Busking for Joy 🎸🏙️🎶✨
Hi, I’m David, a Senior Therapy Assistant at NTFGH!
I joined the organisation in February 2024 and work closely with the Speech Therapy team to support patients across the hospital.
Outside of work, many may not know that I’m a licensed busker — and I’ve been performing on the streets of Singapore since 2018.
🎶 Tunes at Tanjong Pagar — Spreading smiles one song at a time.
My passion for singing began back in college, when classmates told me I had a good voice. That encouragement led me to explore music more seriously, and I eventually taught myself to play the guitar to accompany my vocals.
The spark to start busking came from a trip to Taiwan, where I watched a street performer captivate a crowd with live music. The joy and connection he brought to people really moved me — and I thought, why not me too?
When I returned to Singapore, I found out about the National Arts Council’s busking programme and mustered the courage to audition. To my surprise, I passed and received my busking licence in late 2018. Since then, I’ve been busking fortnightly on weekends, usually at Tanjong Pagar Plaza.
It was nerve-wracking at first — standing alone on the street with a mic and guitar — but over time, I grew more confident and began to truly enjoy connecting with the public.
🎤 Mall-side melodies — Where weekend shoppers meet music from the heart.
🎸 Block party beats — Bringing live music and good vibes to the neighbourhood.
I usually perform familiar oldies that people can sing along to, especially songs that resonate with seniors. Most of my sets are in Mandarin, Cantonese, or Hokkien, though I occasionally include English or even a Malay song or two.
I’ve written a few original songs of my own, but when busking, I stick to familiar tunes that people know and love — it’s always rewarding to see their faces light up when they recognise a melody.
One of my most memorable moments was when an elderly ah ma came up to me mid-performance, handed me a bottle of 100 Plus, and told me to “drink more water.” She said she enjoyed my singing — and that simple act of kindness really warmed my heart.
I’ve also been invited to perform at community events in my neighbourhood, and occasionally, I even sing for patients during therapy. It’s especially heartening to see their spirits lift and hear them sing along.
🧧 Lunar notes of joy — Welcoming the new year with song and spirit!
💖 Music that heals — Lifting spirits and sharing joy through every note.
One of my dreams is to busk at the hospital someday — to create a light-hearted and joyful space where staff, patients, and visitors can pause, enjoy music, and feel uplifted.
To anyone reading this: if you’ve got a passion, don’t be afraid to explore it. You never know how far it might take you — or who you might inspire along the way.
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Story written by:
David Ang
Senior Therapy Assistant
Speech Therapy, NTFGH
