Tan Boon Khoon
Finding Purpose: Boon Khoon’s transformation from addiction to giving back
Last updated 17 March 2026
At 67, Boon Khoon reflects on a life once marked by struggle and separation, now defined by family, faith, and helping others.
In his 40s, Boon Khoon spent seven years in prison battling drug addiction. Yet what hurt most was being apart from his loved ones.
“Nine months after my son was born, I was sentenced to prison,” he recalls. “I worried for my wife and him every day.”
The turning point came when Boon Khoon joined The Helping Hand’s Four-Fold Therapy Programme, which combines spiritual, social, physical, and work therapy. The structured environment, daily chapel services, and supportive community provided him with the space to reflect on his past and plan for his future.
With support from mentors and encouragement from his wife, Boon Khoon learned to break old habits, repair relationships, and embrace hope.
“The sessions taught me how to live differently and gave me the courage to rebuild my life.” He says.
Today, he is free from addiction and crime. He rebuilt his life with determination, working as a taxi driver, and cherishing time with his family. Now retired, he volunteers with The Helping Hand every two weeks, sharing his experiences with inmates and mentoring them.
“Now, I’m also a counsellor. It’s my turn to guide prisoners inside. I want to show them by example who I am today.” He says.
Caption: Boon Khoon receiving a Volunteer Award from Mr Amin, in recognition of his volunteer service at Changi Prison and a halfway house in 2017.
Beyond Singapore, Boon Khoon also travels to Indonesia to support charity work. His journey from addiction and incarceration to a life focused on family and giving back is a powerful testament to transformation.
Boon Khoon hopes the public will understand that addiction is not a life sentence.
“We walked the wrong path, thinking drugs would solve our problems. But this is not the way. People with drug addiction can change. Today, I feel very happy about myself. Now I’m a normal person. I work hard on everything.”— Boon Khoon
About The Helping Hand - Support Healthy Living for Ex-offenders Programme supported by President's Challenge:
The programme builds upon its existing successful elderly-friendly activities, expanding to address physical health, nutrition, cognitive engagement, and social interaction holistically. The emphasis on community involvement through volunteers not only supports the rehabilitation process but also fosters broader social reintegration. The project focuses on long-term impact, including the prevention of chronic diseases, and value adds to their existing initiatives on supporting healthier lifestyles among offenders, and ex-offenders.