In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, Samaritans of Singapore and Singapore Symphony Orchestra joined hands to harness the power of music in support of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention.

 

Singapore, 23 May 2025 — In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) and Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) came together to host an inaugural fundraising event on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at the Victoria Concert Hall. Titled Stories & Symphonies of Hope, the event sought to foster open conversations around the growing mental health crisis in Singapore, while presenting music as a powerful and therapeutic medium of care. 

This event was particularly poignant as Singapore marks 60 years of independence — a milestone that invites reflection on the nation’s values of kindness and inclusivity, especially as mental health awareness has emerged as an increasingly important national priority. 

Graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & the Ministry of Social and Family Development, the afternoon began with Mr Chua affirming the growing synergy between the arts and social services in shaping a resilient and compassionate society. In addition, he explained that this initiative complemented the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy (2023), by promoting mental health through creative, community-based approaches. 

A key segment of the programme featured a panel discussion on the topic of the healing power of music: supporting mental health and emotional resilience. The panel brought together professionals who provided unique and valuable perspectives from various backgrounds, such as clinical expertise and lived experiences.  Moderator:
Ms Charlene Heng, Deputy Director, SOS Academy, Samaritans of Singapore 

Panellists:  

Mr Kok Tse Wei, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Programmes & Production), Singapore Symphony Group
Dr Tan Xue Li, Principal Music Therapist, Music Therapy Lead and Research Lead at St. Luke’s Hospital
Ms Chan May Peng, Senior Manager and Lead Counsellor, Samaritans of Singapore
Ms Shantini Sathiyanesan, an advocate with lived experience.

Together, the panellists explored the intersection of music and community support–  emphasising how music can be a tool for healing, connection, and raising awareness about mental well-being and suicide prevention. 

Framing the panel discussion was an intimate and evocative performance by an SSO string quartet consisting of violinists Zhao Tian and Zhang Si Jing, violist Janice Tsai and cellist Christopher Mui. The repertoire featured a variety of pieces that underscored the emotional depth of the event, including A Day in Paris by local composer Shao Ying Low and Mascagni’s contemplative Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana. 

 “At first glance, music and mental health may seem like distinct notes in different keys. But tonight, they played in harmony. At Samaritans of Singapore, we often speak to people in their most challenging times. That’s why when we came together with SSO for Stories and Symphonies of Hope, we wanted to create something special: a space where people feel brave enough to share, safe enough to feel, and supported enough to heal.”

–Mr Gasper Tan, CEO of Samaritans of Singapore 

“We believe it is important for us to play our part to create opportunities for social services and the arts to come together and build even stronger relationships across these sectors,” Mr Kenneth Kwok, CEO, Singapore Symphony Group.

The SSO promotes mental wellbeing, emotional connection, and social inclusion through high-quality concerts year-round, as well as outreach programs and collaborations with organisations such as St. Luke’s Hospital and Be Kind SG. Its role extends beyond performance as it advocates for healing, strength, and a sense of belonging through the transformative power of the arts. 

SOS remains at the forefront of mental health advocacy in Singapore, creating safe, supportive spaces where healing can flourish, especially through the shared language of music. This initiative marks a meaningful step toward a more collaborative future between the arts and community care, expanding access to vital resources for those navigating mental health challenges. By bridging the gap between the arts and social services, we can create stronger, more connected communities.

 

ABOUT SAMARITANS OF SINGAPORE

Samaritans of Singapore (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)
CareMail: pat@sos.org.sg

ABOUT THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY GROUP 

The Singapore Symphony Group manages the flagship Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Singapore Symphony Choruses, the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, the SSO Chamber and Organ Series, the Singapore International Piano Festival and the biennial National Piano & Violin Competition. The Group also represents the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) in Singapore.  The mission of the Group is to create memorable shared experiences with music. Through the SSO and its affiliated performing groups, we spread the love for music, nurture talent and enrich our diverse communities. 

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Sherilynn Loh 

Assistant Manager, Communications, Samaritans of Singapore 

E: SherilynnLoh@sos.org.sg

 

Elizabeth Low  

Senior Executive, Marketing Communications, Singapore Symphony Group  

E: elizabeth.low@sso.org.sg