Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution

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The 2024 Thong Chai Brainstorming Retreat, held from October 25th to 27th in Malacca, was a resounding success, thanks to the meticulous efforts of the organizing committee led by Head of the Public Relations Committee, Mr. Kwa Cheng Song, and Head of General Affairs Committee, Ms. Ng Puay Cheng. After several planning meetings, the three-day two-night event was attended by a dedicated group of participants.


The retreat began on the afternoon of October 25th, when the first group of participants arrived in Malacca at Dutch Square by bus at 4 PM. Standing before the iconic red Dutch colonial houses, the group commemorated the start of their journey with a group photo.


The core activities commenced on October 26th at 9 AM in the Courtyard Hotel conference room, where 44 members gathered. Vice Chairman Mr. Teo Kek Tjok @Teo Kek Yeng, on behalf of Chairman Mr. Yeo Eng Koon, delivered a welcome speech, emphasizing that since the founding of Thong Chai in 1867, the institution has weathered numerous challenges. He urged participants to embrace the dual mission of honouring the past while innovating for the future.


Themed "Inheritance and Innovation: Creating a Brilliant Future for a Century-Old Thong Chai," the retreat aimed to reinforce Thong Chai’s spirit while fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by staff in their daily work. Esteemed speaker Ms. Chang Wan-Chen, using the concept of the word "Dao" to vividly illustrate the relationship between Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution (STCMI) and the Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research (TCIMR). She described STCMI as the "head" leading the ideas and direction, while TCIMR is the "foot" following and driving the joint progress of both institutions. This analogy showcased how the STCMI and TCIMR collaborate to lead advancements in medical innovation and academic research.


Ms. Chang incorporated a light-hearted quiz to deepen participants' connection with Thong Chai’s core values, encouraging them to embody these principles in their daily work. Standout participants, including Physician Grace Tiew Chong Hui, Senior HR & Admin Manager Ms. Lin Qin Qin, and Principal Medical Officer Physician Zheng Huangfang, answered all questions correctly in the shortest time and were rewarded with small gifts, a gesture of encouragement from the speaker.


A pivotal segment of the retreat involved a SWOT analysis of both STCMI and TCIMR. Board directors led six groups in active discussions, exchanging insights and ideas. Conversations extended into tea breaks and lunch hours, underscoring the participants’ enthusiasm for learning. Strengths such as Thong Chai’s deep historical foundation and professional medical teams were highlighted. At the same time, areas for improvement were identified, including IT upgrades, human resource management, and addressing patient demographic shifts. Opportunities like adopting new technologies and market promotion were noted, alongside challenges posed by external economic shifts and internal operational demands.


After lunch, Ms. Chang used vivid examples to explain the importance of emotional management in medical services. Branch Supervisor Physician Nge Beng Choon and Physician Grace Tiew Chong Hui enacted a scenario demonstrating how to effectively listen, empathize, and address patients' concerns during critical moments. This exercise highlighted the importance of trust-building and avoiding the "kick-the-cat effect," where stress or frustration is misdirected.


Legal Advisor Ms. Jennifer Lim PBM provided valuable insights into healthcare-related legal matters, stressing the importance of legal awareness in daily operations. Under Ms. Chang’s guidance, participants utilized the SMART principle to set specific, actionable goals and further refined these using the PDCA cycle. For instance, discussions on optimizing the TCM3.0 system revolved around enhancing service quality. While some challenges could not be resolved immediately, the retreat provided a clear roadmap for future improvements. The institution shall organize follow-up meetings to review feedback from the retreat and translate the discussions into concrete action plans.


This Brainstorming Retreat was not just an intellectual endeavour but also an opportunity for participants to build deeper trust and friendships through active discussion and sharing. Honorary Secretary Mr. Low Theng Whee attributed the event's success to the dedication and enthusiasm of every participant. Board members self-funded their participation and sacrificed their weekend time to lead their colleagues in learning. Physicians exemplified the noble spirit of healthcare professionals, diligently fulfilling their responsibilities, while staff actively engaged in self-improvement.


The retreat concluded with a heartfelt moment as Vice Chairman Dr. Lee Peng Shu led participants in recording a warm video message for Chairman Mr. Yeo, who was absent due to his recovery from a leg injury. The message expressed gratitude for his tireless efforts and contributions to Thong Chai’s mission.


After the session, some members attended the immersive performance “Encore Melaka”, which celebrated the essence of Malacca’s rich heritage through its architectural style and storytelling. The performance left the audience inspired and hopeful.


Quoting J.K. Rowling’s famous words, "It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities," previously featured in the September 2024 donation mailer, this retreat echoed the sentiment of choosing to serve Thong Chai’s mission with dedication and purpose. A special thank you goes to Ms. Chang for her generosity in donating her speaking fee to STCMI as a charitable contribution.


We extend our gratitude to every participant who contributed to the success of this retreat. Together, under the enduring spirit of Thong Chai, we look forward to building a bright and innovative future.


Group photo in front of the red Dutch colonial house

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Opening Speech by Vice Chairman Mr. Teo Kek Tjok @ Teo Kek Yeng

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Vice Chairman Dr. Lee Peng Shu (left) and Vice Chairman Mr. Teo Kek Tjok (center) presented a souvenir to Lecturer Ms. Chang Wan-Chen

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Group Photo

 
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