On 8 January 2024, conferment ceremony was held at the Lao Plaza Hotel for Professor Mayfong Mayxay, Vice President of the University of Health Sciences in Laos PDR. This special event was attended by Professor Teo Yik Ying together with over 50 representatives and leaders, with the aim of fostering future collaborations and strengthening partnerships between the School and institutions in Lao PDR.
Distinguished guests include Professor Bounkong Syhavong, Vice President of the Council of Health Professionals and Former Minister of Health; Dr. Khampasong Setthavanxay, Vice-President of the University of Health Sciences (Lao PDR); Madam Thoummaly Vongphachanh, President of the Cultural & Social Affairs Committee, National Assembly of Lao PDR; Dr. Latsamy Siengsounthone, Director-General of Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute; and Mr. Chew Zhen Hao, Deputy Chief of Mission and Counsellor, Embassy of Singapore to Lao PDR.
Professor Mayfong Mayxay, an expert in infectious diseases and health technology assessment, delivered an insightful and heartfelt sharing about his journey from being a cart boy in a small market in Vientiane to becoming a Doctor and Researcher.
Having started as a young doctor and a junior lecturer at the pediatric ward of Mahosot hospital & University of Health Sciences in 1994, Professor Mayfong’s academic path is distinguished by notable achievements. He was awarded a scholarship from the German Government (GTZ) to pursue a Master of Science in Tropical Medicine at the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University in 1997, later advancing to a Ph.D. under the supervision of Professors Nicholas White & Sasithon Pukrittayakamee. Subsequently, he co-founded the First Clinical Research Unit in Laos in 1999.
Professor Mayfong also highlighted the challenges faced by Laos before 1999, emphasizing the lack of information on critical health issues such as the causes of community-acquired septicaemia, fever, and drug resistance patterns. He played a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge in the region.
The conferment ceremony stood as a testament to the collaborative spirit between NUS and institutions in Laos, celebrating excellence in public health and paving the way for future advancements and partnership.