Singapore, 10 September 2026 – In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) convened Sonder 2026: Where Resilience Meets Collective Hope, its flagship suicide prevention symposium today. Returning for its second edition, Sonder brought together voices from nearly 100 organisations across the suicide prevention ecosystem to explore how greater collaboration and shared responsibility can strengthen Singapore’s response to suicide as a public health issue. The symposium was graced by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Health, as Guest of Honour.

Suicide risk can emerge at different stages of life, shaped by complex mix of personal, social and environmental factors. As such, suicide prevention must extend beyond crisis intervention to involve healthcare, education, social services, workplaces, communities, families and technology. The symposium brought together diverse perspectives to explore lived experiences, shared responsibility and emerging approaches to prevention.

Key Segments at Sonder 2026

• Human Stories: The Power of Connection
• Shared Responsibilities: Communities that Care
• Reimagining Hope: Pathways Forward

Collectively, these conversations reflect SOS’s belief that strengthening suicide prevention is not only about building new capabilities, but also about connecting the people, services and systems that already play a role in supporting individuals in distress. By bringing different sectors into conversations, Sonder aims to foster greater shared understanding, collaboration and innovation in support of a more coordinated public health response to suicide prevention.

Speaking on the significance of this year’s symposium, Mr Terry Siow, Chief Executive Officer of Samaritans of Singapore, said: “Every day, different parts of our society are already doing important work to support people in distress, but the complexity of suicide means that we must continue to learn from one another and strengthen the connections between us. Sonder is our way of creating that space, bringing together practitioners, academia and experts to share different perspectives and deepen understanding on how we can collectively build a society where people feel supported before they reach a point of crisis.”

Sonder was held at *SCAPE Singapore, whose support in providing the venue enabled diverse voices to gather for a day of dialogue, reflecting the symposium’s emphasis on connection, community and shared understanding. “*SCAPE is honoured to partner with Samaritans of Singapore in presenting Sonder, creating a space for meaningful conversations around suicide prevention and mental well-being,” said Ethen Ong, Acting Executive Director of *SCAPE. “We believe in fostering connection and creating safe, inclusive environments where youths, individuals and communities can come together, learn from one another and strengthen the support systems that help ensure no one has to face difficult moments alone.”

The symposium featured keynote speakers Professor Jo Robinson AM, Professor and Head of Suicide Prevention and Scientific Director of the Orygen Policy Centre, and Associate Professor Daniel Fung, Senior Consultant at the Institute of Mental Health and Chief Wellness Officer at NHG Health. Participants also engaged in panel discussions, fireside conversations, experiential workshops and immersive sessions exploring topics including youth suicide prevention, suicide bereavement, the wellbeing of working adults, healthy ageing, artificial intelligence, continuity of care and community-based suicide prevention.

Through these conversations, SOS hopes to spark conversation that extend beyond a single day, encouraging new partnerships, strengthening professional practice and fostering greater cross-sector collaboration. In doing so, Sonder contributes to the ongoing development of a more connected and coordinated public health response to suicide prevention in Singapore.

 

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About SOS

Samaritans of Singapore Limited (SOS) is a secular, non-profit suicide prevention centre. Since its establishment in 1969, SOS has developed into a professionally run and managed organisation. It adopts a holistic approach to suicide-related topics, focusing on prevention, intervention and postvention, an intervention conducted after a suicide for loved ones and friends. With the mission to be an available lifeline to anyone in crisis, SOS offers emotional support to people in crisis, thinking of suicide, or affected by suicide. All information shared with SOS is treated as confidential and people can choose to remain anonymous.

24-hour Hotline: 1767

24-hour CareText: 9151 1767 (via WhatsApp)

 

About *SCAPE 
At *SCAPE, we’re more than just a space – we’re a youth-powered movement.

Driven by youth, for youth, and with youth, our mission is simple: to inspire and empower young people to be the best versions of themselves. We connect creators, trailblazers, and changemakers through bold programmes, vibrant spaces, and dynamic collaborations with partners, brands, and communities. Right in the heart of Somerset, *SCAPE is where youth culture in Singapore is shaped, celebrated, and amplified. Whether it’s igniting creativity, sparking entrepreneurship, or driving real social impact – we’re all about purpose, passion, and progress.

*SCAPE is a non-profit organisation, a registered charity, and an Institution of a Public Character – but above all, we’re here to turn youth potential into boundless possibilities.

For more information, visit www.scape.sg.