PSSA 2003 - Individual Category Award Winner

Ms Koh Lai Heng

At 51, Ms Koh Lai Heng has spent almost half her life as a volunteer.

A veteran with 25 years of experience under her belt, Ms Koh's passion for working with the elderly is extraordinary.

Back in 1977, she started the Bukit Merah Old Folks Club with a group of friends. Their aim was to bring cheer to the lonely and destitute elderly living in the area. The club grew steadily in membership and the senior medical technologist was the driving force in managing the increasing base of volunteers.

Over the years, Ms Koh has worked closely with various voluntary welfare organisations and the National Council of Social Service, initiating numerous clubs and schemes for the elderly. One such effort - the Cheap Meal Scheme providing balanced meals at affordable prices - was even awarded the Commonwealth Youth Service Award in 1988.

In pursuing traditional Chinese medicine and a diploma in management, Ms Koh demonstrated sensitivity to the demands of her volunteer activities. Since 1983, she has been providing part-time consultation on traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture at no charge at the Chung Hwa Free Clinic and Kwan-In Welfare Society mobile clinic. Her diploma enabled her to better manage the volunteers she works with.

In 1987, Ms Koh was nominated to join the Volunteer 365 Exchange Programme in Japan. For this trip, she went on five months' unpaid leave for a chance to study the services for the aged.

Ms Koh's long and fulfilling stint as a volunteer is filled with both memorable experiences and community recognition. Among the awards she has received are the Long Service Award in 1998 by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and the National Youth Service Award in 1988 by the People's Association.

Petite and soft-spoken, Ms Koh is without a doubt a giant in social service volunteering for her unreserved commitment in caring for and championing the needs of the elderly.

Other PSSA 2003 winners: