The time I have spent in Singapore in the year 2024 has been truly remarkable. It has been a gift to see how Singapore healthcare has changed almost 100 years from when I made the time leap.

With vision and determination, our country has shown its mettle. We are serving the people where they are at, through active ageing centres and unblocking catheters in dialysis centres. We are pioneering life-changing innovations such as the “heart-in-a-jar” and enabling paraplegics to walk again in six months!

Singaporeans should rest well, knowing that public healthcare clusters like SingHealth are proactively seeking to improve their quality of life. I see that in the work being done in population health and establishing regional relationships to combat virus outbreaks.

And now, the time has come for me to return to my own time. I go with a joyful heart, knowing that my belief in Singapore’s potential is not unfounded. In fact, this island has surpassed my wildest imaginings!

Now I say goodbye to all healthcare professionals whom I have met. You have inspired me to continue serving the Singaporeans of my time. I may not see the fruits of my labour in my lifetime, but I now know that there is a bright future ahead for the people of this place I call home.