How, senior minister of state for Digital Development and Information, and Health; Goh Pei Ming, minister of state for Home Affairs, and Social and Family Development; and Tun Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam, the Governor of Melaka.
Above Singapore’s president Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the guest of honour of Heartware Network’s 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala
Singapore’s president Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the guest of honour of Heartware Network’s 25th Anniversary Benefit Gala
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Their presence framed the evening as a national moment of recognition for the role youth volunteers play in shaping community life in Singapore. Yet the occasion remained grounded in the organisation’s founding belief, expressed in the ethos that “if it is not from the heart, it is not worth doing”—an idea that continues to guide its work.
In his opening remarks, chairman Ting Seng Kiong returned to this theme of purpose, noting that Heartware Network was built on a simple belief: that building the “Heartware of Singapore” begins with empowering young people to care, serve and lead with heart. His reflection underscored the enduring relevance of the organisation’s mission, especially as youth continue to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Heartware Network’s founder, Raymond Huang, reflected on this founding ideal in remarks that revisited the organisation’s origins. He shared that Heartware Network began as “an act of faith” undertaken with his wife, Sharon Ho, rooted in their vision to nurture a generation of selfless young people who serve with sincerity and love for the country. His words set the tone for an evening focused not on ceremony but on the clarity of purpose that has shaped the organisation’s journey.
Tan Kiat How, Ting Seng Kiong
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Executive director Shona Lall extended the conversation by highlighting the three pillars that have sustained Heartware Network’s growth: its people, credibility and relevance. She honoured the volunteers, staff, board members, partners and donors who “show up not because they have to, but because they believe in the cause”, emphasising how integrity and authenticity have strengthened the organisation’s credibility. She also noted that Heartware Network’s responsiveness keeps it attuned to evolving community needs.
A key emotional moment in the evening arrived through the youth volunteers’ sharing session, where young people spoke about the meaning of service in their lives. Their reflections offered a grounded counterpoint to the formalities of the evening — a reminder that Heartware Network’s mission is most vividly expressed in the voices and experiences of its youth.
Above President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, with Peggy Jeffs, chairperson of the organising committee
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, with Peggy Jeffs, chairperson of the organising committee
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The organisation also paid tribute to long-standing supporters, including its founding benefactors, organising committee, donors and partners, reflecting the collective effort behind this milestone celebration.
As the evening drew to a close, Heartware Network signalled its intention to scale its youth development and leadership efforts, exploring innovative programmes that respond to emerging community needs. The celebration ended on a note of gratitude, paired with a renewed commitment to empowering youth as catalysts for lasting change—a continuation of the vision that has shaped the organisation from the beginning.
As Senior Editor of Tatler Singapore, Hashirin champions and refines the storytelling across platforms—curating and crafting compelling profiles, cover stories and features that spotlight visionaries shaping culture, business and impact. Driven by curiosity, she draws inspiration from the artists, changemakers and trailblazers she encounters through her work. Beyond the pages of Tatler, she is an avid supporter of local theatre and delights in seeking out art in every city she visits.
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