1959 – 2026
There are some individuals whose presence quietly yet profoundly reshapes the world around them. Gilbert was one such person. Not loud, not self-promoting, but deeply anchored in purpose, compassion, and wisdom—he lived a life that transformed not only systems, but hearts.
I first came to know Gilbert not merely as a colleague in the field, but as a mentor, a teacher, and eventually, a dear friend. Over the years, I came to realise that his greatest gift was not just what he knew—but how he made others grow.
Gilbert was widely respected as a Master Medical Social Worker, a pioneer in psychosocial oncology, and an educator who shaped generations. His work in grief, bereavement, and meaning-making was not theoretical—it was deeply human. He journeyed with patients and families in their most vulnerable moments, helping them find dignity, peace, and meaning even in the face of life’s greatest suffering.
To many in Singapore and beyond, he was a leader who helped professionalise the social work sector. As President of the Singapore Association of Social Workers, he laid important foundations that continue to guide the profession today.
His contributions were nationally recognised when he received the Outstanding Social Worker Award—an honour conferred by the President of Singapore for exceptional impact on society.
But beyond titles and accolades, Gilbert was, at his core, a builder of people.
A Teacher Who Multiplied Impact
Gilbert did not just teach—he multiplied.
Across classrooms, hospitals, and international programmes, he nurtured countless social workers, counsellors, and healthcare professionals. Many of his students today stand as leaders in their own right. And yet, if you speak to them, they will all say the same thing: “Gilbert believed in me before I believed in myself.”
I have personally witnessed this across our work in the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN). In Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and China, Gilbert was not just a faculty member—he was a catalyst.
In the Lien Collaborative programmes, he brought not only technical expertise, but a deep cultural sensitivity and humility that allowed local teams to grow in their own context. He would listen first, observe deeply, and only then guide—never imposing, always empowering.
In China, through the psychosocial capacity building programmes, Gilbert helped plant seeds that will continue to bear fruit for years to come. He was able to bridge East and West, science and humanity, structure and soul. What he left behind was not just training—it was transformation.
A Leader with Quiet Strength
We also had the privilege of serving together on the board of Viriya Community Services, where Gilbert was our Chairman. In that space, I saw yet another dimension of him—his governance, his clarity, and his unwavering integrity.
He led not by authority, but by moral conviction.
In meetings, he was never the loudest voice—but always the most grounded. When discussions became complex, he would gently bring us back to first principles: “What is best for the people we serve?” That question anchored every decision.
His leadership reminded me that true authority does not come from position—it comes from purpose.
A Pioneer in the Truest Sense
Gilbert was among the forefront pioneers of psychosocial care in palliative settings—not just in Singapore, but across the region. Long before psychosocial support became widely recognised, he was already advocating for holistic care.
He understood that suffering is not only physical—it is emotional, social, and spiritual.
He championed grief work, not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of care. He brought dignity to conversations that many avoided. And in doing so, he helped shape a more compassionate healthcare system.
His work extended far beyond institutions. He shaped policies, influenced practices, and inspired movements. Yet, he remained deeply humble—never seeking credit, always giving it away.
A Foundation of Compassion: Gilbert’s Legacy at NCCS
Gilbert’s work at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) was a defining chapter of his life. There, he helped shape psychosocial oncology, ensuring patients were cared for not just medically, but as whole persons with emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
He strengthened the role of medical social work in cancer care and championed the integration of psychosocial support into routine practice. His work in grief and bereavement provided families with guidance and dignity during some of their most difficult moments.
As an educator, Gilbert mentored many social workers and healthcare professionals, instilling both competence and compassion. He also fostered strong interdisciplinary collaboration, embedding holistic care across teams.
His contributions at NCCS were quiet but foundational—leaving a lasting legacy in the people he trained and the compassionate care he helped institutionalise.
A Personal Reflection
For me, Gilbert was more than a professional mentor.
He was someone I learned life from.
I learned from him that leadership is not about control, but about enabling others.
I learned that influence is not about power, but about authenticity.
I learned that the deepest work we do is not seen in reports or numbers—but in the lives we touch.
There were many moments in our conversations where he would pause, reflect, and gently challenge my thinking. Those moments have stayed with me—and continue to guide me even now.
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, as we remember Gilbert, we are not just mourning a loss—we are witnessing a legacy.
His legacy lives in:
- Every student he mentored
- Every patient he comforted
- Every programme he helped build
- Every leader he inspired
And perhaps most importantly, in every act of compassion that continues because of him.
Gilbert once said that the true measure of our work is not what we achieve, but what continues after we are gone.
By that measure, his life was extraordinary.
Farewell, My Friend
Gilbert, thank you.
Thank you for your wisdom.
Thank you for your kindness.
Thank you for believing in so many of us.
You have run your race with grace, courage, and quiet brilliance.
Though you are no longer with us in person, your presence will continue to guide us—in our work, in our decisions, and in our hearts.
We will carry forward what you started.
Rest well, Gilbert.
You will always be remembered—not just for what you did, but for who you were.
With deep gratitude and respect,
Giam Cheong Leong
This picture is deeply meaningful. It captures three generations of experts in psychosocial work, brought together by Dr Gilbert during the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2023, as we gathered to discuss our APHN training programme in Beijing, China.
As we look upon the full moon today, it no longer feels whole. With Gilbert’s passing, there is a quiet emptiness—someone deeply cherished is missing from our circle.