It trained local people to bring Western medicine to the population, and it was supported by merchants who took advantage of the tax exemptions to give generously to public causes.
[11] During World War II, the college operated during the Japanese occupation of Singapore, but some people were killed.
The first casualty was a fourth-year medical student based at Tan Tock Seng Hospital who was fatally wounded during the Battle of Singapore.
The donors are addressed as "silent mentors," as they teach and educate medical students and professionals despite not speaking any words.
After the week-long training workshop, the bodies of the "Silent Mentors" will be returned to the family members to be cremated.
The program is largely different from the traditional cadaveric teaching in medical schools around the globe, as most cadavers are unidentified bodies.
[15] Source:[16] These programs provide extensive clinical training and are part of the National Postgraduate Medical Curriculum (NPMC) project initiated by the Faculty.