MINDEF and NUS launch Centre to study infectious diseases

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) established the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research (CIDER) in February 2011 to develop the capability and expertise in dealing with infectious diseases.

At the official Launch of CIDER (from left): Prof Chia Kee Seng, Dean, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health; Dr Hsu Li Yang, Director, CIDER; Professor Barry Halliwell, Deputy President, Research and Technology NUS; Prof Quek Tong Boon, Chief Defence Scientist, MINDEF
At the official Launch of CIDER (from left): Prof Chia Kee Seng, Dean, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health; Dr Hsu Li Yang, Director, CIDER; Professor Barry Halliwell, Deputy President, Research and Technology NUS; Prof Quek Tong Boon, Chief Defence Scientist, MINDEF

MINDEF’s Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Quek Tong Boon, graced the official launch of CIDER on 27 July 2012 at the NUS University Hall Auditorium, as the Guest-of-Honour. On the reason behind the establishment of CIDER, Prof Quek said: “As infectious diseases respect no borders, organisations or entities, a coordinated approach is necessary for us to effectively respond to any outbreak.”

He added: “We see CIDER playing a pivotal role in enhancing the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)’s early warning disease surveillance system.”

According to Chief Naval Medical Officer Colonel (COL) (Dr) Tang Kong Choong, who also commands the SAF Force Medical Protection Command (FMPC), the Biodefence Centre (BDFC) within FMPC is directly involved in this collaboration with the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health in NUS.