NCIS creates game for good that raises funds for cancer research

National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), has revealed the launch of a mobile web-game to help Singaporeans fight cancer. 

Through this gamification channel, NCIS aims to further educate the public on tips for cancer prevention, and to debunk myths or stereotypes that may come along with the topic.

NCIS also plans to tap on the growing popularity of gamification and technology to fund the fight for cancer in Singapore. The funds raised will be going to NCIS Cancer Fund, supporting cancer research and initiatives to reduce barriers for patients dealing with cancer.

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Developed by Sqkii, a gamification marketing company, the hypercasual game will also be used to champion fundraising to advance innovative breakthrough research such as The First-in-Human trial for CAR-T cell therapy using cells from healthy donors. 

The NCIS Cancer Fund also plays a pivotal role in making cancer care more accessible to those in need. This vital financial resource is dedicated to various initiatives aimed at reducing the barriers that patients face when dealing with cancer.

The NCIS Cancer Fund has helped 440 patients with close to SG$1.8 million since it was set up in 2016. Through the NCIS Celebrates Life carnival and other fund-raising platforms, NCIS seeks to raise SG$20 million over the next five years.

“At NCIS, we are committed to delivering incredible treatment and the compassionate care every individual affected by cancer deserves. We want to empower our patients and the community to take charge of their health and we do this through robust education campaigns. Fighting cancer is a long journey, and it requires a collective effort from the community and broader society,” said adjunct associate professor Chee Cheng Ean, who took over the helm of NCIS as executive director in September 2023.

"As everyday persons ourselves, we know that the topic of cancer can be so daunting that most people are reluctant to think about it, much less learn about it. And yet, having that knowledge can eventually mean a world of difference to someone,” added on Seo Si Yun, operations lead at Sqkii, game developer.

“The game is designed to help Singaporeans easily pick up and share cancer-related facts — developed together with medical professionals from NCIS — while enjoying the process itself. This collaboration marks a milestone for Sqkii in that our games can now not only entertain and drive commercial objectives; they can also drive positive and impactful societal change,” Seo said.

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