In October 2025, a journey began—not in a single place, but across many.
The Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Fellowship (CGF) Cohort 2 brought together eight fellows from across the Asia-Pacific, each shaped by different healthcare systems, cultures, and lived realities:
- Dr. Aaron Bak Ong Wong (Australia)
- Dr. Ann Toh Ying Pin (Singapore)
- Dr. Attakorn Raksasataya (Thailand)
- Dr. Lianda Tamara (Indonesia)
- Dr. Malama Tafuna’i (Samoa)
- Dr. Maricar Sabeniano (Philippines)
- Dr. Mingota da Costa Herculano (Timor-Leste)
- Dr. Selvarasa Mathurahan (Sri Lanka)
Separated by geography yet united by purpose, they first met in virtual spaces—where conversations crossed time zones and connections slowly took root. Since January 2026, structured coaching and shared reflection have supported this development, encouraging fellows to look inward at who they are becoming as leaders in palliative care.
The Power of Presence
On 16–17 April, the journey found new ground. For the first time, the fellows gathered in person at the “Leading for Good” workshop. What had previously been voices on a screen became a physical presence—seen, heard, and felt. In that shared space, learning became more immediate, conversations more honest, and the sense of community more tangible.
Among the many moments of the workshop, one stood out in its quiet simplicity. Each fellow chose an image card—drawn not by instruction, but by instinct. In those images, they found reflections of their own stories: of hope, uncertainty, conviction, and change. From these reflections, they began to articulate their “what” (formation), “why” (impact), and “how” (pathway)—not as abstract ideas, but as deeply personal commitments shaped by the needs of their communities.
A Foundation of Service
Through discussions on complex challenges, a shared thread emerged: a commitment to servant leadership. The workshop invited fellows to use the Theory of Change as a practical framework to define the problems they seek to address, while simultaneously reflecting on themselves—the behaviors that build trust and the habits that respond to conflict, pressure, and uncertainty.
In a group marked by diversity, differences became a source of strength. Perspectives were exchanged and ideas stretched, creating a space where learning was not only shared, but co-created.
Looking Forward
As the fellowship continues, this moment stands as more than a milestone; it is a point of reference for the paths yet to unfold. It is our hope that this experience empowers each fellow to rise to play a more active role to shape and build up their own capability, ensuring their conviction and friendship stay strong as they rejoin in the next chapters of this fellowship.
Written by Ms Cheyenne Chai, APHN Executive
The CGF is administered by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) with support and direction from Lien Foundation.
