About Us

Who We Are

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation founded in 1949, and subsequently incorporated by an Act of Parliament on 6 April 1973.  The homegrown organisation is dedicated to serving the vulnerable in local and international communities

Singapore Red Cross is a member of of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Singapore Red Cross adheres to the Geneva Convention (1949) and bases its work on the fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, neutrality, unity, universality and voluntary service

How we are organised

The SRC is governed by a 19-member Council headed by a Chairman who is appointed by the President of the Republic of Singapore, the Patron of the SRC. The Council is responsible for pursuing the objectives of the SRC as laid down by the Act of Parliament and its Constitution. The Council has four oversight committees providing the relevant advice and expertise, namely the Finance and Investment; Audit; Corporate Governance and Nomination; and Human Resource and Compensation Committees.

The general management of the SRC is overseen by the Management Committee, headed by the Secretary General/CEO of the SRC. Implementation of the policies and directives laid down by the Council is done by the Secretariat which is headed by the Secretary General/CEO. The Secretariat is organised into three divisions; Operations, Resources and the Red Cross Youth. The strength and commitment of our volunteer corps is critical for the realisation of our vision and to carry out our mission. Volunteers and staff work together in planning, organising and implementing the activities and programmes of the SRC.

Mission

Singapore Red Cross is dedicated to relieving human suffering, protecting human lives and dignity and responding to emergencies. 

Vision

To realise Singapore Red Cross as a leading and distinctive humanitarian organisation that brings people and institutions together in aid of the vulnerable. 

Core Values

Compassion

Having a caring culture and a love for people in whatever we do, guided by the seven principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

Passion

Giving our heart and soul selflessly in all that we do.

Professionalism

Achieving excellence in our service delivery with integrity and transparency.

History of Red Cross

The history of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement from Henry Dunant and the Battle of Solferino through to today

IFRC

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network

ICRC

The ICRC works worldwide to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance 

7 Fundamental Principles

In all activities, our volunteers, members and staff are guided by the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Humanity

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all people.

Impartiality

It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality

In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence

The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary service

It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity

There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

Red Cross Emblems

In a world crowded with symbols, what do the red cross, red crescent and red crystal mean? 

They are symbols of protection that international law gives to the wounded and sick, and those caring for them, in armed conflict. They tell those fighting that they must not attack anyone or anything that displays these emblems.

The symbols can also show a connection to a red cross or red crescent organization, when integrated into their logos. They help people know they are humanitarian organisations, helping people in natural disasters, times of war or other emergencies. Purely based on need.

The emblems are not religious symbols. They serve humanity. They are a symbol of protection and a sign that help is at hand. They are also a sign of hope, and must be respected.