Some give money. Others give their time. For third year MD student Gini Wong, she offers something different: her leadership and drive to serve.

As Vice President of Community Service in the Student Council, Gini oversees the many student led community initiatives at Duke-NUS. From reviewing proposals to coordinating with internal departments and external partners, she ensures projects are thoughtfully planned and smoothly executed. Her role requires both strategic oversight and close collaboration, and she approaches it with clarity, dedication, and heart.

Beyond her council responsibilities, Gini remains deeply involved on the ground having volunteered with Camp Simba, Project Crane, and Healthy to Thrive (HTT). Camp Simba, a joint initiative by NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, and Duke-NUS, supports children with family members affected by cancer. Through camp activities, participants are given space to express their feelings, relieve stress, and build meaningful friendships.

Gini (front row, middle) with the team and beneficiaries of Healthy to Thrive

Motivated to reach underserved communities, Gini has also focused her efforts on migrant workers. As Co Project Director of Healthy to Thrive, she helped grow the initiative from Duke-NUS’ first public health screening event dedicated to migrant workers into a sustained programme that includes regular clinic volunteering sessions. She also volunteers with Project Crane, which promotes well being and improves health literacy among vulnerable groups.

A beneficiary of the Ngee Ann Kongsi Distinguished Scholars Programme, Gini’s commitment to service began in junior college, where she started projects to raise awareness about animal welfare and organised workshops that fostered intergenerational bonding between seniors and youths. Reflecting on those early efforts, she shares that they sparked her desire to serve others through her knowledge and skills.

Her dedication continued through her undergraduate years, where she took part in pro bono initiatives and advocacy work promoting inclusivity for persons with disabilities. In recognition of her contributions, she received the SMU Spirit of Pro Bono Award and the Yiu Xin Community Leadership Award.

Looking ahead, Gini hopes to become a doctor who is not only clinically competent but also deeply engaged in community service and advocacy. She believes the lessons in empathy, leadership, and humility gained through her volunteer work will shape how she cares for patients.

“My community service journey has strengthened my sense of purpose and compassion. It reminds me why I chose medicine, not just to treat diseases, but to serve patients with empathy and humility. These values will guide me throughout my career.”   Gini Wong, Class of 2027 Vice President of Community Service, Duke-NUS Student Council The Ngee Ann Kongsi Distinguished Scholars Programme beneficiary