Remembering Dr Gilbert Fan

Gilbert lived his life with a rare combination of steadiness and tenderness. He never needed to be the loudest voice in the room; yet somehow, he always became its calm centre. People gravitated toward him not because he demanded attention, but because he offered presence – grounded, and deeply humane.

As a senior master medical social worker, educator, and internationally respected leader in oncology social work, Gilbert shaped generations of practitioners in Singapore and beyond. The Straits Times 01 April 2026 (https://str.sg/4su6j) described him as “a pillar of strength and wisdom whose contributions to the social work profession in Singapore were profound and enduring.” He advanced the fields of palliative care and bereavement, and he played a pivotal role in building Singapore’s national social work accreditation framework.

But to us at VCS, Gilbert was more than an expert practitioner. He was generosity personified. 

Gilbert led VCS’ transformation journey in 2021, conceptualising VCS’ Social and Community Services Model that provided guidance and direction to promote a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary practice culture. He shared his knowledge freely, his wisdom patiently, and his time without hesitation. From the day he joined VCS, he never said no when someone sought his help. He showed up – wholeheartedly and without fanfare. He taught us, by example, that compassion is not a technique but a way of being. Many of us were shaped by Gilbert in ways he never boasted about. He supported without expecting anything in return. He guided without seeking recognition. He lifted others, often without them even realising it. 

Even toward the end of his journey, he made arrangements to minimise trouble to others. He continued helping cancer patients while keeping his own diagnosis private. His instinct was always to protect, to care, to serve.