International Volunteer Day 2025

International Volunteer Day 2025

Diabetes Singapore

Table of Contents

  1. Chrstina Tan
  2. Cheryl Hiew
  3. Sabrina Yeo
  4. Tan Hwee Leng
  5. Tong Lai Mun

1. Christina Tan 

  1. Intro / Quote 
    I volunteer to guide newly diagnosed patients through the fear and confusion I once faced, helping them become confident, empowered managers of their own health. 
  1. Why I Volunteer 
    My own 18-year journey with diabetes inspires me to help others cut through fear, confusion, and information overload. 
  1. Why Diabetes Singapore 
    I chose to volunteer with Diabetes Singapore because, as someone living with diabetes, I feel a deep personal responsibility to light the path for newly diagnosed patients. 
  1. What I Do 
    I support newly diagnosed patients by listening to their concerns, identifying information gaps, and helping them build sustainable routines in diet, exercise, medication understanding, and HbA1c monitoring. 
  1. Impact I’ve Seen 
    Patients I support shift from fear to empowerment. There is also a shift in mindset and action, transforming them from passive patients into active managers of their health. 
  1. What Volunteering Means to Me 
    Volunteering as peer support in diabetes is a highly effective and unique model for building a better world — transforming chronic disease management from a purely clinical challenge into a shared, empowering journey. 
  1. My Motto 
    Show up, be honest, listen. 
  1. Message 
    You don’t need to be a hero — just start small. Even one hour a month can make a meaningful difference, and you’ll grow in ways you never expected. 

2. Cheryl Hiew

  1. Intro / Quote 
    I volunteer to share hope, inspire healthier living, and show that small, mindful steps can transform lives — starting with our own. 
  1. Why I Volunteer 
    My old self inspired me — I want to spread awareness after experiencing how lifestyle changes transformed my health. 
  1. Why Diabetes Singapore 
    I went through gestational diabetes and all the struggles — countless hospital visits, injections, and tests. I hope my story encourages others to keep fighting and believe in living well. 
  1. What I Do 
    I support events like Beating Stroke Together, Health Fiesta, World Diabetes Day Festival, and fundraising activities. 
  1. Impact I’ve Seen 
    I’m inspired by volunteers from all walks of life coming together to raise awareness and advocate for diabetes prevention. 
  1. What Volunteering Means to Me 
    Every small act of awareness and kindness can ripple into a life saved. 
  1. My Motto 
    Live life to the fullest and make each day count. Live with good intentions and no regrets. 
  1. Message 
    Join the diabetes movement — let’s help others take their first small steps toward living better. 

3. Sabrina Yeo

  1. Intro / Quote 
    I volunteer to raise awareness and support early detection because every small effort brings our community closer to better health. 
  1. Why I Volunteer 
    I was inspired through Ascensia Diabetes Care’s CSR initiative and wanted to support those living with diabetes. Having seen how diabetes impacts people in my professional role, I was motivated to support Diabetes Singapore’s outreach efforts. 
  1. Why Diabetes Singapore 
    Their commitment to improving lives made it meaningful to extend our partnership into volunteering. 
  1. What I Do 
    I support community outreach events by engaging with the public on diabetes education and awareness. 
  1. Impact I’ve Seen 
    Many participants become more aware of their health after visiting Diabetes Singapore booths and are motivated to take better care of themselves. 
  1. What Volunteering Means to Me 
    Volunteering brings people together to support one another and create positive change. It builds a more caring and connected community. 
  1. My Motto 
    Raising awareness today can prevent complications tomorrow. 
  1. Message 
    Every effort counts — even a small step can make a real difference. 

4. Tan Hwee Leng

  1. Intro / Quote 
    As someone whose confidence was restored by Diabetes Singapore, I now volunteer to help others realise they can live well and to play my part in building a more united, meaningful world. 
  1. Why I Volunteer 
    I empathise with people facing the same challenges I’ve faced living with diabetes and want to walk alongside them. 
  1. Why Diabetes Singapore 
    I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 41 years ago, and Diabetes Singapore helped me regain confidence. 
  1. What I Do 
    I am a Volunteer Patient Advocate with Diabetes Singapore. I also support outreach events and speak to newly diagnosed patients so they know they do not walk alone. 
  1. Impact I’ve Seen 
    Seeing newly diagnosed patients regain confidence when they realise they can live a normal life. 
  1. What Volunteering Means to Me 
    Volunteering unites people from all walks of life and builds friendships. 
  1. My Motto 
    Everyone has a part to play — we can all make a difference in someone’s life. 
  1. Message 
    Take one step forward to help others — and yourself — for a more rewarding life. 

5. Tong Lai Mun

  1. Intro / Quote 
    Volunteering with Diabetes Singapore allows me to use my HR experience to help people grow, strengthen teams, and find deeper meaning in serving others. 
  1. Why I Volunteer 
    I was inspired to volunteer and contribute my skills and experience to uplift Diabetes Singapore. 
  1. Why Diabetes Singapore 
    I find it fulfilling to use my HR expertise to support an organisation that empowers lives every day. 
  1. What I Do 
    I serve on the Diabetes Singapore Management Committee and chair the HR Sub-Committee, providing professional HR advice to strengthen teams and build a caring workplace culture. 
  1. Impact I’ve Seen 
    The impact is strongest when everyone — management, staff, and volunteers — comes together for a common mission. 
  1. What Volunteering Means to Me 
    When we give our time and skills, we help others grow — and grow ourselves. 
  1. My Motto 
    Serving makes living meaningful. 
  1. Message 
    If you haven’t started volunteering — why not? 

Contributors consented to the following statements:

  • I agree for Diabetes Singapore and typeOne.sg to use the information submitted in this survey for the purposes of raising public awareness of Type 1 Diabetes via their digital platforms, which can include website and materials that aim to raise awareness about T1D lived experiences. I acknowledge that while my contact details (email and WhatsApp number) will not be shared with Diabetes Singapore, typeOne.sg can use these to contact me directly for further liaisons regarding my submission.

  • I agree to be contacted for other similar opportunities in the future.