Living up to the theme “Rise Above the Waves,” the event brought together 64 dragon boat teams from five countries – including IHH paddlers from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Shanghai – as we united healthcare professionals, community leaders, and the public in a powerful show of strength and community at The Promontory @ Marina Bay.

Graced by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, who launched the event with the symbolic dotting of a dragon’s eye before competing in the Minister’s Cup race. Despite the morning rain on Saturday, the spirit of over 2,000 participants remained unshaken, embodying the event's resilient theme.

Beyond the intense competition across premier, healthcare, corporate, and cancer survivor divisions, the regatta shone a light on community. A key highlight was the innovative Rojak Race, which mixed paddlers from different teams to champion integration and camaraderie. 

The vibrant regatta extended beyond the water with a bustling waterfront carnival that energised the entire venue. This dynamic space featured family-friendly activities and meaningful initiatives, including the ‘Pull-Ups for a Cause’ fundraiser, where every repetition contributed to our beneficiary, the Singapore Association for Mental Health. The focus on holistic well-being was further amplified through insightful talks by mental wellness influencers and respected healthcare experts, fostering open dialogue on mental health.

Attendees also enjoyed invigorating open-air workouts and a memorable appearance by miniature horses from EQUAL, a registered charity specialising in equine-assisted learning and therapy. These gentle interactions provided unique moments of connection, beautifully illustrating the diverse pathways to wellness and community engagement.