Every Sunday before dawn, 74-year-old Choo Choy Lian travels across Singapore to Changi Prison, where she counsels inmates through meditation and patient support, helping them find a path to change.
- Volunteers at Changi Prison for 15 years
- Commutes two hours weekly to support inmates
- Focuses on patience, meditation, and understanding
What happened
Choo Choy Lian, a 74-year-old volunteer with the Singapore Buddhist Federation, has spent the last 15 years traveling two hours each way every Sunday to Changi Prison. Her mission has been to support inmates through counseling sessions and meditation, nurturing self-reflection and emotional calm amidst the challenges of rehabilitation. Her dedication was formally recognized in July 2026 with a Long Service Award from the Singapore Prison Service Volunteer Awards Ceremony.
Choo’s journey into prison volunteer work began after a thoughtful encounter with a customer at a Chinese medical hall, where she worked before retirement. Suspecting the man was struggling with addiction, she realized the deep need for compassion and guidance among those who may have taken difficult paths. This experience inspired her to help others facing hardships and motivated her to commit to regular prison visits after retiring.
Why it feels good
Choo doesn’t see the inmates as criminals but as individuals who have lost direction in life. She approaches her work without fear, offering kindness and understanding instead of judgment. Through meditation and breathing exercises, she helps inmates stabilize their emotions, which are often volatile due to their difficult circumstances. Her soft-spoken, patient manner creates a safe space for them to engage in self-reflection and healing.
Despite some inmates returning to prison, Choo remains undeterred, believing that transformation takes time and multiple opportunities. Watching even small changes — smiles, moments of calm, willingness to participate in sessions — reinforces the vital impact of her efforts and fuels her ongoing commitment. This enduring hope and belief in second chances is at the heart of why her work feels meaningful.
What to enjoy or watch next
Those inspired by Choo’s story can explore volunteering opportunities with organizations supporting rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates. Engaging with community programs that foster patience and compassion can be rewarding for both volunteers and those being helped. Mindfulness and meditation practices shared in such settings can bring calm and personal growth to participants from all walks of life.
Keep an eye on related community stories and events highlighting volunteering and social support efforts in Singapore and beyond. These often showcase the power of simple, compassionate actions and the ripple effect they create within families and communities. Watching how others are making a difference could inspire new ways to contribute to positive change in your own neighborhood.