In Singapore, 74-year-old volunteer has supported prisoners for 15 years — Channel NewsAsia
In Singapore, 74-year-old Choo Choy Lian has been taking public transport to Changi Prison every Sunday for 15 years to support inmates during rehabilitation. The journey from her home in the west of the city to the prison in the east takes about two hours each way.
As Channel NewsAsia reports, the Singapore Buddhist Federation volunteer provides counselling, meditates with inmates and encourages them to reflect on themselves. Before the sessions, she and another volunteer conduct breathing exercises and meditation, then move on to religious guidance.
Recognition for volunteering
In July, Choo Choy Lian received an award for long service at the Singapore Prison Service Volunteer Awards Ceremony 2026. These awards are given to volunteers who help inmates and their families with rehabilitation and returning to society.
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The woman said that some of the people she worked with grew up in unstable families and lacked sufficient parental guidance. In her view, other inmates are hindered by greed or an excessive focus on certain things. The volunteer tries to listen to them, help channel pain and anger into self-reflection, and remind them of the consequences of their actions for their loved ones.
Support after release
Choo Choy Lian noted that not everyone manages to avoid being imprisoned again. According to her, after release, people may face problems with housing, employment and finances, as well as rejection by their families. Together with other federation volunteers, she supports former inmates after their release as well — they communicate in a chat group and exchange words of encouragement.
Some former inmates later became volunteers themselves at Changi Prison. In addition to working with inmates, Choo Choy Lian helps at a free traditional Chinese medicine clinic, distributes food to elderly people and supports lonely older residents. She plans to continue travelling to Changi for as long as she has the strength to do so.
