2025

The DrPH is a practice-oriented, leadership-focused programme designed to equip experienced professionals with the skills to influence policy, drive systemic change, and lead impactful public health initiatives across Asia and beyond.

Graduates will be equipped to take on senior roles in government, international organisations, academia, and the private sector, where they can contribute to improving population health through evidence-based decision-making.

As a nursing undergraduate, Emily Yap’s journey in healthcare began with compassion and a call to action.

When COVID-19 first hit Singapore, she co-founded Dunearn Youth to deliver groceries to elderly and low-income households. The experience sparked a deeper desire to support vulnerable communities, leading her to pursue palliative care and later, the Master of Public Health at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health in 2023. Now a Healthcare Humanity Award recipient, she continues to lead with heart and purpose, ensuring that no patient or caregiver is left behind.

Hear from Emily as she shares how the MPH programme equipped her with skills in health proposal design, programme evaluation, and the courage to speak up, transforming her into an advocate for caregiver support, community leadership, and system-level change.

From vape pens to flavoured pods, drug-laced vapes are becoming more accessible and popular, especially among teenagers. While vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, many are unaware of the harmful substances hidden in these products.

Hear from Dean, Prof Teo Yik Ying as he discusses the severe health risks posed by these vapes, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations and stronger enforcement to safeguard public health and prevent further harm.

AlumNite 2025 was held on 15 July and brought together nearly 200 graduands, alumni, and faculty for an unforgettable evening.

From a package of instant noodles to a bottle of fruit juice, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are widely available and affordable. While cereal and bread are not obvious UPFs due to the general perception that they are healthier options, one can be more aware of how much processed foods we are consuming by reading labels carefully.

Hear from Assoc Prof Mary Chong as she emphasises the importance of awareness of the hidden prevalence of ultra-processed foods in our diets and how it contributes to preventing health risks such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer over time.

Healthier SG marks Singapore’s first major healthcare reform, shifting the focus from treating illness to preventive population health. As part of this shift and to better design solutions to achieve its goal, research studies are underway to understand the types of networks influencing health. However, with three healthcare clusters running independently, variations in programmes may confuse residents and lead to gaps in care especially if they are unaware that certain programmes are cluster specific.

A recent article published in The Lancet Western Pacific, led by Research Fellow Foo Chuan De and Assoc Prof Jason Yap, highlights the pivotal role of HealthierSG in bridging the divide between public healthcare providers and private sector general practitioners (GPs). This initiative aims to create a more cohesive healthcare ecosystem, ultimately safeguarding and improving the health of Singapore’s population.

Healthier SG is a national initiative by the Ministry of Health (MOH) that is transforming the healthcare system in Singapore by strengthening public-private partnerships, with a focus on preventive and relationship-based care. Till date, MOH continues to face unintended challenges preventing private GPs from enrolling into this initiative that brings them into closer collaboration with public healthcare providers and community organisations through regional health systems.

China’s first Alzheimer’s care village in Xi’an offers a dementia-friendly environment built on safety, dignity, and independence. Operated by Singapore-based Perennial Holdings, the village allows residents to move freely, follow meaningful routines, and engage with staff as both caregivers and companions, prioritising their quality of life.

How should we measure success in dementia care — by slowing decline, or by how well we preserve dignity, autonomy, and connection?

Hear from Asst Prof Saima Hilal as she outlines some key indicators of success and how hybrid care models may offer a more scalable solution for Singapore.

Singapore will launch its first private assisted living facility at Parry Avenue in Kovan, with enrolment set for late 2025 and move-in by early 2026. Operated by Perennial Holdings, the project offers elderly-friendly housing with care services, meeting the needs of seniors who require assistance but not extensive nursing care.

Can private assisted living balance quality care with affordability and access in an ageing Singapore?

Hear from Asst Prof Cynthia Chen as she highlights the pilot project’s potential to shape national standards and scalable models, while calling for tiered pricing, strong partnerships, and inclusive design to ensure long-term sustainability and equity.

We are delighted to announce the appointments of the School’s new Assistant Deanery, effective from 1 Jan 2025!

Assistant Dean (Education): Assoc Prof Mary Chong
Assistant Dean (Global Health): Prof Alex Cook
Assistant Dean (Practice): Assoc Prof Ng Wee Tong
Assistant Dean (Research): Assoc Prof Falk Muller-Riemenschneider

Working closely with the Vice Deans, they will play a pivotal role in providing operational leadership in implementing programmes, policies and initiatives that align with the School’s goals. This is also an important aspect of leadership succession planning.

The expertise, commitment and leadership of our Assistant Deans will be crucial as we navigate this dynamic landscape, driving meaningful change through research, education, practice and outreach.

Appointment of Associate Professor Mary Chong as Assistant Dean (Education)

Assoc Prof Chong brings an exceptional commitment to nurturing the next generation of public health professionals. Her innovative approaches to curriculum design and passion for student engagement have set new standards in educational excellence.

Working closely with Vice Dean (Education), Assoc Prof Liow Chee Hsiang, the School is poised to further elevate our academic programmes, ensuring our students are well-prepared to tackle ever-evolving public health challenges.

Appointment of Prof Alex Cook as Assistant Dean (Global Health)

Prof Cook’s exceptional contributions to global health modelling and his leadership in international collaborations position him perfectly to help lead the School’s global health efforts. His appointment signals our strong commitment to advancing global health initiatives and fostering partnerships that transcend borders.

Together with Vice Dean (Global Health), Prof Hsu Li Yang, the Global Health Office will expand the school’s global partnerships and address health challenges beyond Singapore.

For the time being, Prof Cook will continue to lead the Research Office in promoting and coordinating translational research within the School as Vice Dean (Research), and there will be further announcements with regards to changes in his leadership portfolio later this year.

Appointment of Associate Professor Ng Wee Tong as Assistant Dean (Practice)

Assoc Prof Ng has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to bridging academic insights with real-world applications. His extensive experience in public health practice makes him uniquely equipped to lead initiatives that translate our research into meaningful improvements in population health outcomes, both locally and regionally.

Together with Vice Dean (Practice), Assoc Prof Jason Yap, they will ensure our translational research continues to address pressing public health needs and improve population health outcomes.

Assoc Prof Ng will continue to lead the School’s Continuing Education and Training (CET) Office as its Director as well as helm the Centre for Environmental & Occupational Health (CEOH) as Director.  

Appointment of Associate Prof Falk Muller-Riemenschneider as Assistant Dean (Research) 

Known for his collaborative spirit and ability to foster interdisciplinary research, Assoc Muller-Riemenschneider is a highly respected researcher whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of epidemiology and public health policy.

Together with Vice Dean (Research), Prof Alex Cook, they will guide our research agenda towards impactful discoveries and stronger partnerships across disciplines and sectors.