“Nursing, studying and competing may seem like different worlds, but to me they are deeply connected: each is about seeing possibility beyond the present, having the courage to begin again, and continuing to discover what we are capable of.” - Joan Poh Xue Hua

Much of my journey, both as a Nurse and an Olympian, has been shaped by a simple belief — “If we can, then we must”. While we may not have an equal start line, we can all aim to finish strong and there will always be potential to grow, contribute and thrive.

As a nurse caring for renal (kidney) patients, I have had the privilege of walking alongside people through some of their most difficult moments. Yet beyond their illness, I see individuals with hopes, dreams and lives they want to return to. It has made me passionate about moving beyond “sick care” towards true "healthcare" — not only treating disease, but empowering people to live well and thrive within their communities. This inspired me to pursue a Master’s in Community Health.

That same belief has shaped my return to competitive rowing. Years after stepping away from elite sport, I am once again representing Singapore at the 2026 World Rowing Championships. Nursing, studying and competing may seem like different worlds, but to me they are deeply connected: each is about seeing possibility beyond the present, having the courage to begin again, and continuing to discover what we are capable of.

"Trailblazer Foundation's generosity strengthens our ability to be there for individuals in their darkest moments. We are grateful for their generosity in building a more compassionate community where support and hope are always within reach."

At Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), we believe that no one should have to face emotional distress or suicidal thoughts alone. Through our 24-hour Hotline and CareText service, specialist counselling, support groups and suicide prevention programmes, we provide timely, compassionate support to individuals in crisis.

Trailblazer Foundation's support enables us to strengthen our crisis intervention and suicide prevention efforts, ensuring that individuals experiencing emotional distress can access support when they need it most. The donation also helps us expand community outreach, raise awareness of suicide prevention and equip more people with the knowledge and confidence to recognise signs of distress and support those around them.

“The programme engages our seniors in a conversation of life and death. It helps to prepare participants to look at the certainty of death with dignity and grace, and thereby help them to live and view their remaining years with hope and happiness.”

Under AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, COMNET Senior Service supports vulnerable and low-income seniors in the community. Our aim is for seniors to age actively in the community through programmes and activities conducted at our senior activity centres, thereby improving their quality of life.

Trailblazer Foundation’s generous donation allows us to engage and empower our seniors. One of the activities that is favoured by our seniors is the Happy Lunch Programme. The seniors plan the menu, prepare the ingredients, cook for other seniors and bond over lunch.

The donation also allows us to develop and roll out the Good-To-Go programme. The programme engages our seniors in a conversation of life and death. It helps to prepare participants to look at the certainty of death with dignity and grace, and thereby help them to live and view their remaining years with hope and happiness.

“Your generous contributions have helped us in sustaining programmes and services that give our children the extra strength and support to win their battle against childhood cancer.” - Peng Hai Ying, CCF Chief Executive Officer

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is profoundly affected. Children’s Cancer Foundation journeys with them, navigating the highs and lows, from hospital to home. Thank you, Trailblazer Foundation, for your donation towards our cause. Your generous contributions have helped us in sustaining programmes and services that give our children the extra strength and support to win their battle against childhood cancer.

“With Trailblazer Foundation’s generous support, LBKM is able to render heightened financial assistance to more students in achieving academic excellence and realising their dreams and aspirations. The contribution has continued to make a meaningful difference to the lives of students in our community.”

LBKM is a 55-year old charity organisation with a pivotal role in assisting students’ financial needs in education, regardless of race or religion. Since 2018, Trailblazer Foundation has made a difference to the community through its support and contribution. Trailblazer Foundation’s contribution has immensely benefited LBKM in the disbursement of its annual bursaries and scholarships. With Trailblazer Foundation’s generous support, LBKM is able to render heightened financial assistance to more students in achieving academic excellence and realising their dreams and aspirations. The contribution has continued to make a meaningful difference to the lives of students in our community.

“I hope to inspire future arts managers to follow their passion and contribute to a vibrant cultural sector in Singapore.” - Qazim Karim

I have always been interested in developing meaningful heritage initiatives for the community and had the opportunity to do so at the Malay Heritage Centre. This interest led me to pursue my Master of Arts and Cultural Management at the University of Melbourne, where I got to meet like-minded cultural professionals. Without the financial support of the Trailblazer-LHL Fund, my dream to further my studies would never be possible.

During my time in Melbourne, I had the opportunity to volunteer at different museums and immersed myself in the vibrant cultural scene there. At the Chinese Museum, for example, I had the opportunity to hone my guiding skills through bringing school children on tours in Chinatown. I also landed an internship at the prestigious State Library of Victoria, Melbourne’s oldest public library. There, I researched on audience engagement for the Library’s exhibitions and served as part of the first-ever International Students Advisory Committee. To foster a sense of community in Melbourne, I also served in the executive committee of the Singaporeans of Victoria.

All these experiences have been made possible through the funding received – it has not only allowed me to pursue my interest but also developed my cultural competency to better contribute to Singapore’s cultural sector. Currently, I am a festival manager in the National Heritage Board and volunteering as a mentor for Arts Business Management students at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Through this, I hope to inspire future arts managers to follow their passion and contribute to a vibrant cultural sector in Singapore.

“SNYCO will persevere in its mission to inspire, nurture, and develop our youth into exemplary music advocates to serve the community.”

The Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra (SNYCO) is an orchestra organised under the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) National Project of Excellence (NPOE). From its inception, SNYCO holds 3 major ticketed concerts annually and since 2017, it has taken the additional step of performing in outreach and educational concerts in neighbourhood schools, the heartlands and communities.

Under the leadership of Music Director Quek Ling Kiong and Associate Conductor Moses Gay, SNYCO seeks to nurture aspiring youths to be the future pillars of Singapore’s Chinese music scene. Currently, there are over 90 members in SNYCO between the ages of 10 and 26 who receive professional tutelage under the guidance of 13 SCO musicians. They also represent more than 40 schools in Singapore.

From the many sold-out concerts to the critically-acclaimed overseas concert tours, the high standards of SNYCO have firmly established it as one of the premier youth orchestras, both locally and regionally. With the full support of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the National Arts Council, under the experienced management of SCO, SNYCO enjoys exceptional resources and facilities. SNYCO will persevere in its mission to inspire, nurture, and develop our youth into exemplary music advocates to serve the community.