Singapore Heart Foundation Launches “Be A Heart Hero” Programme to Inspire Young Lifesavers

The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at building a heart-safe nation from the ground up. Launched during the two-day “Heart Safe Family Festival @ Punggol Digital District” on 28 February 2026 at Nexus @ Punggol Coast Mall, the “Be A Heart Hero” programme is designed to equip children aged five to eight with the confidence and foundational knowledge to respond to cardiac emergencies.

The interactive programme teaches young children how to recognise signs of a cardiac emergency, call 995 for help, and alert a trusted adult to begin resuscitation. By introducing lifesaving awareness at an early age, SHF aims to nurture a generation that is calm, prepared, and empowered to act when it matters most.

A Community Effort to Build a Heart-Safe Nation

The festival brought together families, educators, healthcare professionals, and community partners to reinforce the message that lifesaving skills can, and should, begin in childhood. Through age-appropriate and engaging activities, parents and children learned simple, practical steps to respond effectively during emergencies.

The event was graced by Guest of Honour Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, as well as Adviser to Punggol GRC Grassroots Organisations. Yeo Wan Ling, Adviser to Punggol GRC Grassroots Organisations, was also in attendance.

Their presence underscored the importance of building emergency readiness within communities and instilling awareness from a young age.

Expert Talks and Hands-On Training

A key highlight of the festival was a series of expert-led talks on child safety and emergency response. Leading paediatricians from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and National University Hospital provided parents and caregivers with practical guidance on recognising common paediatric emergencies and managing the crucial first moments before professional help arrives.

Families also participated in hands-on workshops covering infant and child choking response techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These sessions were designed to build confidence and ensure participants walked away with practical skills they could apply in real-life situations.

Save-A-Life Roadshow Encourages Wider Participation

The festival also featured a Save-A-Life Roadshow with interactive stations where participants could practise CPR techniques and learn how to operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in a guided, supportive environment. As part of SHF’s broader effort to strengthen community readiness, families were invited to sign up for a complimentary CPR + AED certification course.