The National University of Singapore (NUS) today conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science on Dr Margaret Chan, Emeritus Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Founding Dean of Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to strengthening public health systems and exemplary leadership in addressing global health emergencies.
The President of the Republic of Singapore and NUS Chancellor, Madam Halimah Yacob, presented the honorary degree to Dr Chan at a special conferment ceremony held at the University Cultural Centre, NUS Kent Ridge Campus on 6 July 2023. The honorary degree is one of the University’s highest forms of recognition for esteemed individuals who have rendered distinguished service and made outstanding contributions to mankind in the region and beyond.
“Dr Margaret Chan has made tremendous contributions towards global public health,” said NUS President, Professor Tan Eng Chye.
Dean of the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Professor Teo Yik Ying, said is his citation, “Her leadership during health emergencies around the world, her dedication to equity and improving the state of health services worldwide, and her diplomacy in tackling urgent health issues not only have saved lives, but also improved the lives and wellbeing of many around the world.”
In her acceptance speech, Dr Chan expressed gratitude for the prestigious recognition, stating, “It is a great joy for me to receive this honor from my alma mater, the National University of Singapore, one of the finest universities in the world and an outstanding leader in education, research and innovation.”
Dr Chan, an esteemed alumna from the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, embodied the spirit of visionary leadership and exceptional diplomacy throughout her life’s work. Her pivotal role in transforming the field of public health has garnered her widespread acclaim and respect from the international community.
A Legacy of Service
Dr Chan’s public health career first began when she joined the Government of British Hong Kong as a medical officer in 1978, before coming to Singapore to read the Master of Science in Public Health and Occupational Medicine at NUS in 1985. This is equivalent to the Master of Public Health today.
In 1994, Dr Chan was appointed Director of Health of Hong Kong, the first woman to hold that position. In her nine-year tenure as director, she led the successful response against the H5N1 avian influenza in 1997, and the 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong. She also spearheaded new initiatives to improve communicable disease surveillance and response, enhance training for public health professionals, and establish better local and international collaboration.
In 2006, Dr Chan was elected the Director-General of WHO, becoming the first Chinese person to lead a United Nations agency. During her first year, she made significant progress in accelerating the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and renewing international health regulations. She also led the WHO to address global health emergencies such as the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014 to 2016, and the Zika virus epidemic in 2017.
Dr Chan is also highly respected for her steadfast efforts in promoting universal health care and prioritising women’s health. She is a strong advocate for Universal Health Coverage, which is a key strategic initiative for achieving sustainable development and equitable access to healthcare services. In addition, she has worked tirelessly to shine the spotlight on Women and Children’s health to reduce maternal and infant mortality and enhance access to reproductive health services.
The field of public health is dynamic and constantly evolving, with the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases and chronic disorders. Dr Chan recognised the imperative to nurture the next generation of public health leaders and returned to education in 2020. Since then, she has served as the Founding Dean of the Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University, China. She also contributes back to her alma mater as the Chair of the International Advisory Panel at NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
It is certainly not an exaggeration to say that the world is in a better place, and safer too, because of Dr Margaret Chan. Together as a School, we would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Dr Chan on her conferment. The honorary degree stands as a testament to the enduring impact on the field of public health and invaluable contributions Dr Chan has made throughout her illustrious career. As she continues to transform the landscape of public health, her remarkable journey will no doubt serve as a source of inspiration to future generations of public health professionals.