The five zones of the gallery are organized in the sequence of metal, water, wood, fire and earth respectively.
- Metal zone: Milestones of Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital since 1850s and how that shaped KWSH’s development over the decades
Some of the key milestones introduced in this exhibition zone include the founding of the Hospital, operations during the Japanese Occupation, the completion of the construction of KWSH Main Ward Building, extension of KWSH services to the public regardless of race, religion or dialect group and the expiration of KWSH’s 99 year land lease in 2010.
- Water zone: Voyage to Southeast Asia: our forefathers’ journey from China to Singapore, which explores the origins of the Hospital
Today, in the 21st century, many medical institutions stand tall in the island city. It is hard to imagine that more than a century ago, Singapore was a bustling port city with 300,000 living here but medical services were sorely lacking. After being approached by the Colonial Government, a group of Cantonese businessmen decided to set up KWSH in 1910. The Hospital provided free outpatient services to the public. Free hospitalization services were also provided for immigrants from the Cantonese prefectures of Guangzhou, Huizhou and Zhaoqing.
- Wood zone: Beyond Dollars and Cents, a representation of growth that charts the development of the Hospital and its significant contributions to society.
The Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital Ordinance outlined that the Hospital would provide free consultation services, medication and hospitalization with the help of public donations. Going beyond its duty, since the 1920s, the Hospital collaborated with Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng to provide funeral and burial service for deceased patients. During the Japanese Occupation, despite the destruction of part of its compound, the Hospital collected the bodies of war victims from its vicinity and buried them.
- Fire zone: as a symbol of Passion to go beyond, showcases the Hospital’s efforts to better serve its community through constant improvement of its services and facilities
Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital is always enhancing its medical services to improve service standards. The enhancements include the expansion of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre, establishing a Day Rehabilitation Centre and Home Care Services to help homebound elderly. Besides that, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital upgraded its facilities to improve patient care.
- Earth zone: In the spirit of service, the land on which KWSH was rooted and flourished, highlights the Hospital’s determination to carry on its legacy and forge an even brighter future.
Thanks to the support of volunteers, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital is able to give back abundantly to the community. Our volunteers have helped to raise money for the needy – as far back as the Bukit Ho Swee Fire in the 1960s – and have organised community outreach programmes. Medical volunteers enable the Hospital to provide free health screenings. Our volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes and are the unsung heroes of Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. Over the years, the Hospital has relied on public donations as well as fundraising events to cover the increasing cost of running the Hospital. Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital’s century-old foundation is built upon the generous efforts of many members of society. Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital is determined to further pursue its mission, while preserving its history and the traditional cultural values of our forefathers.