MEDIA RELEASE SGH celebrates 200 years of caring for the nation Singapore, 29 March 2021 — From the beriberi disease in the 1890s, Spanish flu outbreak in 1918, and later the Japanese air raids during war, racial riots, explosion of Greek oil tanker Spyros, to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has always been here, caring for the nation. SGH was just a shed in the British cantonment area established in 1821, two years after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles. Today, 200 years later, the Hospital cares for about 1 million patients yearly, and has been ranked among the top 10 best hospitals in the world for three consecutive years. SGH is an Academic Medical Centre where teaching and research take place to advance patient care and to ensure future generations of healthcare professionals are even better. Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister for Finance, delivered a speech at SGH’s bicentennial celebration named Rooted in Excellence on Monday, 29 March 2021. It was held at SGH’s new Bicentennial Garden which DPM Heng officially opened by planting a tree to signify laying down roots for the future growth of SGH. He was joined by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, and senior leaders from SingHealth and SGH. The Bicentennial Garden is adjacent to the iconic Bowyer Block, a national monument. Bowyer Block is the only remaining block of the Hospital that was opened on the very same date back in 1926. “We have journeyed, and will continue to journey with the nation, through good times and tough ones. What we have achieved did not happen by chance. It is the result of visionary pioneers, upon whose shoulders we now stand, and dedicated colleagues who are anchored by our values and a strong sense of purpose,” said Professor Kenneth Kwek, Chief Executive Officer, SGH. “We share in the belief that our patients, regardless of their station in society, should have access to excellent care that matters most to them. As the current custodians in SGH, it is our responsibility to reimagine and define tomorrow’s medicine so that SGH will continue to be the beacon of hope for Singaporeans.” Due to the pandemic, Rooted in Excellence took on a hybrid approach, consisting of an in- person event for 30 guests, as well as a virtual component that allowed over 1,000 guests and colleagues to join the celebrations online. At the same time, the Hospital launched #SGHOneKindAct, a social movement to champion acts of kindness to all. Every staff is encouraged to perform kind acts, big or small, for colleagues, patients, loved ones and/or the community. To round off the celebration, invited guests were given a special preview of the revamped SGH Museum located at the Bowyer Block, to learn about the illustrious story of SGH, and its people. The exhibition in the walkthrough Museum, which will be opened to the public by end April 2021, is co-curated by SGH and the Preservation of Sites and Monuments under National Heritage Board. The central corridor through the Museum linking SGH main buildings to the Diabetes and Metabolism Centre (DMC), formerly Mistri Wing, will be reopened. To confirm your attendance, please contact: Clara Chee Communications DID: 6321 3407 Email: [email protected] Annex A – SGH200 Events In commemoration of its Bicentennial, there will be a year-long calendar of events and activities, to tell the SGH story of Purpose, Passion, Courage and Grit. It will also highlight the Hospital’s rich heritage and growth in tandem with the nation to continue meeting the needs of Singaporeans. SGH 200th Anniversary song Titled, “We Stand Strong”, the SGH 200th anniversary song is written by Dr Lucy Davies, Senior Resident, Anaesthesiology, SGH and SingHealth. Dr Davis and SGH staff performed the song at the bicentennial celebration on 29 March 2021. March/April - Bicentennial Ride ‘n Walk The Ride ‘n Walk campaign, which kicked off on 27 March 2021, saw Prof Kenneth Kwek, Chief Executive Officer, Prof Ruban Poopalalingam, Chairman, Medical Board, and a group of staff who are cycling enthusiasts, peddling about 13 hours to complete a distance of 200km around Singapore. They were joined by colleagues from other SingHealth institutions to raise funds for the SGH Needy Patients Fund. The second instalment, running from 29 March to 2 April 2021, will see staff engage in a friendly competition, trying to clock the longest distance covered either by walking or cycling on stationary bicycles. Public can sign up to take part in the virtual event too. Participants can do their part for the community by donating to the SGH Needy Patients Fund via online donation platform, Giving.sg. June - Virtual Heritage Challenge The Virtual Heritage Challenge will see staff and members of the public running 4km past various historical sites within the SGH Campus. They will learn about the Hospital’s heritage, and what the future may hold. June 2021 to January 2022 - “The Story of SGH” Photo Exhibition June will also see the launch of an exhibition on the SGH story, showcasing our past, present, and future. Visitors will walk down memory lane, following the Hospital’s journey from being a lone shed to one of the leading hospitals around the world. September – SGH Bicentennial Lecture and Formal Dinner The SGH Formal Dinner is an annual event traditionally held to recognise our senior clinicians for their significant contributions to healthcare in Singapore over the years. The event, which also recognises the fellowship and strategic alliance among clinicians and associates, will be held on 5 September. A highlight of the evening is the Bicentennial Lecture by a Distinguished Lecturer. Annex B – SGH200 Logo The SGH 200th Anniversary logo is designed with the iconic Bowyer Block Clock Tower as its premise. The Bowyer Block was built in 1926 and has been gazette as a national monument, a recognition of the Hospital’s significant role to the nation. The "00" in the 200 takes on the form of the infinity symbol to represent SGH’s long heritage and also its future, bringing world-class healthcare services to the people of Singapore and achieving new frontiers. SGH has been journeying with the nation through good times and bad, and will always continue to do so, by constantly improving, staying relevant and ahead of the curve. .