SPEECH BY MR TAN KIAT HOW, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT AND INFORMATION & MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF BRAHM CENTRE @ LABRADOR WELLBEING CENTRE, 13 AUGUST 2026

Professor Choo Chiau Beng, Patron of Brahm Centre

Adjunct Associate Professor Angie Chew, CEO of Brahm Centre

Board members, distinguished guests, stakeholders of this very important community, sponsors, supporters, cheerleaders, and all of you advocates for this important cause

1.       I am very happy to join you today for the official opening of the Brahm Centre @ Labrador Wellbeing Centre. So whether is it 百仁 (Brahm), 百人 or 百福, it doesn’t matter. Importantly, we know why we are here and a very important milestone for all of you. Today is more than the opening of a new facility. It marks another step in Singapore's journey towards building a society where mental wellbeing is supported not only in our hospitals and clinics, but also in our homes, workplaces and the community.

2.       Over the years, Singapore has steadily strengthened our mental healthcare system. We have expanded specialist services, grown community mental health support, strengthened partnerships with primary care, and made it easier for people to seek help early. And these investments remain important, and we will continue to strengthen them. But our aspirations have also evolved.

3.       Today, we recognise that building a mentally healthy society is not simply about providing good healthcare. It is equally about helping people stay mentally well, supporting them before challenges become crises, and creating communities where people feel connected, supported and able to navigate life's ups and downs with confidence. This reflects a broader shift in how we think about health.

4.       Just as we want Singaporeans to adopt healthier lifestyles rather than waiting until they fall ill, we should also place greater emphasis on promoting mental wellbeing, building resilience and creating supportive environments that enable people to thrive throughout life. Because mental wellbeing is not shaped only by what happens in a consultation room. It is shaped by the relationships we build. The families who stood by us. The friends who notice when something is not quite right. The colleagues who check in on one another. The neighbours who take the time to listen. And the communities where we find a sense of belonging and purpose.

5.       These everyday interactions often make the greatest difference. Many people do not first turn to a healthcare professional when they are struggling. They turn to someone they trust. A family member. A friend. A colleague. A classmate. Or someone in the community who is willing to listen without judgement.

6.       That is why community organisations like Brahm Centre play such an important role. They complement our healthcare system by making support more accessible, more approachable and closer to where people live. They create safe spaces where people can learn practical skills to manage stress, build emotional resilience, strengthen relationships and connect with others who may be facing similar experiences. Just as importantly, they help normalise conversations about mental wellbeing and encourage people to seek support early, before problems become serious.

7.       And that is the direction that Singapore has been moving towards over the past two decades. We have progressively expanded our focus—from treating mental illness, to promoting mental wellbeing; from relying primarily on hospitals, to building a stronger network of community support; and from seeing mental health as the responsibility of healthcare professionals alone, to recognising that it is something all of us have a role in nurturing.

8.       That is why today's opening is significant. It is not simply the launch of another centre. It is about building another block in creating a more caring, resilient and mentally healthy Singapore. Big congratulations to Brahm Centre, and looking forward to 百仁给百人百福. 健健康康，开开心心，百年快乐. 谢谢大家.