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From Vision to Reality: Dr Low Lip Ping on SHF's 55 Years of Resilience
by TENGKU Nazihah
The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) marks its 55th anniversary this year, a milestone that reflects the resilience and dedication of those who have built and sustained it. The theme, Resilient Hearts, aptly encapsulates not only the perseverance of heart disease patients but also the relentless efforts of medical professionals, volunteers and advocates who have driven SHF’s mission forward. We spoke to one of SHF’s founding members, Dr Low Lip Ping, about the journey from its humble beginnings to becoming Singapore’s leading heart health organisation and what the Foundation means today.
The Early Years: Pioneering Heart Health Awareness
In the 1960s, cardiovascular disease (CVD) became more prevalent in Singapore. Several factors contributed to this rise — rapid population growth, overcrowded housing leading to infections such as rheumatic fever and the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles. At the time, little was known about the risks of smoking, high blood cholesterol and obesity in relation to heart disease. There were no national campaigns to curb smoking, nor was there widespread awareness of the impact of diet. With cases of coronary heart disease and heart attacks on the rise, a group of doctors and laypeople saw an urgent need to educate the public and promote heart health.
“Because of these risk factors, we began to see an increase in CVD. So, we thought it was time to establish an organisation to raise awareness about the disease. At the time, doctors had formed the Singapore Cardiac Society that only catered to the medical profession. There was no public organisation dedicated to educating and engaging the public in heart health.”
In response, the Singapore National Heart Association (SNHA) was founded in 1970, thanks to key individuals such as Mr Tan Boon Chiang, as well as the Ministry of Health, led by then-Minister Chua Sian Chin. The initiative was quickly recognised as essential, and just two months before its official founding, newspapers had already begun reporting on its establishment. The launch took place on 6 Apr 1970, at the College of Medicine Building — now the Ministry of Health headquarters.
Overcoming Challenges: Securing a Future for Heart Health
The first few years were marked by challenges. Without a permanent office, the SNHA had to rely on temporary arrangements.
No doubt as the organisation expanded, the need for a stable headquarters became increasingly urgent.
Funding was another major hurdle. While some financial support was provided by third-party fundraisers, it was clear that sustainable funding was necessary to keep the organisation running. To address this, SNHA began cultivating corporate sponsors and organising fundraising events, such as the annual Charity Cup Golf Tournament — an event that still takes place today; and fundraising TV show “Affairs of the Heart”. Major corporate donors, including Woh Hup and Cortina Watch, were secured through board member referrals, ensuring long-term financial stability.
A major turning point came when the organisation rebranded itself as the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) in 2003 to align with international naming conventions. Along with this change, the Foundation introduced a new logo, featuring six stripes representing its core values, symbolising its commitment to comprehensive heart health initiatives.
Recognising the importance of the initiative, Dr Richard Hu, the then Minister of Finance, connected SHF with the developers of the Junction 8 project, leading to the Foundation securing a dedicated office space. This move was further supported by the Japanese department store Isetan, which had worked with SHF on public education initiatives. The official opening of the office, presided over by President S.R. Nathan, marked a new era of stability and growth.
The Foundation has now moved to its permanent home — our headquarters in the SLF Building on Upper Thomson Road.
“It was emotional to see something that has finally become a reality after so many years. We have been working towards this for more than 50 years, and now we can finally say, yes, this is our home,” recalled Dr Low.
Key Milestones and Impactful Initiatives
According to Dr Low, one of SHF’s most significant contributions to heart health in Singapore has been its public education efforts. World Heart Day, which began as a modest health talk, has since evolved into a nationwide event spanning an entire weekend. Today, it draws thousands of participants, offering interactive activities, health screenings, and expert-led discussions.
Beyond education, SHF has played a crucial role in cardiac rehabilitation. At a time when there were no structured out-of-hospital rehabilitation programmes, SHF collaborated with the Singapore General Hospital and the Singapore Sports Council to develop one, ensuring heart patients had access to supervised exercise sessions. The programme, which started in a modest setting at the College of Medicine, gradually expanded and became a cornerstone of SHF’s work.
Sustaining Passion and Leadership
The continued success of SHF hinges on its ability to inspire passion and commitment among its staff and volunteers. Dr Low and other early leaders were deeply involved in shaping the Foundation’s vision, ensuring that its work was not just about treating heart disease but also about preventing it.
“It is not just about teaching CPR. It’s about educating the public and helping them understand the entire history of chronic heart disease—from the risk factors in a seemingly healthy person, to the final stages requiring bypass surgery. It’s about how to prevent a person from progressing to the next stage. Our cardiac rehabilitation programme isn’t just for patients; it’s also about preventing people from becoming affected.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Heart Health in Singapore
To make a lasting impact, SHF must ensure that its vision and mission are deeply embedded in the workforce.
“The key is to make sure our staff truly understand our vision and mission. Our vision is documented: We want to be a leading heart health organisation, not just in Singapore, but in the entire region. Our goal is to maintain and improve the heart health of our citizens. I have enjoyed every moment that I have contributed to SHF, and I hope that many others feel the same way and share the same passion for contributing to the work of SHF, and thus contribute to our community and our country.”
Reflecting on SHF’s 55-year journey, resilience has been at the heart of its success—from driving the promotion of heart health to fueling the unwavering dedication of those who have passionately championed its mission.
As SHF embarks on its next chapter, one thing remains certain—the spirit of resilience that has defined the Foundation’s formative years will continue to shape its future.
