Attending the 9th Singapore Palliative Care Conference (SPCC) was a deeply meaningful experience for me, as it was my first time participating in this conference. I was profoundly impressed by the remarkable progress of palliative care in Singapore, where services are strongly supported and strategically developed at the national level. Government commitment is evident not only in policy but also in workforce planning, including initiatives to train thousands of nurses dedicated to palliative care. In this context, working in palliative care is not seen as taboo, but rather as a privilege.
The overarching theme, “Weaving Dreams, Reimagining Care,” resonated throughout the conference. The opening plenary highlighted a strategic shift in healthcare—from fragmented, intervention-driven pathways toward models that prioritize relationships, continuity, and person-centered care.
As a pediatrician, I was particularly moved by sessions on palliative care across the lifespan, including prenatal, pediatric, adolescent, and young adult care. These sessions reinforced that palliative care could begin with simple, practical steps that are applicable and impactful for children of all ages. The fireside session with Professor Pang Weng Sun and Sister Geraldine Tan was especially inspiring. Their humility and wisdom were evident as they encouraged the next generation with two powerful messages: “Never give up” and “Do your best.”
Another memorable session addressed care transitions, particularly “Easing Care Transitions for the Frail,” which presented practical pathways for transitioning patients within a single system—from home care to hospice. It was striking to see how integrated Singapore’s system is, including accessible Advance Care Planning through the Ministry of Health’s platform, empowering patients and families to participate actively in decision-making. The conference concluded with a deeply moving session on the “Heartware of the Palliative Future Outlook”, emphasized that compassionate care requires humility, empathy, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to serving patients.
Beyond the academic experience, the conference also warmly introduced Singapore’s culture through interactive activities and traditional elements, making the experience both enriching and memorable. Following the symposium, I had the opportunity to visit Dover Park Hospice and HCA Hospice, which further enriched my understanding of integrated hospice services. These visits were truly inspiring, especially as such models are still limited in Indonesia. SPCC has not only broadened my perspective but has become a defining moment that strengthens my commitment to build more compassionate, integrated palliative care services for children in my own setting. Thank you SPCC for this remarkable experience.
Written by Dr Lianda Tamara
Lianda Tamara is the Head of Pediatric Palliative Care and a key leader in the development of the Jang Seng Ie Life Center, Husada Hospital Jakarta- Indonesia. She is also a Fellow from Batch 2 of the Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Fellowship (CGF). The CGF is administered by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) with support and direction from Lien Foundation.
Photos provided by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network
