orthohub stories: Swee Chai Ang - orthopaedic surgeon, aid worker, activist & author

The next in our series of ‘orthohub stories’, this time we’re with Swee Chai Ang. Orthopaedic surgeon, Aid worker, Activist and Author. She sits in the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame to boot!
Swee talks about her parents and how their strength and harrowing experiences in captivity, forged the iron in her. She talks about how to make a difference to others and what it is to help people who are in need.
We discuss how it was to become a female orthopaedic surgeon, back in a time when they could be counted on one hand.
She describes the unique love story with her husband Francis, a relationship that was punctuated by periods of time in prison, undergoing interrogation and fleeing Singapore to the UK as refugees.
We hear about her journey to Beirut, why she went and some of the horrors of war that she encountered. The story is humbling and, in places, very sad yet absolutely compelling to hear.
She speaks very candidly about how different faiths can work together to find common ground.
We end on a hopeful note, discussing what it might take to find peace in a region where memories of conflict and hostility are culturally engrained.
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[@mpcarroll9630]

I met Swee in July 1982 as a member of a volunteer international medical relief team as we were about to ship out via ferry from Cyprus to Beirut, the carpet bombing of Beirut having only just stopped. I watched as our boarding was announced, this tiny Asian woman exclaimed "right, let's go!"& she preceded to tackle a suitcase that was twice her size. Once on board I asked her to be my "roommate"...... One of the best decisions I ever made 💓....

[@andysimons2086]

This biographical background is 99.9% new to me, but it helps to explain why Swee is so professionally respected, politically admired, morally lauded, and LOVED.

[@akarney]

I have known Swee for many especially when when I was a Trustee of Medical Aid for Palestinians which she founded. Of course I knew of her long before that, as a frequent visitor to Gaza. She is one of the most remarkable people I have even known. Amazing interview.

[@nimra23]

Ms Ang was my tutor for a short while in medical school and inspired me to start a career in Orthopaedics. Great series guys, keep it up!

[@zoharchamberlainregev8081]

As an Israeli of Jewish origin who had the honor to be on the Al Awda ship to Gaza with Dr. Swee in the 2018 Freedom Flotilla Coalition mission Just Furture for Palestine I thank you for this podcast. I only want to clarify that Dr. Swee only stands with justice, she did not pick a side when she speaks about the rights of Palestinians. It is contrary to the interests of all including the Israeli Jews to continue the Apartheid regime, the oppression, dispossession, violation of human rights and international law by the Israeli government. Any fair minded human being who would see what Dr. Swee sees and is able to open their heart to other humans suffering should take the same stand.

[@orthohubxyz]

Thank you Zohar. Swee is a humanitarian first and foremost and we can only admire her amazing life story and what she has achieved in helping so many.

[@mohdnorudin]

A great dr of sort had done a noble job.

[@rupigrewal6789]

Wonderful interview, Swee is such an amazing person. A very humble, empathetic, amazing brave humanitarian and brilliant doctor and surgeon. You can't help but love her! Someone I admire at so many levels! I owe her my career. She has been a great mentor, colleague and friend.

[@gunawangosali3882]

strong n inspiring lady

[@lifeafter5083]

She’s a hero to all Palestinians… a hero that I got only to know now. She’s done massive noble works and is still so humble ❤❤❤

[@aliothman1965]

Swee is a unique woman, i have the privilege of knowing here. She is a remarkable personality that is rare and i am not sure she will be ever repeated. The Palestinians highly look into this woman and i am glad that she is still healthy and still fighting for her beliefs. All the best.

[@orthohubxyz]

She really is a unique woman! Thank you!

[@iyeshanadim4382]

Thank you Swee for continuing to inspire and do remarkable work in the world. You are one of the most formidable and amazing people I know and an inspiration for so many.

[@orthohubxyz]

Thank you Iyesha, we will pass on your message to her.

[@Kim-dc6pr]

Wonderful interview, laughter and sadness and everything else. So happy that she has such fine colleagues at work! All the best to your channel!

[@user-pu2wv9qf7k]

Listened to this today, how more so relevant with the current genocide happening. What an amazing medic, what an inspiration to the current generation.

[@EMMOV]

That was very interesting, inspiring , and entertaining ! Thank you so much.

[@noelkwek]

What actually happened and what truly transpired with regards to Dr Ang Swee Chai and her Human Rights Legal Counsel husband Francis Khoo in the 1970s?

[@joseki6644]

There are many things, evidence based and experienced based, that have led me to admire and respect Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew. Over the years I have come to accept that the Singapore government is well-meaning, rational, capable and benevolent.. However the exile of its passionate political activists such as Swee, Francis, Wah Piow, and the fate of those such as Jeyaratnam lead me to question at times the mistakes that Lee has made. This is a humble reminder that nobody is perfect. Lee's treatment of his political enemies is one blemish that tarnishes an otherwise impeccable and impeachable record.